Geodermatophilus, a New Genus of the Dermatophilaceae (Actinomycetales)

Organisms having a complex life cycle similar to the animal pathogen Dermatophilus congolensis have been isolated from soils of the United States. The soil isolates grow readily on agar media producing a black, friable, or sooty colony; in broth, the isolates produce a thick sediment with a clear supernatant fluid and occasionally a black surface pellicle. The generic taxon Geodermatophilus is proposed for these soil isolates. Geodermatophilus differs morphologically from Dermatophilus in thallus shape, ensheathment, and branching, and physiologically in respect to blood hemolysis, casein hydrolysis, carbohydrate utilization, acid production, and media requirements. The type species proposed is G. obscurus. Three subspecies are recognized.     

Immune responses to Dermatophilus congolensis infections.

Complex mechanisms underly the establishment of dermatophilosis, an exudative and proliferative skin disease of ruminants. This multicomponent system involves the bacterium Dermatophilus congolensis, transmission by various routes including flies, host genetic factors and immunosuppression by Amblyomma variegatum ticks. Here, Nick Ambrose and colleagues summarize recent evidence for an association between A. variegatum and severe chronic dermatophilosis in cattle. Breed-based differences in resistance to dermatophilosis are probably related to immunity to ticks or resistance to the immunosuppressive effects of ticks. Immunity to dermatophilosis might involve non-classic responses mediated by CD1 antigen presentation and gammadelta T cells. Progress towards vaccination is further complicated by strain-specific acquired immunity to D. congolensis.     

Isolation of Dermatophilus congolensis phage from the 'Lumpy Wool' of sheep in Western Australia

A lytic phage with species-specific activity was isolated from wool samples infected with the actinomycete Dermatophilus congolensis , the agent of 'lumpy wool', collected from properties in Western Australia. The physiochemical properties, plaque morphology, host range and particle morphology of the phage isolated were characterized. The isolated phage reduced the cell numbers of Dermatophilus congolensis on infected wool samples in vitro. It may therefore have potential as a biocontrol agent of dermatophilosis.     

Mobilicoccus pelagius gen. nov., sp. nov. and Piscicoccus intestinalis gen. nov., sp. nov., two new members of the family Dermatophilaceae, and reclassification of Dermatophilus chelonae (Masters et al. 1995) as Austwickia chelonae gen. nov., comb. nov

Two Gram-positive bacteria, designated strains Aji5-31(T) and Ngc37-23(T), were isolated from the intestinal tracts of fishes. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that both strains were related to the members of the family Dermatophilaceae, with 95.6-96.9% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities. The family Dermatophilaceae contains 2 genera and 3 species: Dermatophilus congolensis, Dermatophilus chelonae and Kineosphaera limosa. However, it has been suggested that the taxonomic position of D. chelonae should be reinvestigated using a polyphasic approach, because the chemotaxonomic characteristics are not known (Stackebrandt, 2006; Stackebrandt and Schumann, 2000). Our present study revealed that strains Aji5-31(T), Ngc37-23(T) and D. chelonae NBRC 105200(T) should be separated from the other members of the family Dermatophilaceae on the basis of the following characteristics: the predominant menaquinone of strain Aji5-31(T) is MK-8(H(2)), strain Ngc37-23(T) possesses iso- branched fatty acids as major components, and the menaquinone composition of D. chelonae is MK-8(H(4)), MK-8 and MK-8(H(2)) (5 : 3 : 2, respectively). On the basis of these distinctive phenotypic characteristics and phylogenetic analysis results, it is proposed that strains Aji5-31(T) and Ngc37-23(T) be classified as two novel genera and species of the family Dermatophilaceae. The names are Mobilicoccus pelagius gen. nov., sp. nov. and Piscicoccus intestinalis gen. nov., sp. nov., and the type strains are Aji5-31(T) (=NBRC 104925(T) =DSM 22762(T)) and Ngc37-23(T) (=NBRC 104926(T) =DSM 22761(T)), respectively. In addition, D. chelonae should be reassigned to a new genus of the family Dermatophilaceae with the name Austwickia chelonae gen. nov., comb. nov.     

Characterisation of an extracellular serine protease gene (nasp gene) from Dermatophilus congolensis

A partial amino acid sequence of a serine protease from Dermatophilus congolensis allowed the design of oligonucleotide primers that were complemented with additional ones from previously published partial sequences of the gene encoding the enzyme. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR), using combinations of specific and degenerate oligonucleotide primers, allowed the amplification of a 1738-bp internal fragment of the gene, which was finally characterised by inverse PCR as the first full-length sequenced serine protease gene (nasp) from Dermatophilus congolensis. The deduced amino acid sequence of this enzyme, probably involved in the pathogenesis of dermatophilosis, links it to the subtilisin family of proteases.     

