Feeding of sea lampreys Petromyzon marinus on minke whales Balaenoptera acutorostrata in the St Lawrence Estuary, Canada

Sea lampreys Petromyzon marinus were observed on 109 occasions on 47 individual minke whales Balaenoptera acutorostrata. Bloody lesions could be identified as previous attachment sites, indicating P. marinus feeding on B. acutorostrata blood.     

Investigation of protonatable residues in Rhodothermus marinus caa 3 haem-copper oxygen reductase: comparison with Paracoccus denitrificans aa 3 haem-copper oxygen reductase

The Rhodothermus marinus caa ₃ haem-copper oxygen reductase contains all the residues of the so-called D- and K-proton channels, with the notable exception of the helix VI glutamate residue (Glu278^I in Paracoccus denitrificans aa ₃), being nevertheless a true oxygen reductase reducing O₂ to water, and an efficient proton pump. Instead, in the same helix, but one turn below, it has a tyrosine residue (Tyr256^I, R. marinus caa ₃ numbering), whose hydroxyl group occupies the same spatial position as the carboxylate group of Glu278^I, as deduced by comparative modelling techniques. Therefore, we proposed previously that this tyrosine residue could play an important role in the proton pathway. In this article we further study this hypothesis, by investigating the equilibrium thermodynamics of protonation in R. marinus caa ₃, using theoretical methodologies based on the structural model previously obtained. Control calculations are also performed for the P. denitrificans aa ₃ oxygen reductase. In both oxygen reductases we find several residues that are proton active (i.e., that display partial protonation) at physiological pH, some of them being redox sensitive (i.e., sensitive to the protein redox state). However, the caa ₃ Tyr256^I is not proton active at physiological pH, in contrast to the aa ₃ Glu278^I which is both proton active at physiological pH and shows a high redox sensitivity. In R. marinus caa ₃ we do not find any other residues in the same protein zone that can have this property. Therefore, there are no putative D-channel residues that are proton active in this oxidase. The protonatable residues of the K-channel are much more functionally conserved in both oxygen reductases than the same type of residues in the D-channel. Two (Tyr262^I and Lys336^I, caa ₃ numbering) out of three protonatable K-channel residues are proton active and redox sensitive in both proteins.     

Metal uptake by different species of phytoplankton in culture

Cadmium and copper uptake by cultures of Prasinocladus marinus, Amphidinium carterae, Chaetoceros curvisetum and Chaetoceros protuberans was considered as a function of exposure time (from 0.5 to 72 h) and of metal concentrations added to the culture medium (from 5 to 20 µg l^–1). For cadmium uptake, A. carterae exhibited a particular behaviour: the accumulation was not dependent on exposure time or on metal concentration. An adsorption process appeared to govern both Cadmium uptake by phytoplankton species (except A. carterae) and that of copper. In addition to adsorption, another active process might be involved in the Cadmium uptake of P. marinus, C. curvisetum and C. protuberans.     

Comparison of teeth and dermal denticles (odontodes) in the teleost Denticeps clupeoides (Clupeomorpha)

The present work is a contribution to an extensive comparative structural and developmental study we have undertaken to understand the evolution of the dermal skeleton in osteichthyans. We have investigated the structure of developing and functional tooth-like dermal denticles located on the head of Denticeps clupeoides, a clupeomorph, and compared their features to those of oral teeth. Morphological (scanning electron microscopy) and structural (light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy) observations clearly demonstrate that these small, sharp, conical and slightly backward-oriented denticles are true odontodes, i.e., homologous to oral teeth. They are composed of a dentine cone surrounding a pulp cavity, the top being covered by a hypermineralized cap. These odontodes are attached to a circular pedicel of attachment bone by a ligament that mineralizes, and the attachment bone matrix merges with that of the bony support. The pedicel of attachment bone surrounds a vascular cavity that is connected to the pulp cavity which is devoid of blood vessels and of nerve endings. Once the odontode is functional, the deposition of collagen matrix (called circumpulpar dentine) continues against the dentine, ligament, and attachment bone surfaces, thereby provoking a narrowing of the pulp cavity. Odontodes are shed by resorption occurring at the base, but their pedicels of attachment bone persist at the bone surface and become embedded in the bone matrix, within which they are clearly visible. The oral teeth are similar in shape, size, and structure to the odontodes, and they show only small differences probably related to the different function of these elements: They are more firmly anchored to the attachment bone, and the amount of dentine is relatively smaller than in odontodes. Despite their different functions, this close structural agreement between teeth and odontodes in Denticeps suggests that 1) competent cells from the same (ecto)mesenchymal population might be involved and 2) the genetic control of the developmental processes could be identical. It is suggested that the odontode expression in extra-oral positions is a relatively late novelty in this lineage. J. Morphol. 237:237–255, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Structure, attachment, replacement and growth of teeth in bluefish, Pomatomus saltatrix (), a teleost with deeply socketed teeth

