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Azo compounds have long posed a serious threat to publish health and the aquatic environment. Therefore, the adverse effects of azo compounds on public health have inspired the need to develop efficient and reliable treatment methods. Although various physicochemical treatment methods have been developed, bio-inspired environmentally friendly treatment method have not yet been reported. Here, we report the development of a novel azo compound treatment method using biogenic nanoparticles immobilized microorganism. Firstly, biogenic bimetallic iron–molybdenum nanoparticles immobilized Deinococcus radiodurans R1 (DR-FeMoNPs) were constructed. Next, physicochemical properties of FeMoNPs including specific surface area (53.627 m2 g−1), pore volume (0.3561 cm3 g−1), and average pore diameter (19.205 nm) were thoroughly addressed. The resulting FeMoNPs-immobilized D. radiodurans R1 exhibited an 87.2% removal efficiency for Congo Red, with a maximum capacity of 172.4 mg/g. Additionally, the rapid degradation of residual H2O2, triggering Fenton-like reaction via biological scavenging mechanism, was confirmed. DR-FeMoNPs also demonstrated highly efficient removal of other types of azo compounds, such as Acid Orange 7 (99.4%) and Evans Blue (81.1%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Effective control of shot-hole disease in flowering cherries is challenging because of multiple causative pathogens (bacteria and fungi). Bacillus species are well-known for their ability to control plant pathogens; therefore, biological control potential of a Bacillus isolate, B. velezensis 8–2, against SH disease on flowering cherry trees was investigated. Results: This study revealed strong antimicrobial activity of Bacillus velezensis 8–2 against various plant pathogenic bacteria and fungi, particularly focusing on Xanthomonas arboricola pv. pruni (Xap) and Mycosphaerella cerasella (Mc), which cause shot-hole (SH) disease in flowering cherry trees. In vitro assays showed that the fermentation filtrate of B. velezensis 8–2 inhibited bacterial and fungal growth with minimum inhibitory concentrations of 1.25–10% and 2.5–10%, respectively. UPLC-Q–Orbitrap–MS analysis revealed that B. velezensis 8–2 produced antagonistic compounds, including polyketides (difficidin and oxydifficidin) and cyclic lipopeptides (iturin A, fengycin, and surfatin). To enhance antimicrobial activity, fermentation parameters for optimal production of two antibacterial and three antifungal compounds were investigated in a 5 L jar fermenter. By regulating the agitation speed to sustain the state of vegetative cells, the production period was extended by 20 h at 400 rpm, resulting in maximum yields of 86.6 μg/mL for difficidin and 150.0 μg/mL for oxydifficidin within a 72 h fermentation period. In a field trial, a 500-fold diluted 10% suspension concentrate formulation of B. velezensis 8–2 effectively inhibited the development of SH disease, demonstrating 66.6% disease control and a 90.2% disease symptoms reduction. Conclusions: This is the first report to assess the disease control efficacy of B. velezensis for the biocontrol of SH disease in the field. These results suggest that the application of B. velezensis 8–2 could serve as a practical alternative for managing various bacterial and fungal diseases, including the management of SH disease in flowering cherry trees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Edible bird's nest (EBN) is a nutritious food with many beneficial effects, including protecting cells against oxidation and infection due to wounds, bacteria or viruses. EBN has shown antiaging, anti‐inflammatory and wound‐healing properties in skin cells. Here, we investigated whether EBN has protective effects against photoaging, inflammation and immune‐senescence in hairless mice treated with UVB irradiation. The skin thickness was lower in mice on an EBN diet than in mice treated with UVB alone. The level of hydration was significantly increased, while the index of transepidermal water loss decreased, in groups on the EBN diet. EBN also reduced erythema index in UVB‐irradiated mice. At the molecular level, skin elasticity and antiaging are associated with high expression of elastin, collagen and filaggrin and low expression of the membrane metalloproteinases, MMP‐1 and MMP‐2. Inflammatory markers such as interleukins, IL‐1β and IL‐6, and TNF‐α decreased significantly in the EBN groups. Caspase‐3, an important factor in the apoptotic pathway and in congenital and adaptive immune responses, decreased in the EBN groups. Moreover, EBN diminished the overexpression of immunoglobulin E and elevated mast cell counts in UVB‐irradiated mice. Overall, these findings suggest that EBN protects skin against aging and alleviates inflammation in UVB‐irradiated hairless mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growing concerns about the adverse effects of Pb(II) on public health have drawn much