Nucleic acid hybridization studies on Microbacterium, Curtobacterium, Agromyces and related taxa

Thirty strains of Agromyces, Arthrobacter, Curtobacterium, Brevibacterium, Corynebacterium and Microbacterium, exhibiting the rare peptidoglycan of group B, were subjected to extensive nucleic acid hybridization studies. The DNA homology values indicate that Corynebacterium insidiosum DSM 20157 is genetically identical with Corynebacterium michiganense DSM 20134. Corynebacterium sepedonicum NCPPB 378 and Corynebacterium nebraskense DSM 20400 are closely related to Corynebacterium michiganense DSM 20134. Corynebacterium betae DSM 20141, Corynebacterium oortii ATCC 25283 and Corynebacterium poinsettiae ATCC 9682 are genetically identical with Corynebacterium flaccumfaciens DSM 20129. In addition, Curtobacterium citreum ATCC 15828, Curtobacterium luteum ATCC 15830 and Curtobacterium pusillum ATCC 19096 share a high degree of relatedness to Corynebacterium flaccumfaciens DSM 20129. All other described species are more distantly related to each other. DNa-rRNA cistron similarity studies reveal that all corynebacterium with a peptidoglycan group B are members of one homogeneous cluster for which the rank of a genus is suggested.     

雉鹑和绿尾虹雉的羽毛数

经有关部门批准,作者在四川白河保护区剖析了6只雉鹑(3(?)(?)3♀♀)和5只绿尾虹雉 (3(?)(?)2♀♀),统计了这两种鸡类的羽毛数。 统计结果:雉鹑5516—6592,绿尾虹雉为9061—10159。     

以线粒体DNA Cytb确立红喉雉鹑和黄喉雉鹑的分类地位

采用PCR技术获得红喉雉鹑Tetraophasis obscurus和黄喉雉鹑Tetraophasis szechenyii等物种的828 bp Cytb基因片段,雉鹑属Tetraophasis可变位点为26个,并用MEGA3和K-Estimator 6.1软件进行了序列分析.研究发现红喉雉鹑和黄喉雉鹑之间序列差异为3.0%～3.1%,与其它属种间序列差异相比较,两种雉鹑之间的序列差异达到了种的水平;它们地理分布互相替代;形态差异稳定.地理分布、形态特征和遗传特征均验证了它们应为两个独立的种.依据分子进化速率推测,两种雉鹑分歧时间距今2.0Myr左右,与早更新世冰期发生的时间一致.雉鹑起源于青藏高原,随着青藏高原的抬升,早更新世冰期气候变冷,寒温性针叶林的林线下移,大面积高原草甸出现,雉鹑的祖先种群被隔离进化,而形成了两种雉鹑.     

Thysanotaenia congolensis n. sp. (Cestoda: Anoplocephalidae) in the lesser savanna cane rat, Thryonomys gregorianus from Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa

Ten (100%) lesser savanna cane rats, Thryonomys gregorianus, collected from the Lake Kivv area of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa were found to be infected with an undescribed anoplocephalid tapeworm, Thysanotaenia congolensis n. sp. Like other species of Thysanotaenia, T. congolensis n. sp. has the ovary and vitellarium centrally located, and the egg capsules and testes are intervascular. The new species differs from the 2 existing species, Thysanotaenia lemuris in lemurs and Thysanotaenia cubensis in humans, in being smaller (34-50 mm long) and in having a smaller scolex (260-410 microns in diameter), a shorter cirrus sac (115 microns long), and smaller eggs (40 microns in diameter). Anastomoses of the excretory system and formation of egg capsules in the new species are also described.     

Comparative 16S rDNA sequence analysis of some alkaliphilic bacilli and the establishment of a sixth rRNA group within the genus Bacillus

Abstract Comparative sequence analysis of the 16S rDNA of 14 alkaliphilic or alkalitolerant, Gram-positive, aerobic, endo-spore forming bacterial strains was performed. Bacillus alcalophilus DSM 485^T and Bacillus cohnii DSM 6307^T were included to represent the two validly described alkaliphiles assigned to the genus Bacillus . The majority of isolates (8 strains) clustered with B. alcalophilus DSM 485^T forming a distinct phylogenetic group (rRNA group 6) within the radiation of the genus Bacillus and related taxa. Bacillus cohnii DSM 6307^T and two of the isolates, DSM 8719 and DSM 8723, grouped with B. fastidiosus and B. megaterium and are allocated to rRNA group 1. The remaining two strains DSM 8720 and DSM 8721 show an equidistant relationship to both groups.     

Transfer of Brevibacterium divaricatum DSM 20297T, "Brevibacterium flavum" DSM 20411, "Brevibacterium lactofermentum" DSM 20412 and DSM 1412, and Corynebacterium glutamicum and their distinction by rRNA gene restriction patterns.

