Geodermatophilus soli sp. nov. and Geodermatophilus terrae sp. nov., two actinobacteria isolated from grass soil

Two strains, PB34T and PB261T, were isolated from grass soil sampled in Daejeon, Republic of Korea. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence studies showed the two bacteria to be clearly affiliated with the phylum Actinobacteria and most closely related to the genus Geodermatophilus , showing 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities to the type strains of species of the genus Geodermatophilus of 95.0–96.3 % and sharing 98.5 % similarity between the two strains. The two strains were Gram-stain-positive, aerobic, motile and rod-shaped bacteria. The peptidoglycan contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid. The predominant menaquinones were MK-9(H4) and MK-9(H0). The major fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, iso-C16 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c) for strain PB34T and iso-C14 : 0, iso-C15 : 0, iso-C16 : 0 and C16 : 0 for strain PB261T. The G+C contents of the genomic DNA of strains PB34T and PB261T were 73.2 mol% and 74.1 mol%, respectively. Thus, based on the evidence of a polyphasic study, it is proposed that strains PB34T and PB261T represent two novel species, for which the names Geodermatophilus soli sp. nov. (type strain PB34T = KCTC 19880T = JCM 17785T) and Geodermatophilus terrae sp. nov. (type strain PB261T = KCTC 19881T = JCM 17786T) are proposed.

Short communication: retinoic acid plus prolactin to synergistically increase specific casein gene expression in MAC-T cells

Mammary alveolar (MAC-T) cells, an established bovine mammary epithelial cell line, are frequently used to investigate differentiation. A lactogenic phenotype in these cells is induced by treatment with a combination of hydrocortisone, insulin, and prolactin (PRL). The effect of the vitamin A derivative retinoic acid (RA), which induces differentiation in many cells, has not been studied in MAC-T cells. The objective of this study was to evaluate the differentiation potential of RA (1 μM) in MAC-T cells and to examine the effect of combined treatment with RA (1 μM) and PRL (5 μg/mL). Although RA treatment alone inhibited MAC-T cell proliferation, co-treatment of RA with PRL increased cell growth compared with the control group (treated with 1 μg/mL hydrocortisone and 5 μg/mL insulin). The ratio of Bcl to Bax mRNA was decreased in the RA treatment compared with RA+PRL or control. Retinoic acid-induced differentiation of MAC-T cells was associated with an increase in the mRNA expression of αS1-casein (3.9-fold), αS2-casein (4.5-fold), and β-casein (4.4-fold) compared with the control group. Expression of αS1-casein, αS2-casein, and β-casein was increased 12.9-fold, 11.9-fold, and 19.3-fold, respectively, following treatment with RA and PRL combined compared with the control group. These results demonstrate that RA induces differentiation of MAC-T cells and acts synergistically with PRL to increase specific casein gene expression.

Effects of Lactation Stage and Individual Performance on Milk cis-9, trans-11 Conjugated Linoleic Acids Content in Dairy Cows

The goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of lactation stage and individual performance on milk cis-9, trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) content in dairy cows. In experiment 1, the milk cis-9, trans-11 CLA content from dairy cows in early (0.33±0.014%), middle (0.37±0.010%), and late stages (0.44±0.020%) showed significant differences (p<0.05); and the individual contents of the major fatty acids, especially cis-9, trans-11 CLA in cows of the same lactation were also variable. In the second experiment design as a validation test, our results once again showed that the individual contents of cis-9, trans-11 CLA were various, and a difference of about 2-fold (0.55% vs 0.95%) was observed, although the animals were offered same diet. These data demonstrated that lactation stage and individual performance have considerable effects on milk cis-9, trans-11 CLA contents.