Tooth replacement poses many questions about development, pattern formation, tooth attachment mechanisms, functional morphology and the evolution of vertebrate dentitions. Although most vertebrate species have polyphyodont dentitions, detailed knowledge of tooth structure and replacement is poor for most groups, particularly actinopterygians. We examined the oral dentition of the bluefish, Pomatomus saltatrix, a pelagic and coastal marine predator, using a sample of 50 individuals. The oral teeth are located on the dentary and premaxillary bones, and we scored each tooth locus in the dentary and premaxillary bones using a four-part functional classification: absent (A), incoming (I), functional (F=fully ankylosed) or eroding (E). The homodont oral teeth of Pomatomus are sharp, deeply socketed and firmly ankylosed to the bone of attachment. Replacement is intraosseus and occurs in alternate tooth loci with long waves of replacement passing from rear to front. The much higher percentage of functional as opposed to eroding teeth suggests that replacement rates are low but that individual teeth are quickly lost once erosion begins. Tooth number increases ontogenetically, ranging from 15–31 dentary teeth and 15–39 premaxillary teeth in the sample studied. Teeth increase in size with every replacement cycle. Remodeling of the attachment bone occurs continuously to accommodate growth. New tooth germs originate from a discontinuous dental lamina and migrate from the lingual (dentary) or labial (premaxillary) epithelium through pores in the bone of attachment into the resorption spaces beneath the existing teeth. Pomatomus shares unique aspects of tooth replacement with barracudas and other scombroids and this supports the interpretation that Pomatomus is more closely related to scombroids than to carangoids.     

ONTOGENETIC NICHE SHIFT IN THE BRACHIOPOD TEREBRATALIA TRANSVERSA: RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE LOSS OF ROTATION ABILITY AND ALLOMETRIC GROWTH

Abstract: Many articulated brachiopods experience marked life habit variations during ontogeny because they experience their fluid environment at successively higher Reynolds numbers, and they can change the configuration of their inhalant and exhalant flows as body size increases. We show that the extant brachiopod Terebratalia transversa undergoes a substantial ontogenetic change in reorientation governed by rotation around the pedicle. T. transversa′s reorientation angle (maximum ability to rotate on the pedicle) decreases during ontogeny, from 180 degrees in juveniles to 10–20 degrees in individuals exceeding 5 mm, to complete cessation of rotation in individuals larger than 10 mm. Rotation ability is substantially reduced after T. transversa achieves the adult lophophore configuration and preferred orientation with respect to ambient water currents at a length of 2.5–5 mm. We hypothesize that the rotation angle of T. transversa is determined mainly by the position of ventral and dorsal points of attachment of dorsal pedicle muscles relative to the pedicle. T. transversa shows a close correlation between the ontogenetic change in reorientation angle and ontogeny of morphological traits that are related to points of attachment of dorsal pedicle muscles, although other morphological features can also limit rotation in the adult stage. The major morphological change in cardinalia shape and the observed reduction of rotation affect individuals 2.5–10 mm in length. The position of ventral insertions of dorsal pedicle muscles remains constant, but contraction of dorsal pedicle muscles is functionally handicapped because dorsal insertions shift away from the valve midline, rise above the dorsal valve floor, and become limited by a wide cardinal process early in ontogeny (<5 mm). The rate of increase of cardinal process width and of distance between dorsal pedicle muscle scars substantially decreases in the subadult stage (5–10 mm), and most of the cardinalia shell traits grow nearly isometrically in the adult stage (>10 mm). T. transversa attains smaller shell length in crevices than on exposed substrates. The proportion of small‐sized individuals and population density is lower on exposed substrates than in crevices, indicating higher juvenile mortality on substrates prone to grazing and physical disturbance. The loss of reorientation ability can be a consequence of morphological changes that strengthen substrate attachment and maximize protection against biotic or physical disturbance (1) by minimizing torques around the pedicle axis and/or (2) by shifting energy investments into attachment strength at the expense of the cost involved in reorientation.     