attention to the development of efficient and environmentally friendly treatment methods. Here we report the isolation of a novel Pb(II)-resistant Methylobacterium sp. MTS1 strain from abandoned mine soil that has potential as a biosorbent for the removal of Pb(II). The isolated MTS1 strain not only showed high resistance even at 1,000 mg/L, but also showed excellent performance in removing Pb(II) through biosorption. The maximum removal capacity and removal efficiency of Pb(II) were found to be 56.55±6.2 mg/g and 98.6±0.6%, respectively, under optimized conditions (pH 7; biomass, 1 g/L; contact time, 60 min). Hydroxyl, amide, carboxyl, phosphate, nitro compound, and disulfide groups as well as various functional groups such as C, O, and P were identified as key factors for Pb(II) removal. In addition, equilibrium data obtained by biosorption and adsorption kinetic model were in agreement with Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order models, indicating that the biosorption process involved monolayer chemisorption at uniformly distributed active sites on the surface of the MTS1 strain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of neurodevelopmental disorders that are highly heterogeneous in clinical symptoms as well as etiologies. Mutations in SHANK2 are associated with ASD and accordingly, Shank2 knockout mouse shows ASD-like behavioral phenotypes, including social deficits. Intriguingly, two lines of Shank2 knockout (KO) mouse generated by deleting different exons (exon 6–7 or exon 7) showed distinct cellular phenotypes. Previously, we compared gene expressions between Shank2 KOs lacking exon 6–7 (e6–7 KO) and KOs lacking exon 7 (e7 KO) by performing RNA-seq. In this study, we expanded transcriptomic analyses to identify novel transcriptional variants in the KO mice. We found prominent expression of a novel exon (exon 4′ or e4') between the existing exons 4 and 5 in the Shank2 e6–7 KO model. Expression of the transcriptional variant harboring this novel exon was confirmed by RT-PCR and western blotting. These findings suggest that the novel variant may function as a modifier gene, which contributes to the differences between the two Shank2 mutant lines. Furthermore, our result further represents an example of genetic compensation that may lead to phenotypic heterogeneity among ASD patients with mutations in the same gene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The "bird's nest soup" is a kind of luxury or tonic food prepared from edible bird's nest (EBN), which is used as an extremely nutritious medicine to improve health. However, its skin anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effects are still not fully understood. Aim: In this study, the skin-protective effects of two geographical types of EBN (EBN-A and EBN-B) were investigated. Materials and Methods: The anti-aging effect was assessed in ultraviolet B (UVB)-irradiated normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs), while the anti-inflammatory effect was evaluated in tumor necrosis factor alpha/interferon gamma (TNF-α/IFN-γ)-stimulated human skin keratinocytes (HaCaTs). The wound-healing activity was investigated in scratched NHDFs and hyalorunan production was examined in HaCaTs. Results: In this study, EBN showed good efficiency in scavenging free radicals. EBN notably decreased the UVB-induced matrix metalloproteinase-1 expression and promoted procollagen type I synthesis that resulted in the protective effect of EBN against UVB-induced skin damage. Overexpression of thymus- and activation-regulated chemokine and macrophage-derived chemokine induced by TNF-α/IFN-γ was significantly decreased after treatment with EBN at 1–10 μg/ml. The most effective wound healer was EBN-B at 1–10 μg/ml, based on the high expression of hyaluronan that has long been associated with the remodeling extracellular matrix in wound healing. Conclusion: These results indicate that EBNs have the potential to ameliorate UVB-induced skin photo aging and NF-α/IFN-γ-stimulated inflammation as well as wound injuries, resulting in rapid healing effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The skin barrier is vulnerable to internal and external elements. However, certain plant extracts have promise for protecting the skin. Hibiscus syriacus L. is a Korean national plant (mugunghwa) that has been traditionally used to treat some skin diseases; however, its pharmacological activities are poorly understood. The present study has evaluated the skin-protective effect of mugunghwa flowers (MF), cortexes (MC), roots (MR), leaves (ML), and seeds (MS) in external factor-stimulated human epidermal keratinocytes (HaCaTs), normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs), and a widely used murine macrophage cell line (RAW 264.7 cells). Materials and Methods and Results: The active components were identified as palmitic acid and linoleic acid by high-performance liquid chromatography analysis. The parts of mugunghwa had