Conjugated linoleic acid synthesis-related protein proteasome subunit α 5 (PSMA5) is increased by vaccenic acid treatment in goat mammary tissue

This study was conducted to identify proteins associated with the endogenous synthesis of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) from trans-vaccenic acid (TVA; trans-11 C18:1, a precursor for CLA endogenous synthesis) in mammary tissues. Six lactating goats were divided into 2 groups. One group was given an intravenous bolus injection of TVA (150mg) twice daily over 4 d; the other group received saline injections. Treatment with TVA increased the concentration of cis-9,trans-11 CLA and TVA in goat milk. Additionally, TVA treatment increased the expression of stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) in mammary tissue. Using 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis and electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry, 3 proteins affected by infusions of TVA were identified. Proteasome (prosome, macropain) subunit α type 5 (PSMA5) was upregulated, whereas peroxiredoxin-1 and translationally controlled tumor protein 1 were downregulated in TVA-treated animals compared with the vehicle-injected controls. Only the effect of TVA on PSMA5 could be confirmed by Western blot analysis. To further explore the regulation of PSMA5 in mammary epithelial cells when TVA is converted into CLA, we used a differentiated bovine mammary epithelial cell line treated with TVA for 6h. Changes in cis-9,trans-11 CLA concentrations and mRNA expression patterns of both SCD and PSMA5 were monitored. The concentration of cis-9,trans-11 CLA increased after TVA treatment. The mRNA expression level of PSMA5 was significantly elevated to 6h, but SCD mRNA expression only increased in 2h after TVA treatment. These results indicate that PSMA5 is highly expressed in goat mammary tissue and bovine mammary epithelial cells when TVA is converted into CLA. Our data suggest that PSMA5 protein is associated with CLA biosynthesis in mammary tissue.

Caulobacter daechungensis sp. nov., a stalked bacterium isolated from a eutrophic reservoir

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-spore-forming, curved, rod-shaped bacterium, H-E3-2(T), was isolated from a water sample taken from Daechung Reservoir, Republic of Korea, during the late-blooming period of cyanobacteria. Strain H-E3-2(T) was motile with a single polar flagellum or non-motile (stalked cell). Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence studies showed the isolate had a clear affiliation with the class Alphaproteobacteria and was most closely related to Caulobacter fusiformis ATCC 15257(T) and Caulobacter mirabilis LMG 24261(T), showing 97.6 and 97.3 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, respectively, and 95.3-96.3 % similarity to all other species of the genus Caulobacter. The predominant ubiquinone was Q-10. The major fatty acids were summed feature 8 (C18 : 1ω6c and/or C18 : 1ω7c) and C16 : 0. The G+C content of the genomic DNA of strain H-E3-2(T) was 64.7 mol%. DNA-DNA hybridization values of strain H-E3-2(T) with C. fusiformis ATCC 15257(T) and C. mirabilis LMG 24261(T) were 21.2 and 19.7 %, respectively. Thus, based on the results of polyphasic analysis, it is proposed that strain H-E3-2(T) represents a novel species of the genus Caulobacter, for which the name Caulobacter daechungensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is H-E3-2(T) ( = KCTC 32211(T) = JCM 18689(T)).

Development of the prototype pneumatic transfer system for ITER neutron activation system

The neutron activation system (NAS) measures neutron fluence at the first wall and the total neutron flux from the ITER plasma, providing evaluation of the fusion power for all operational phases. The pneumatic transfer system (PTS) is one of the key components of the NAS for the proper operation of the system, playing a role of transferring encapsulated samples between the capsule loading machine, irradiation stations, counting stations, and disposal bin. For the validation and the optimization of the design, a prototype of the PTS was developed and capsule transfer tests were performed with the developed system.

Belnapia soli sp. nov., a proteobacterium isolated from grass soil

A Gram-negative, aerobic, non-motile, non-spore-forming, cocci-shaped, red-pigmented bacterium, designated strain PB-K8(T), was isolated from grass soil sampled in Daejeon, Republic of Korea. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence studies showed that the isolate was clearly affiliated with the class Alphaproteobacteria, and was most closely related to Belnapia moabensis DSM 16746(T) and Belnapia rosea DSM 23312(T), showing a 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to the type strains of each species of 98.4 and 97.2%, respectively. The cells of strain PB-K8(T) formed red colonies on R2A agar, contained Q-9 as the predominant ubiquinone and included summed feature 3 (C16:1ω7c C16:1ω6c), C16:0, summed feature 8 (C18:1ω7c/C18:1ω6c), C18:1 2-OH and C19:0 cyclo ω8c as the major fatty acids. The G+C content of the genomic DNA of strain PB-K8(T) was 72.1 mol%. Thus, the combined genotypic and phenotypic data supported the conclusion that strain PB-K8(T) represents a novel species of the genus Belnapia, for which the name Belnapia soli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is PB-K8(T) (=KCTC 23765(T)=JCM 18033(T)).