In vitro attachment of Pneumocystis carinii from mouse and rat origin

Summary— The attachment of Pneumocystis carinii to lung cells could play a role in the pathophysiology of P carinii pneumonia. The trophozoite attaches to type I alveolar epithelial cells. Physical, chemical, and extracellular matrix factors, involved in the mouseor rat-derived P carinii attachment to fibroblastic cells in culture, were examined using a new model of in vitro adherence. The development of parasite filopodia penetrating deeply the host cell cytoplasm was observed using transmission electronic microscopy. Killed P carinii organisms were unable to attach to cultured cells. Also, parasites were unable to attach to killed target cells. The P carinii in vitro attachment was partially inhibited by cytochalasin B. In contrast, the parasite attachment was not affected when the target cell cytoskeleton was altered. In our work conditions, sialic acids were not involved in the attachment process. Present results showed that fibronectin (Fn) plays a role in the parasite attachment, and suggest that a specific Fn-binding receptor is present at the surface of mouse-derived P carinii organisms.     

Restoration of attachment, virulence and nodulation of Agrobacterium tumefaciens chvB mutants by rhicadhesin

In contrast to wild-type Agrobacterium tumefaciens strains, β-1,2-glucan-deficient chvB mutants were found to be unable to attach to pea root hair tips. The mutants appeared to produce rhicadhesin, the protein that mediates the first step in attachment of Rhizobiaceae cells to plant root hairs, but the protein was inactive. Both attachment to root hairs and virulence of the ChvB mutants could be restored by treatment of the plants with active rhicadhesin, whereas treatment of plants with β-1,2-glucan had no effect on attachment or virulence. Moreover, nodulation ability of a chvB mutant carrying a Sym plasmid could be restored by pretreatment of the host plant with rhicadhesin. Apparently the attachment-minus and avirulence phenotype of chvB mutants is caused by lack of active rhicadhesin, rather than directly being caused by a deficiency in β-1,2-glucan synthesis. The results strongly suggest that rhicadhesin is essential for attachment and virulence of A. tumefaciens cells. They also indicate that the mechanisms of binding of Agrobacterium and Rhizobium bacteria to plant target cells are similar, despite differences between these target cells.     

Relationship of cariogenic bacteria levels with periodontal status and root surface caries in elderly Japanese

Objective: The relationship of the levels of cariogenic bacterial species with periodontal status and decayed root surfaces was investigated in elderly Japanese subjects. Methods: Three hundred and sixty‐eight individuals (each 75 years old) were examined for periodontal status (pocket depth, attachment loss), root surface caries and salivary levels of mutans streptococci (MS) and lactobacilli (LB). Results: Values >4 mm of attachment loss (rAL4) and for average attachment loss (aAL) of sites measured were significantly higher in subjects with LB than those without. Multiple regression analysis also showed a correlation between aAL and rAL4 values with the presence of LB (aAL p = 0.003; rAL4 p = 0.002). Further, multiple regression analysis of interacting factors regarding decayed root surfaces showed that LB carriers had a greater incidence of decayed root surface caries (p = 0.003), while MS and LB levels were correlated to the number of decayed root surfaces (LB p = 0.010; MS p = 0.026). Conclusion: Our results indicate that considerable attachment loss elevates the possibility of having LB, thus increasing the risk of root surface caries. It was also found that LB and MS measurements may be useful indicators of decayed root surfaces in elderly individuals with attachment loss.     

Evaluation of the toxicity of eggs,hatchlings and tadpoles of the introduced toad Bufo marinus (Anura: Bufonidae) to native Australian aquatic predators

Abstract The early life history stages of anurans in the Family Bufonidae often possess chemicals that are noxious or toxic to predators. Predators with no evolutionary history of exposure to bufomds may be particularly susceptible to these toxins. We conducted a series of laboratory experiments to investigate the toxic effects of eggs, hatchlings and tadpoles of the introduced toad, Bufo marinus (Linnaeus), on native Australian aquatic predators. There was considerable interspecific and intraspecific variation in these effects. Bufo marinus were highly toxic to some predator species, but were readily consumed by other species without apparent ill effect. Interspecific variation in toxic effects was not related to predator feeding mode or the number of B. marinus ingested by predators, and there was no clear pattern of distribution of vulnerability among species within higher taxa. Intraspecific variation in responses to toxins may result from individual variation in the resistance of predators to B. marinus toxins, or from individual variation in toxicity among B. marinus. Some native species adversely affected by B. marinus appeared unable to detect and avoid B. marinus toxins. This may result from a general inability to assess the toxicity of food items or from a lack of evolutionary exposure to B. marinus toxins.     