The results of DNA-DNA hybridization and chemotaxonomic studies indicated that the glutamic acid producers Brevibacterium divaricatum DSM 20297T (T=type strain), "Brevibacterium flavum" DSM 20411, "Brevibacterium lactofermentum" DSM 1412 and DSM 20412, Corynebacterium lilium DSM 20137T, and Corynebacterium glutamicum DSM 20300T and DSM 20163 are members of the same species. It is proposed that all of these strains should be classified in the species Corynebacterium glutamicum. Another glutamic acid-producing strain, Corynebacterium callunae DSM 20147T, was not related at the species level to C. glutamicum and should retain its separate species status. A restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis in which oligonucleotides targeted against conserved regions of 16S and 23S rRNA genes were used as hybridizing probes distinguished the individual strains. This method may be a helpful tool for strain identification.     

Six naphthylisoquinoline alkaloids and a related benzopyranone from a Congolese Ancistrocladus species related to Ancistrocladus congolensis

From the roots of a recently discovered Ancistrocladus taxon, with close affinities to Ancistrocladus congolensis regarding molecular ITS sequence data, six naphthylisoquinoline alkaloids, 5'-O-demethylhamatine (2), 5'-O-demethylhamatinine (3), 6-O-demethylancistroealaine A (4), 6,5'-O,O-didemethylancistroealaine A (5), 5-epi-6-O-methylancistrobertsonine A (6), and 5-epi-4'-O-demethylancistrobertsonine C (7), have been isolated, along with a likewise benzopyranone carboxylic acid, 8. The structural elucidation succeeded by chemical, spectroscopic, and chiroptical methods. Their bioactivities were tested against protozoan parasites causing severe tropical diseases. Furthermore, eight known related alkaloids were identified.     

DNA of Akodon (Rodentia, Cricetidae). II. Molecular hybridization of repetitive DNA sequences

Interspecies repetitive DNA homology was studied in akodont rodents related at generic and suprageneric levels. The homology was determined by taking the species Akodon molinae as the reference species. The 3H-DNA/DNA hybridization on filters showed a closer relationship between A. molinae and A. azarae, A. dolores and A. mollis than between A. molinae and Bolomys obscurus. These data agree with the taxonomical ranking of the species. The quantity and quality of the hybrid DNAs were measured by investigating their thermal stabilities and subsequent comparison to the results obtained on the reference species. These data indicate high similitude between the repetitive DNA of A. dolores and A. molinae. Increasing differences were shown to occur in the repetitive DNA of A. mollis, B. obscurus and A. azarae, respectively. Since these results coincide with the G-banding homologies and differ slightly from the taxonomical rank, it is speculated that the divergency between the DNA of A. molinae and A. azarae is the result of a differential process of DNA amplification which is not related to the phylogenetical distance separating the two species.     

Two new subspecies of Photorhabdus luminescens, isolated from Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (Nematoda: Heterorhabditidae): Photorhabdus luminescens subsp. kayaii subsp. nov. and Photorhabdus luminescens subsp. thracensis subsp. nov

Bacterial isolates from nematodes from Turkish soil samples were initially characterized by molecular methods and seven members of the genus Photorhabdus identified to the species level, using riboprint analyses and metabolic properties. Strain 07-5 (DSM 15195) was highly related to the type strain of Photorhabdus luminescens subsp. laumondii DSM 15139T, and was regarded a strain of this subspecies. Strains 1121T (DSM 15194T), 68-3 (DSM 15198) and 47-10 (DSM 15197) formed one, strain 39-8T (DSM 15199T), 39-7 (DSM 15196) and 01-12 (DSM 15193) formed a second cluster that branched intermediate the three subspecies of Photorhabdus luminescens. Based upon moderate 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities and differences in metabolic properties among themselves and with type strains of the three subspecies we consider the two clusters to represent two new subspecies of Photorhabdus luminescens for which the names Photorhabdus luminescens subsp. kayaii, type strain 1121T (DSM 15194T, NCIMB 13951T), and Photorhabdus luminescens subsp. thracensis subsp. nov., type strain 39-8T (DSM 15199T, NCIMB 13952T) are proposed.     

Ultrastructural study of long spacing collagen fibres and basal lamina in malignant schwannoma

It was found by electron microscopy that extracellular darkly stained materials (DSM) observed abundantly in a case of malignant schwannoma were closely related to both basal lamina and fibrous long spacing collagen (FLS). The FLS were characterized by the cross bands with a 95 nm periodicity, and longitudinally aligned filaments, 9 nm in diameter, while DSM consisted of amorphous material, and 9 nm filaments. The filaments in DSM and FLS were similar in diameter and morphology to reticular fibres in basal laminae. The DSM were continuous with both dark bands of FLS and basal laminae. These results indicate that basal laminae may be the common origin of DSM and FLS. Ultrastructural features of longitudinal, transverse and oblique sections were described.     