Interleukin-13/-4-induced oxidative stress contributes to death of hippocampal neurons in aβ1-42-treated hippocampus in vivo

AIMS

The present study examined whether Aβ(1-42) can induce endogenous expression of interleukin-13 (IL-13) or (IL-4) within activated microglia in the rat hippocampus in vivo. We further investigated whether these cytokines mediate ROS/RNS generation through activation of NADPH oxidase and/or inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and thus contribute to the degeneration of hippocampal neurons in vivo.

RESULTS

Here, we show that IL-13 and IL-4, endogenously expressed in Aβ(1-42)-activated microglia in hippocampus in vivo, contribute to degeneration of hippocampal neurons in vivo. Neutralization of IL-13 and IL-4 protected hippocampal neurons in vivo against neurotoxicity by inhibiting activation of microglial NADPH oxidase and iNOS, resulting in attenuation of ROS generation and oxidative damage of protein, lipid and DNA.

INNOVATION

To our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate the possible involvement of endogenously expressed IL-13 and/or IL-4 in activated microglia after Aβ(1-42) injection in the degeneration of hippocampal neurons in vivo. The current findings suggest that the deleterious effects of microglia-derived endogenous IL-13 and/or IL-4 are involved in oxidative stress-mediated neurodegenerative diseases, such as AD.

CONCLUSION

We carefully hypothesize that IL-13 and IL-4, well-known as anti-inflammatory cytokines might serve as neurotoxic mediators by enhancing microglia-derived oxidative stress in Aβ(1-42)-treated hippocampus in vivo.

Paenibacillus sediminis sp. nov., a xylanolytic bacterium isolated from a tidal flat

A Gram-positive, rod-shaped, xylanolytic, spore-forming bacterium, strain GTH-3T, was isolated from a tidal flat adjacent to Ganghwa Island, Republic of Korea, and was characterized to determine its taxonomic position. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, strain GTH-3T was shown to belong to the family Paenibacillaceae , being most closely related to the type strains of Paenibacillus ginsengisoli (94.9 %), Paenibacillus anaericanus (94.8 %), Paenibacillus urinalis (94.4 %), Paenibacillus cookii (94.2 %), Paenibacillus alvei (94.1 %) and Paenibacillus chibensis (94.0 %). The G+C content of the genomic DNA of strain GTH-3T was 45.9±0.2 mol% (mean±sd). The major menaquinone was MK-7. The major fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0 and iso-C16 : 0. The major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine. Phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data supported the affiliation of strain GTH-3T to the genus Paenibacillus . The results of physiological and biochemical tests allowed strain GTH-3T to be distinguished genotypically and phenotypically from recognized species of the genus Paenibacillus . Strain GTH-3T is therefore considered to represent a novel species of the genus Paenibacillus , for which the name Paenibacillus sediminis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is GTH-3T ( = DSM 23491T  = LMG 25635T).

Kaistia defluvii sp. nov., isolated from river sediment

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-motile, rod- and coccus-shaped bacterium, designated strain B6-12(T), was isolated from sediment collected from the River Geumho in South Korea. In comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, the novel strain appeared to be affiliated with the class Alphaproteobacteria and to be most closely related to Kaistia adipata KCTC 12095(T), Kaistia dalseonensis DSM 18800(T), Kaistia geumhonensis DSM 18799(T), Kaistia granuli KCTC 12575(T), Kaistia soli KACC 12605(T) and Kaistia terrae KACC 12910(T), with sequence similarities of 96.2-99.1%. The predominant ubiquinone in the isolate was Q-10, major fatty acids were C(18:0), C(18:1)ω7c and C(19:0)ω8c cyclo, and genomic DNA G+C content was 63.0 mol%. Based on the phylogenetic and chemotaxonomic evidence and the results of DNA-DNA hybridizations, strain B6-12(T) represents a novel species in the genus Kaistia, for which the name Kaistia defluvii sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is B6-12(T) ( = KCTC 23766(T)  = JCM 18034(T)).