Multiple drug resistance and strength of attachment to surfaces in Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates

Aims: To investigate the presence of a relationship between the strength of attachment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to stainless steel surfaces and their observed multiple drug resistance. Methods and Results: Multiple drug resistance of clinical and environmental isolates of Ps. aeruginosa was evaluated using disc diffusion method. The blot succession technique was used to quantify the strength of attachment of Ps. aeruginosa isolates. Different multiple drug–resistant Ps. aeruginosa isolates exhibited variable attachment strength. Although the highest multiple drug–resistant clinical isolate was shown to have the least attachment strength among clinical isolates, a weak correlation was found between attachment strength and multiple resistance among our investigated Ps. aeruginosa isolates. Conclusions: There is a weak correlation between multiple drug resistance and strength of attachment to stainless steel surfaces. Significance and Impact of the Study: Even low‐resistant Ps. aeruginosa could have the potential of attaching firmly to surfaces and forming biofilm.     

Inhibitory effects of microalgae on the activation of hyaluronidase

The inhibitory effects of seven microalgae, Nostoc flagelliforme, Spirulina platensis, Porphyridium purpureum, Rhodosorus marinus,Chlorella pyrenoidosa, Dunaliella salina and Pleurochrysiscarterae on the activation of hyaluronidase were evaluated. Theinhibitory effect of the ethanol-insoluble fraction of each water extract frommicroalgae was stronger than that of the ethanol-soluble fraction. The50% inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) of the ethanol-insolublefraction of S. platensis, P. purpureum, R. marinus, C.pyrenoidosa, D. salina and P. carterae was 0.15, 0.18, 0.26,0.94, 0.15 and 0.41 mg mL^-1, respectively. The IC₅₀ ofN .flagelliforme was not calculated, because there was no detectableinhibitory effect of this alga. The IC₅₀ of disodium cromoglycate(DSCG) used as the anti-allergic medicine was 0.14 mg mL^-1. The IC₅₀ of S. platensis, P. purpureum and D. salinawere almost the same as that of DSCG. This suggests that theethanol-insoluble fraction of S. platensis, P. purpureum and D. salina might be an anti-allergic substance. The ethanol-insoluble fractionof S. platensis and D. salina was ultrafiltered through a membranehaving a molecular exclusion limit of 20 kDa. The IC₅₀ of theresidue was stronger than that of the filtrate. These results suggest that theanti-allergic substance(s) of these microalgae may be polysaccharides.     

Salmonella must be viable in order to attach to the surface of prepared vegetable tissues

Aims: The aims of the current study were to explore the site of bacterial attachment to vegetable tissues and to investigate the hypothesis that Salmonella must be living in order to attach to this site(s). Methods and Results: Scanning electron micrographs of intact potato cells showed that Salm. serotype Typhimurium attached to cell-wall junctions; suggesting a high-level of site selectivity. Inactivation of Salm. Typhimurium using heat, ethanol, formalin or Kanamycin resulted in cells that could be no longer attached to these sites. Attachment of a Gfp⁺ strain of Salm. Typhimurium to cell-wall material (CWM) was examined via flow cytometric analysis. Only live Salm. Typhimurium attached to the CWM. Conclusions: Salmonella serotype Typhimurium must be metabolically active to ensure attachment to vegetable tissues. Attachment preferentially occurs at the plant cell-wall junction and the cell-wall components found here, including pectate, may provide a receptor site for bacterial attachment. Significance and Impact of the Study: Further studies into individual plant cell-wall components may yield the specific bacterial receptor site in vegetable tissues. This information could in turn lead to the development of more targeted and effective decontamination protocols that block this site of attachment.     