The responses of Lucilia cuprina to odours from sheep, offal and bacterial cultures

Abstract. The responses of gravid female Lucilia cuprina to odours from sheep urine, faeces and gut mucus, and to odours from liver/sodium sulphide mixtures was tested using a bioassay which measured the movement and probing response of walking flies. The same bioassay was used to test the response to odours from cultures of bacteria isolated from liver/sodium sulphide and liver/water mixtures. A significant movement towards odours from faeces, gut mucus and urine was observed. Odours from cultures of the bacteria Proteus mirabilis, Dermatophilus congolensis and Serratia marcescens also elicited significant movement. A probing response was elicited by odours from gut mucus, fresh urine, liver/sodium sulphide mixtures and cultures of P.mirabilis, D.congolensis and gram-positive species. Odours from cultures of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Entero-bacter aerogenes and Citrobacterfreundii did not elicit significant movement or probing. The movement and probing responses are discussed with reference to the possible uses of the substances tested as a bait for attracting L.cuprina.     

家化暗纹东方鲀全人工繁殖

在家化环境下对暗纹东方纯进行全人工繁殖。运用人工调控环境因子和使用适宜的促熟与催产的方法,能诱导雌雄亲鱼性腺发育同步,平均受精率为80．9％,平均孵化率为76．3％。在不同温度下胚胎发育速度有明显区别。本研究技术可为全面开展暗纹东方纯人工繁殖和育苗提供必要的参考。     

Raphe modulation of the pre-Bötzinger complex respiratory bursts in in vitro medullary half-slice preparations of neonatal mice

Spontaneous respiratory bursts which begin in the pre-Bötzinger complex were recorded from the hypoglossal (XIIth) nerve rootlets of in vitro slices prepared from newborn mice. First, we examined the respiratory bursts before and after a midline or para-midline transection which spared the caudal raphe nuclei: the raphe obscurus and raphe pallidus. After a midline transection, the respiratory bursts in both half-slices were desynchronized and had slightly decreased amplitudes and frequencies. After a para-midline transection, the bursts continued with similar frequencies in the half slice containing the raphe obscurus and raphe pallidus. Second, to analyze the effects of modulation by the raphe obscurus and raphe pallidus, a dorsal or ventral midline lesion was used to damage either the raphe obscurus or raphe pallidus. After a dorsal lesion, the synchronized respiratory bursts persisted with slightly decreased frequencies. In contrast, after a ventral lesion, the bursts were almost completely abolished, but recovered significantly after the addition of 5-HT. The present results demonstrated that the pre-Bötzinger complex on each side of the medulla can independently generate rhythmic respiratory activity. It is suggested that the 5-HT released from the ventral part of the raphe nuclei (predominantly the raphe pallidus) plays a critical role in sustaining rhythmic respiratory bursts.     

Taxonomy of the glycerol fermenting clostridia and description of Clostridium diolis sp. nov

Six Clostridium strains which ferment glycerol to 1,3-propanediol were tested for their taxonomic and phylogenetic relatedness. All but one were known as C butyricum. By physiological tests, 16S rDNA sequences and fatty acid composition two groups were distinguished. The first comprised the strains VPI 3266, DSM 2478 and DSM 523 (C. "kainantoi") and was consistent with the type strain of C. butyricum in almost all characters. The second group comprising the strains DSM 5430, DSM 5431 and E5 was related to C. beijerinckii. The 16S rDNAs of these strains were almost identical with that of the type strain of C. beijerinckii, DSM 791. The DNA-DNA hybridization value of DSM 5431 and ES with C. beijerinckii DSM 791 was markedly but not decisively lower (67 and 72%, respectively). However, there were significant physiological differences to C. beijerinckii which suggested to describe the strains as a separate species, Clostridium diolis with strain SH1 (= DSM 5431) as the type strain. The new species is distinguished from C. beijerinckii, which requires complex nutrients, by its ability to grow in glucose mineral medium with biotin as the only growth factor and by differences in substrate utilization. "C. kainantoi" Takeda and Matsui was recognized as a later synonym of C. butyricum.     

Studies on Priotrochus obscurus and the systematic position of Priotrochus (Mollusca: Gastropoda: Trochidae)

The systematic status of Priotrochus Fischer, 1879 and the taxonomy of its type species, Trochus obscurus Wood, 1828, are discussed. Although previously regarded as a subgenus of Monilea , observations on the radula and external anatomy reveal little similarity with Monilea and the Umboniinae as a whole. Greater similarity exists with members of the Monodontinae and a position, at generic level, in that subfamily is suggested. The extinct Trochus ponsonbyi Sowerby, 1888, is maintained as a subspecies of Priotrochus obscurus .