Influence of long-term statin use in type 2 diabetic patients on thyroid nodularity in iodine-sufficient area

Statins have marked beneficial effects on lipid profile, but also have pleiotropic actions. A previous study in an iodine-deficient area suggested that statin use is associated with reduced thyroid volume and nodularity. We performed this study to investigate how long-term statin use in type 2 diabetic patients affects thyroid nodularity in iodine-sufficient area.We recruited euthyroid type 2 diabetic patients, receiving statin therapy continuously for at least 5 years (statin group) and, age and sex matched statin-naive type 2 diabetic patients (control group). Subjects with past history of cancer, thyroid disease or treatment with lithium or amiodarone; family history of thyroid cancer; palpable goiter or thyroid nodule, and/or positive thyroperoxidase antibody were excluded. The prevalence, number, and volume of thyroid nodules, size of thyroid were evaluated in all subjects by high resolution ultrasound.Prevalence of non-palpable thyroid nodules of statin group (n=70) and control group (n=98) were 51 and 53%, respectively. There was no difference of prevalence, number, and volume of non-palpable thyroid nodules and size of thyroid between statin and control group. But, the patients aged between 60 and 65 years from statin group showed lower prevalence of non-palpable thyroid nodules than the patients with same age interval from control group (4 out of 12 patients, 33%, statin group; 19 out of 27 patients, 70%, control group; P=0.04).Long-term statin use in elderly type 2 diabetic patients was associated with lesser prevalence of thyroid nodules in an iodine-sufficient area. Our data might support a possible antiproliferative effect of statins on thyroid in old type 2 diabetic patients. But, the effect was not as strong as that in an iodine-deficient area and further studies with enough numbers of subjects and revised design will be needed.

Increase of paradoxical excitement response during propofol-induced sedation in hazardous and harmful alcohol drinkers

BACKGROUND

Paradoxical excitement response during sedation consists of loss of affective control and abnormal movements. Chronic alcohol abuse has been proposed as a predisposing factor despite lack of supporting evidence. Because alcohol and propofol have a common site of action, we postulated that paradoxical excitement responses during propofol-induced sedation occur more frequently in hazardous and harmful alcohol drinkers than in social or non-drinkers.

METHODS

One hundred and ninety patients undergoing orthopaedic knee joint surgery were enrolled in this prospective and observational study. Subjects were divided into Group HD (hazardous and harmful drinkers) or Group NHD (no hazardous drinkers) according to the alcohol use disorder identification test (AUDIT). In study 1, propofol infusion was adjusted to achieve the bispectral index at 70-80 using target-controlled infusion. In study 2, the target concentration of propofol was fixed at 0.8 (study 2/Low) or 1.4 μg ml(-1) (study 2/High). Paradoxical excitement responses were categorized by intensity into mild, moderate, or severe.

RESULTS

The overall incidence of paradoxical excitement response was higher in Group HD than in Group NHD in study 1 (71.4% vs 43.8%; P=0.022) and study 2/High (70.0% vs 34.5%; P=0.006) but not in study 2/Low. The incidence of moderate-to-severe response was significantly higher in Group HD of study 1 (28.6% vs 3.1%; P=0.0005) and study 2/High (23.3% vs 3.4%; P=0.029) with no difference in study 2/Low. Severe excitement response occurred only in Group HD of study 1 and study 2/High.

CONCLUSIONS

Paradoxical excitement occurred more frequently and severely in hazardous and harmful alcohol drinkers than in social drinkers during propofol-induced moderate-to-deep sedation, but not during light sedation.

Prevalence of echocardiographic criteria for the diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension in patients with Graves' disease: before and after antithyroid treatment

BACKGROUND

Right-sided heart failure with clinical manifestation is only occasionally seen in patients with Graves' disease (GD). Recent studies revealed that pulmonary hypertension (PHT) detected by echocardiography was not rare in patients with GD. We performed this study to investigate the prevalence of PHT in patients with GD before and after antithyroid treatment, and to assess potential mechanisms from the relationship with clinical and echocardiographic features.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Serial echocardiographic examinations were performed in 64 patients with newly diagnosed GD before and after antithyroid treatment to measure cardiac factors, such as pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PAPs), cardiac output, total vascular resistance, left ventricular filling pressure and right ventricular (RV) function. PHT was defined as PAPs of at least 35 mmHg.

RESULTS

The prevalence of PHT in untreated GD patients was 44% (28 out of 64 patients). The presence of systemic hypertension was associated with PHT, especially with pulmonary venous hypertension. GD patients with PHT showed reduced RV function represented by higher RV myocardial performance index without difference of pulmonary vascular resistance, RV wall thickness and peak systolic velocity of free wall side of tricuspid annulus. Follow-up echocardiography was performed in 20 out of 28 GD patients with PHT, and PHT disappeared in all except one patient.