Precision of the age–length increments of three cyprinids: effects of fish number and sub‐sampling strategy

The effects of number of fish that are aged and scale sub‐sampling strategies on the precision of estimates of mean age–length increments from populations of Rutilus rutilus, Leuciscus leuciscus and Leuciscus cephalus were tested. Analyses used data derived from river fish communities in eastern England, U.K.. Regarding the number of fishes analysed in each age group, for each species and mean fork‐length increment at age, significant relationships were detected between sample size (n) and the coefficient of variation of the mean (Z) and mean length increment and measured variance (s²). This enabled calculation of the number of scales for producing a mean length increment at age according to . Outputs indicated that the number of scales requiring ageing increased substantially as precision increased, but with little variation between species per age category. Ageing between seven and 12 scales per age group would thus provide estimates at 10% precision. As the ages of fishes are not known in advance of scale ageing, the effect of scale sub‐sampling regime on precision was also tested using randomized strategies of 10 fish per 5 mm, five per 5 mm, three per 5 mm, 10 per 10 mm, five per 10 mm and three per 10 mm. These were applied to the datasets and the consequences of their reduction in the number of scales for precision were determined using . When compared to no sub‐sampling, three per 10 mm always significantly reduced data precision, whereas 10 per 5 mm never significantly reduced precision. These outputs can thus be applied to the design of fish sampling protocols where age and growth estimates are required, with the randomized sub‐sampling likely to be the most useful strategy.     

Usefulness of new wetness tester for diagnosis of dry mouth in disabled patients

Objectives: The condition of dry mouth is an influential factor in the incidence of caries, periodontal disease, fungal infections, masticatory dysfunctions and denture function. Bedridden elderly and disabled persons often suffer from oral dryness and the aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of measuring the amount of moisture in the oral mucosa for clinical diagnosis of dry mouth in this group. Subjects and methods: The subjects were 20 elderly bedridden individuals, age range 65–89 years old, living in a nursing home and six healthy laboratory researchers, aged 20–46 years old, used as controls. Tongue dorsum moisture measurements were performed using a newly developed wetness tester (L‐SALIVO^®), in which the wet portion was measured after 10 s. Further, clinical diagnosis of dry mouth was carried out using a clinical classification scale of the tongue mucosa (grade range, 0–3). Results: It was possible to measure tongue dorsum moisture in all subjects with the wetness tester. The average moisture value was 0.1 ± 0.2 mm in elderly subjects with a dry mouth grade of 2 (n = 8) or 3 (n = 12), while the average moisture value in the control subjects was 3.67 ± 1.75 mm with a dry mouth grade of 0 (n = 4) or 1 (n = 2). Tester values and clinical classification showed a positive co‐relationship (r = 0.31, p < 0.05). Conclusions: Our results show that this new tester could be useful for evaluating oral dryness and diagnosing dry mouth.     

Age,growth and reproduction of cutlassfishes Trichiurus spp. in the southern East China Sea

The cutlassfish is one of the most commercially important continental fishes in the East China Sea. However, the current classification of cutlassfishes is suboptimal and complicates fisheries management. This study investigated the growth and reproduction of three cutlassfish species in the southern East China Sea. Between August 2002 and September 2003, a total of 2717 specimens of Trichiurus japonicus, T. sp.2 (likely synonymous for T. nanhaiensis) and T. lepturus were collected monthly from Daxi, Anping, Nanfangao, Donggang and Xingang fishing ports. The von Bertalanffy growth model in preanal length (PL) resulted in PL (mm) for T. japonicus, PL(mm) for T. sp.2 and PL (mm) for T. lepturus. Their growths were significantly different between sexes for T. japonicus and T. sp.2 and among the three species. From macroscopic examination of ovaries, histological inspection of oocytes, and analyses of gonosomatic and hepatosomatic indices, T. japonicus was likely to spawn all year round, with two peaks in February–July and November–December. T. sp.2 spawned relatively later, between April and August. The length at sexual maturity of T. japonicus females was 264 mm PL or 746 mm total length. The sex ratios of T. japonicus and T. sp.2 were significantly different from 1 : 1 whereas T. lepturus showed no significant difference. The three species of trichiurids have different geographical distributions in this region.     