low 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging activities but moderate 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt scavenging capacity. All parts' extracts at 100 μg/mL decreased nitric oxide production in inflammation-induced RAW 264.7 cells and mRNA expression of the cytokines interleukin-6/1β and the enzymes inducible nitric oxide synthase/cyclooxygenase-2. On HaCaTs, MF, MC, and MR (10–50 μg/mL) significantly increased hyaluronan production over that of controls. Moreover, MF activated NAD (P) H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 and heme oxygenase-1 and inhibited intracellular reactive oxygen species production. Treatment with MF, MC, MR, ML, and MS (10 μg/mL) reduced the scratching wound site in NHDFs to be considered by vascular endothelial growth factor signaling activation. Conclusion: Taken together, among all the five parts of the mugunghwa plant, MF effectively inhibited lipopolysaccharide, ultraviolet B irradiation, and scratching wound-induced inflammation in skin cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Gram-stain positive, facultatively aerobic, motile and rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated THG-SMD2.3T, was isolated from a soil sample collected in a tangerine field, Republic of Korea. According to the 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons, the isolate was identified as a member of the genus Cellulomonas and to be closely related to Cellulomonas fimi ATCC 484T (98.5%), Cellulomonas biazotea DSM 20112T (98.3%), Cellulomonas chitinilytica X.bu-bT (98.0%), Cellulomonas xylanilytica XIL11T (97.2%), Cellulomonas humilata ATCC 25174T (97.1%) and Cellulomonas composti TR7-06T (97.0%). The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities with other current species of the genus Cellulomonas were in the range 95.4–96.6%. Catalase and oxidase tests were found to be positive. The DNA G+C content was determined to be 73.0 mol%. DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain THG-SMD2.3T and C. fimi ATCC 484T, C. biazotea DSM 20112T, C. chitinilytica X.bu-bT, C. xylanilytica XIL11T, C. humilata ATCC 25174T and C. composti TR7-06T were 58.1 ± 1.6%, 56.7 ± 0.8%, 30.3 ± 1.6%, 22.8 ± 1.6%, 19.9 ± 1.6%, and 13.5 ± 3.0%, respectively. Strain THG-SMD2.3T was also found to be able to grow at 20–42 °C, at 0–3% NaCl and at pH 5.5–10. The major fatty acids were identified as anteiso-C15:0, iso-C15:0, anteiso-C17:0 and iso-C14:0. The predominant menaquinone was identified as tetrahydrogenated menaquinones with nine isoprene units [MK-9(H4)]. The polar lipids were found to be diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, two unidentified aminolipids and two unidentified phospholipids. Based on these phenotypic, genotypic and phylogenetic characterisations strain THG-SMD2.3T (= KACC 19341T = CGMCC 1.16303T) is concluded to represent a novel species of the genus Cellulomonas, for which the name Cellulomonas aurantiaca sp. nov. is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Gram-stain-negative, facultatively anaerobic, non-motile and rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated THG-SD5.5T, was isolated from a soil sample collected in a tangerine field, Republic of Korea. According to the 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons, the isolate was identified as a member of the genus Chitinophaga and to be closely related to Chitinophaga ginsengihumi KACC 17604T (97.9%) and Chitinophaga rupis KACC 14521T (97.5%). The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities with other species of the genus Chitinophaga were in the range 92.8–95.5%. Catalase test was positive. Oxidase test was negative. The DNA G + C content was determined to be 46.1 mol%. DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain THG-SD5.5T and C. ginsengihumi KACC 17604T and C. rupis KACC 14521T were 45.1% and 15.6%, respectively. Strain THG-SD5.5T was also found to be able to grow at 24–33 °C, at 0–5% NaCl and at pH 5.5–9.0. The major fatty acids were identified as anteiso-C15:0, C16:0, anteiso-C17:0 and C18:0. The dominant respiratory quinone was identified as menaquinone-7 (MK-7). The polar lipids were found to be diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, an unidentified aminolipid, two unidentified phospholipids and three unidentified lipids. Based on these phenotypic, genotypic and phylogenetic characterisations, strain THG-SD5.5T (= KACC 19338T = CGMCC 1.16304T) is concluded to represent a novel species of the genus Chitinophaga, for which the name Chitinophaga aurantiaca sp. nov. is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents two science teachers, Catherine and Jennifer, who took their first steps toward teaching socioscientific issues through collaborative action research. The teachers participated in the collaborative action research project because they wanted to address socioscientific issues but had limited experience in teaching them. The research questions