CONCLUSION

PHT is a frequent and reversible complication in patients with GD. Our study suggests that PHT in GD may not be related to underlying autoimmune process and increased pulmonary blood flow from thyrotoxicosis might contributes to the pathogenesis of PHT related to GD.

Development of two-channel prototype ITER vacuum ultraviolet spectrometer with back-illuminated charge-coupled device and microchannel plate detectors

A vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) spectrometer of a five-channel spectral system is designed for ITER main plasma impurity measurement. To develop and verify the system design, a two-channel prototype system is fabricated with No. 3 (14.4-31.8 nm) and No. 4 (29.0-60.0 nm) among the five channels. The optical system consists of a collimating mirror to collect the light from source to slit, two holographic diffraction gratings with toroidal geometry, and two different electronic detectors. For the test of the prototype system, a hollow cathode lamp is used as a light source. To find the appropriate detector for ITER VUV system, two kinds of detectors of the back-illuminated charge-coupled device and the microchannel plate electron multiplier are tested, and their performance has been investigated.

The Influence of Diabetes on the Relationship between N-terminal Pro-B-type Natriuretic Peptide and Body Mass Index

This study evaluated the influence of diabetes on the relationship between N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and body mass index (BMI). Simultaneous NT-proBNP and echocardiographic Doppler examinations were performed in 1117 patients with dyspnoea undergoing cardiac catheterization. Patients were divided into BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 (obese), 23 − 25 kg/m2 (overweight) and < 23 kg/m2 (non-obese) groups. In the 803 non-diabetic patients, mean plasma NT-proBNP levels in non-obese, overweight and obese patients showed a significant negative correlation with BMI (862.3 ± 228.8 pg/ml, 611.5 ± 149.7 pg/ml, 278.3 ± 172.5 pg/ml, respectively). In the 314 patients with diabetes, there was no correlation between BMI and NT-proBNP. This study demonstrated that obese patients had reduced concentrations of NT-proBNP compared with non-obese patients, despite having higher left ventricular filling pressures. NT-proBNP was not reduced in obese patients with diabetes. These results suggest that factors other than cardiac status impact on NT-proBNP concentration.

Asarone inhibits adipogenesis and stimulates lipolysis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes

Asarone is a molecule found in certain plants such as Acorus calamus, the root of which is used in traditional medicine to treat diabetes. We determined the molecular mechanism underlying the anti-diabetic activity of asarone. Treatment of asarone significantly inhibited the differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes through suppression of expression of the transcription factors, CCAAT/enhancer binding protein-alpha and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-gamma, which activate adipogenesis. Intracellular triglyceride levels were reduced by asarone in a dose-dependent manner and asarone treatment stimulated the phosphorylation of hormone-sensitive lipase. Together, the present findings indicate that asarone inhibits adipogenesis by down-regulation of PPARgamma and C/EBPalpha and reduces lipid accumulation by stimulation of lipolysis through an increase in hormone-sensitive lipase activity.

VDUP1 potentiates Ras-mediated angiogenesis via ROS production in endothelial cells

Vitamin D3 up-regulated protein 1 (VDUP1) is a tumor suppressor of which expression is reduced in a variety of cancer cells, and enforced expression inhibits the tumor cell proliferation. It inhibits the activity of thioredoxin, thus contributing cellular ROS generation. Since ROS is a critical factor for angiogenesis, we investigated the role of VDUP1 in angiogenesis and endothelial proliferation. The expression of VDUP1 was upregulated by overexpression of an oncogene, Ras. Enforced expression of VDUP1 increases ROS production and proliferation of Ras-overexpressing endothelial cells. Overexpression of VDUP1 increases the resistance to the anchorage-dependent cell death and tube formation of the Ras-overexpressing endothelial cell. In addition, the removal of ROS by ROS scavenger attenuates the effect of VDUP1 on tube formation. These results suggest that VDUP1 is involved in Ras-mediated angiogenesis via ROS generation in endothelial cells.

The outcomes after surgical resection in pancreatic endocrine tumors: an institutional experience

AIM

Sporadic pancreatic endocrine tumors (PET) can be managed surgically with excellent outcomes. The aim of this study was to analyze surgical outcomes and factors influencing survival.