Attachment of lactic acid bacteria to beef-muscle surfaces

The effect of immersion time and cell concentration in the attachment of several lactic acid bacteria with antibacterial activity to beef-muscle surface was studied. The number of firmly attached bacteria increased with immersion time in the case ofPediococcus acidilacti, Lactobacillus sake, Lactococcus cremoris (two strains) andPediococcus acidilacti. Pediococcus pentosaceus, Lactococcus lactis andLactobacillus curvatus reached maximum adhesion after 15–30 min. The highest strength of attachment (Sr values) were observed after 15–30 min of contact, time except forP. pentosaceus. For all strains, the number of bacteria adhering to meat increased with increasing cell concentration in the adhesion medium. The highest strength of attachment was observed at a cell concentration of 10⁵/mL mainly forL. sake, L. lactis andL. cremoris. Due to their attachment characteristics,L. sake, L. lactis andL. cremoris are proposed as potential biocontrol agents because they could grow on meat surface and limit the potential attachment of pathogenic microorganisms.     

Winter diets of four seabird species in the Barents Sea after a crash in the capelin stock

Summary I describe the winter diets (early March) of four seabird species, black-legged kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla), northern fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis), glaucous gull (Larus hyperboreus) and Brüinnich's guillemot (Uria lomvia) collected in the south eastern Barents Sea, in open water approximately 70 km from the ice edge. All species preyed heavily on commercial fish species such as cod (Gadus morrhua), polar cod (Boreogadus saida) and redfish (Sebastes marinus/S. mentella). The median total length of fish eaten ranged from 51 mm in fulmars to 88 mm in Brünnich's guillemots and differed significantly among all species pairs except kittiwake and glaucous gull. Although the size of fish eaten differed among the four bird species they all fed upon much the same age categories of fish. Cod and redfish eaten were almost exclusively one year old, whereas polar cod was 1–4 years old. Other important food items were crustaceans (B unnich's guillemots), and squid Gonatus sp. (fulmars); the glaucous gull also preyed on other birds. Body weights and amounts of stored fat suggest that individuals of all species except Brüinnich's guillemots were in good physical condition. The diets described here differed substantially from those of birds caught mainly during the prelaying season near the colonies in this area. Some of these differences may be attributed to the very low density of capelin (Mallotus villosus) when this study was conducted.     

Biofilm formation in environmental bacteria is influenced by different macromolecules depending on genus and species

The formation of biofilms by diverse bacteria isolated from contaminated soil and groundwater on model substrata with different surface properties was assessed in a multifactorial screen. Diverse attachment phenotypes were observed as measured by crystal violet dye retention and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Bulk measurements of cell hydrophobicity had little predictive ability in determining whether biofilms would develop on hydrophobic or hydrophilic substrata. Therefore selected pairs of bacteria from the genera Rhodococcus, Pseudomonas and Sphingomonas that exhibited different attachment phenotypes were examined in more detail using CLSM and the lipophilic dye, Nile Red. The association of Rhodococcus sp. cell membranes with lipids was shown to influence the attachment properties of these cells, but this approach was not informative for Pseudomonas and Sphingomonas sp. Confocal Raman Microspectroscopy of Rhodococcus biofilms confirmed the importance of lipids in their formation and indicated that in Pseudomonas and Sphingomonas biofilms, nucleic acids and proteins, respectively, were important in identifying the differences in attachment phenotypes of the selected strains. Treatment of biofilms with DNase I confirmed a determining role for nucleic acids as predicted for Pseudomonas. This work demonstrates that the attachment phenotypes of microbes from environmental samples to different substrata varies markedly, a diverse range of macromolecules may be involved and that these differ significantly between genera. A combination of CLSM and Raman spectroscopy distinguished between phenotypes and could be used to identify the key macromolecules involved in cell attachment to surfaces for the specific cases studied.     

Differences in colonisation of five marine bacteria on two types of glass surfaces

The retention patterns of five taxonomically different marine bacteria after attachment on two types of glass surfaces, as-received and chemically etched, have been investigated. Contact angle measurements, atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) and X-ray photoelectron spectrometry (XPS) were employed to investigate the impact of nanometer scale surface roughness on bacterial attachment. Chemical modification of glass surfaces resulted in a ～1 nm decrease in the average surface roughness (R _a) and the root-mean-squared roughness (R_q ) and in a ～8 nm decrease in the surface height and the peak-to-peak (R _max) and the 10-point average roughness (R_z ). The study revealed amplified bacterial attachment on the chemically etched, nano-smoother glass surfaces. This was a consistent response, notwithstanding the taxonomic affiliation of the selected bacteria. Enhanced bacterial attachment was accompanied by elevated levels of secreted extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). An expected correlation between cell surface wettability and the density of the bacterial attachment on both types of glass surfaces was also reported, while no correlation could be established between cell surface charge and the bacterial retention pattern.