included what kinds of challenges the teachers encountered when implementing socioscientific issues and to what extent they resolved the challenging issues as participating in collaborative action research. The primary data source consisted of audiotapes of regular group meetings containing information on the process of constructing and implementing lesson plans and reflecting on their teaching of socioscientific issues. We also collected classroom videotapes of the teachers' instruction and audiotapes of students' small group discussions and their worksheets. The findings indicated that when addressing socioscientific issues in the classes, the teachers encountered several challenging issues. We categorized them into four: (1) restructuring classroom dynamics and culture, (2) scaffolding students' engagement in socioscientific issues, (3) dealing with values, and (4) finding their niche in schools. However, this study showed that collaborative action research could be a framework for helping the teachers to overcome such challenges and have successful experiences of teaching socioscientific issues. These experiences became good motivation, to gradually develop their understanding of teaching socioscientific issues and instructional strategies for integrating the knowledge and skills that they had accumulated over the years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a robust radioanalytical method for tracking carbonaceous particulates in vivo, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from diesel exhaust were labeled with a radioactive-iodine-tagged pyrene analogue. Single-photon emission computed tomography and biodistribution studies showed high uptake and slow clearance of this matter in the respiratory system, which may underlie its severe toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We herein report a convenient radiolabeling method capable of real-time in vivo imaging and biodistribution of bacteria in a living subject. Escherichia coli (E. coli), a model microorganism in this study, was incubated with technetium-99m (99mTc) tricarbonyl under physiological conditions provided radiolabeled bacterial cells. 99mTc-labeled bacterial cells were obtained in high yield (42%, n = 5) and purity (> 99%) within 30 min. In vitro radiolabeling study using cellular components revealed that 99mTc could be incorporated with cytosolic proteins and it was maintained stably in E. coli under several media including mouse serum, high salt solutions with varying pH. SPECT/CT images and organ biodistribution of 99mTc-labeled bacterial cells showed quantitative in vivo behavior and accumulation of E. coli in mice. The radiolabeling method demonstrated here will be a promising platform tool for in vivo tracking and biodistribution of infectious microorganism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of hiziki extract on alveolar bone loss, inflammation, and osteo-biomarker expression in hPDL cells (10, 50, 100 μg/ml final concentrations in culture medium) and on a ligature-induced periodontitis rat model (50, 100, 200 mg/kg with oral administration). Hiziki extract increased alkaline phosphatase activity and mineralized nodule formation in hPDL cell. In western blot analysis, hiziki extract resulted in increased expression of osteoblast markers, including transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), SMAD anchor for receptor activation (SARA) and runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) in hDPL cells. Additionally, expression of osteoclast markers and inflammatory cytokines was inhibited, which were receptor activator of NF-κB (RANK), RANK receptor (RANKL) and nuclear factor of activated T cells, cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1). Hiziki extract also prevented alveolar bone loss in a ligature-induced periodontitis rat model through reducing the distance between cementoenamel junction and alveolar bone crest (CBJ-ABC) and furcation involvement. These findings suggested that hiziki extract has prophylactic potential for the prevention of periodontitis through anti-inflammation and, anti-bone resorption effects and the inhibition of alveolar bone destruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radix Scutellariae (RS) has long been used in the treatment of inflammatory and allergic diseases. Its main flavonoids, baicalin (BG) and wogonoside (WG), can be hydrolyzed into their corresponding aglycones, baicalein (B) and wogonin (W). In this study, we developed a safe and effective method of transforming these glycosides using Peclyve PR. The transformation rate of BG and WG reached 98.5 and 98.1%, respectively, with 10% enzyme at 40 °C for 60 h. Furthermore, we compared the anti-photoaging activity of RS before and after enzyme treatment, as well as their respective main components, in UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells. Results found that enzyme-treated RS (ERS) appeared to be much better at preventing UVB-induced