METHODS

Between 1995 and 2007, 96 patients with sporadic PET who underwent surgery at our institution were retrospectively reviewed for clinicopathologic variables and outcomes according to the World Health Organization (WHO) classifications.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine patients had well-differentiated tumors (WDT) with benign behavior, 23 had uncertain behavior, 27 had low-grade carcinoma, and 7 were diagnosed with high-grade carcinoma. R0 resection was performed in 84 patients. No recurrence was observed in WDT regardless of its behavior or curability but 16 of 34 patients with carcinoma had recurrence. Five-year overall survival (OS) for R0-resected patients with carcinoma was 57%, and OS at 3 years for R1/R2-resected patients was 23% (P = 0.012). The WHO classification and R0 resection were independent prognostic factors in multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

This single institutional experience demonstrated that surgical resection is curative for WDT and recurrences are frequent in spite of curative resection for malignant PET. The WHO classification and R0 resection remained independent prognostic factor.

Bio-distribution and anti-tumor efficacy of PEG/PLA nano particles loaded doxorubicin

As a more effective in vivo drug delivery system, several methods loading anti-cancer drugs to biodegradable and biocompatible nano-particles have been explored and developed. Supposedly due to the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect, systemic administration of these nano-particles have been found to result in accumulation of nano-particles into solid tumors. In this study, we prepared nano-particles using polyethylene glycol (PEG)/poly-L-lactide (PLLA) diblock copolymer and loaded doxorubicin into these nano-particles (Nano-dox). The fabricated nano-particles exhibited sustained release kinetics of the drug in vitro. To follow the in vivo biodistribution of 200-350 nm sized nano-dox particles in tumor (syngenic renal cell adenocarcinoma: RENCA) bearing mouse, the carboxylfluorescenin diacetate succinimidyl ester (CFSE) was loaded into the nano-particles. Nano-dox accumulated preferentially in tumors; however, in terms of its anti-tumor efficacy, it did not show any marked benefits, compared to freely-administered doxorubicin. This result suggests the need to re-consider and evaluate what type of anti-cancer reagents we to be used in the ongoing efforts of coupling drug delivery system with tumor EPR effects.

In-vessel design of ITER diagnostic neutron activation system

A neutron activation system utilizing an encapsulated metal sample technique will be implemented to evaluate total fusion power from ITER plasma. The positions of seven irradiation ends for each poloidal section are determined to optimize the measurements from asymmetric, elongated plasma with minimum uncertainty. To determine the exact location of the irradiation end, some physical and technical aspects for each location are investigated. Monte Carlo neutronic calculations are performed to assess the physical characteristics and optimize the design of each irradiation end.

Neuronal death and survival under oxidative stress in Alzheimer and Parkinson diseases

Neuronal death is a common feature in neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer disease (AD) and Parkinson disease (PD). This occurs over years, not the minutes of classically defined apoptosis, and neurons show both responses of apoptosis and regeneration, evidenced by accumulated oxidative insult and attempts at cell cycle re-entry. There is recent evidence suggesting that several known gene mutations in causing familial AD (amyloid beta protein precursor, presenilin-1, or presenilin-2 gene) and familial PD (Parkin, PINK-1, or DJ-1 gene) are associated with increased oxidative stress. Also, several known genetic (e.g. Apolipoprotein Eepsilon4 variant) and environmental (e.g. metals or pesticides exposure) risk factors of sporadic AD and/or PD are associated with increased oxidative stress. In concord, patients at the preclinical stages of AD and PD as well as cellular and animal models of the diseases provide consistent evidence that oxidative insult is a significant early event in the pathological cascade of AD and PD. In contrast to the general aspects of the pathological hallmarks, aggregation of the disease-specific proteins such as amyloid-beta, tau, and alpha-synuclein may act as a compensatory (survival) response against the oxidative insult via the mechanism that the disease-specific structures sequester redox-active metals. Expanding knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of organism longevity indicates that pro-longevity gene products such as forkhead transcription factors and sirtuins are involved in the insulin-like signaling pathway and oxidative stress resistance against aging. An enhancement of the pro-longevity signaling (e.g. caloric restriction) may be a promising approach as anti-oxidative strategy against age-associated neurodegenerative diseases.

Development of a simple and rapid immunochromatographic strip test for diarrhea-causative porcine rotavirus in swine stool

A rapid and simple immunochromatography (IC) strip test, for specific detection of porcine rotavirus (PRV) in stool specimen, was developed. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to the OSU strain of PRV have been produced in mice. Among them, two hybridoma clones that generate mAb-1 and mAb-2, respectively, specific for VP6 protein of PRV, have been selected. In the IC configuration, mAb-1, one of the selected mAbs was used to the designed coat microparticles (MP), while another mAb-2 was used to fix it on the nitrocellulose membrane strip to form a result line. The control line was formed on the same membrane strip past the result line by fixing anti-mouse IgG antibody. The IC test was capable of detecting 1000 plaque-forming units of PRV/ml in less than 5min, and the binding capacity was demonstrated by specific recognition of PRV only, but not other porcine diarrhea viruses, transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) and porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV). The IC test produced positive results with all the nine PRV-positive stool specimens and negative results with five different non-PRV specimens, which were identified previously by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, respectively. The results indicate an excellent concordance between the two methods, suggesting a potential application of the three combinated IC tests (PRV, TGEV and PEDV) for the on-site, rapid screening of porcine diarrhea cases.

Segetibacter koreensis gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel member of the phylum Bacteroidetes, isolated from the soil of a ginseng field in South Korea

A novel strain, designated Gsoil 664(T), isolated from the soil of a ginseng field in South Korea, was characterized by a polyphasic approach to clarify its taxonomic position. The isolate was Gram-negative, strictly aerobic, heterotrophic, non-motile, non-spore-forming and possessed rod-shaped cells. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the novel isolate formed a cluster with several uncultured bacterial clones and with the established genera Terrimonas, Niastella and Chitinophaga in the phylum Bacteroidetes. However, the isolate was clearly separated from these genera: the gene sequence similarities with respect to the type strains of recognized species from closely related genera ranged from 86.7 to 90.7 %. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 40.4 mol%. The predominant isoprenoid quinone was MK-7. The major fatty acids were iso-C(15 : 0), iso-C(17 : 0) 3-OH, iso-C(15 : 1) and C(16 : 1) omega 5c. The results of physiological and biochemical tests allowed the genotypic and phenotypic differentiation of strain Gsoil 664(T) from recognized species of related genera. On the basis of the polyphasic evidence, Gsoil 664(T) represents a novel genus and species, for which the name Segetibacter koreensis gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of S. koreensis is Gsoil 664(T) (=KCTC 12655(T)=DSM 18137(T)).

Chitinophaga ginsengisegetis sp. nov. and Chitinophaga ginsengisoli sp. nov., isolated from soil of a ginseng field in South Korea

Two novel strains belonging to the phylum Bacteroidetes [formerly the Cytophaga–Flexibacter–Bacteroides (CFB) group], designated Gsoil 040T and Gsoil 052T, were isolated from the soil of a ginseng field in Pocheon province, South Korea. A polyphasic approach was used to characterize the taxonomic position of the novel strains. Both strains were Gram-negative, aerobic, non-motile, non-spore-forming and rod-shaped. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the novel isolates belong to the genus Chitinophaga but are clearly separated from the recognized species of this genus; gene sequence similarities between the novel isolates and type strains of recognized species ranged from 91.2 to 96.5 %. One exception was found; strain Gsoil 052T and the type strain of Chitinophaga filiformis had a gene sequence similarity of 99.6 % but had a DNA–DNA relatedness value of 38 %. Phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data (major menaquinone, MK-7; major fatty acids, iso-C15 : 0 and C16 : 1 ω5c; major hydroxy fatty acid, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH and major polyamine, homospermidine) supported the affiliation of both strains Gsoil 040T and Gsoil 052T to the genus Chitinophaga. The results of physiological and biochemical tests enabled the genotypic and phenotypic differentiation of the novel strains from the other recognized species of the genus Chitinophaga. Therefore, it is suggested that the new isolates represent two novel species, for which the names Chitinophaga ginsengisegetis sp. nov. [type strain Gsoil 040T (=KCTC 12654T=DSM 18108T)] and Chitinophaga ginsengisoli sp. nov. [type strain Gsoil 052T (=KCTC 12592T=DSM 18017T)] are proposed.