photoaging than RS. ERS significantly inhibited the upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase-1 and IL-6 caused by UVB radiation by inactivating the MAPK/AP-1 and NF-κB/IκB-α signaling pathways. ERS treatment also recovered UVB-induced reduction of procollagen type I by activating the TGF-β/Smad pathway. In addition, ERS exhibited an excellent antioxidant activity, which could increase the expression of cytoprotective antioxidants such as HO-1 and NQ-O1, by facilitating Nrf2 nuclear transfer. These findings demonstrated that the photoprotective effects of RS were significantly improved by enzyme-modified biotransformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We herein report a new bioremediation method using a radiation-resistant bacterium. Biogenic gold nanomaterial-containing Deinococcus radiodurans R1 showed excellent capability for the removal of radioactive iodine (＞99%) in several aqueous solutions. These observations demonstrated that our remediation system would be efficiently applied to the treatment of radioactive wastes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hizikia fusiforme, a brown seaweed, has been utilized as a health food and in traditional medicine. In this study, we investigated whether enzyme-modified H. fusiforme extracts (EH) have immunological effects compared with normal H. fusiforme extracts (NH). The effects of NH and EH on immune responses were investigated by assessing nitric oxide (NO) production, phagocytosis, and cytokine secretion in RAW 264.7 murine macrophages and mice. Also, fucosterol was evaluated to find the active component of NH and EH by addressing cytotoxicity test and NO production. Both of NH and EH significantly increased cell viability and NO synthesis. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) expression was more induced by EH with LPS treatment. Phagocytic activity, as the primary function of macrophages, was markedly induced by EH treatment. Additionally, EH encouraged splenocyte proliferation and recovered the levels of cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in mice. Finally, fucosterol increased NO production with no cytotoxicity, which means that fucosterol is an active component of EH. In conclusion, EH has the potential to modulate immune function and could offer positive therapeutic effect for immune system diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strain THG-SQA7, a Gram-negative, strictly aerobic, non-motile, rod-shaped bacterium was isolated from rhizosphere soil of a rose in PR China. Strain THG-SQA7 is closely related to the members of the genus Sphingobium, showing the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities with Sphingobium lactosutens KACC 18100 (98.2 %) and Sphingobium abikonense KCTC 2864 (98.1 %). The DNA-DNA relatedness between strain THG-SQA7 and S. lactosutens KACC 18100 and S. abikonense KCTC 2864 was 26.2 ± 0.9 and 28.3 ± 1.2 %, respectively. Chemotaxonomic data showed that strain THG-SQA7 possesses ubiquinone Q-10 as the predominant respiratory quinone, and C ω7 c, C, summed feature 3 (C ω7 c and/or C ω6 c) and C 2OH as the major fatty acids. The major polar lipids were found to be phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, sphingoglycolipid, diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidyldimethylethanolamine. Based on these results, together with phenotypic characterization, a novel species, Sphingobium soli sp. nov. is proposed.with the type strain is THG-SQA7 (=CCTCC AB 2015125 = KCTC 42607). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel Gram-stain negative, yellow coloured, strictly aerobic, rod-shaped, non-motile bacterium designated as THW-SA1, was isolated from lake water near Samsung apartment, Suwon, Republic of Korea. The phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain THW-SA1 belongs to the genus Novosphingobium and is closely related to Novosphingobium taihuense (97.8 %) and Novosphingobium subterraneum (97.1 %). The DNA-DNA relatedness values between strain THW-SA1 and the most closely related type strains were found to be less than 30.0 %. The DNA G+C content was determined to be 67.5 mol%. The strain grows optimally at 25-28 °C, at pH 7.0, and in the presence of 0.5 % NaCl. The predominant isoprenoid quinone was identified as ubiquinone Q-10. The polar lipid profile comprises diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidyldimethylethanolamine, sphingoglycolipid, phosphatidylcholine, some unidentified phospholipids and some unidentified polar lipids. Fatty acids characteristic for this genus, such as C, C 2-OH, C ω6 c and/or C ω7 c (summed feature 3) and C ω6 c and/or C ω7 c (summed feature 8) were also detected. On the basis of the phenotypic and genotypic analysis, the strain THW-SA1 is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Novosphingobium, for which the name Novosphingobium aquaticum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is THW-SA1 (=KCTC 42608=CCTCC AB 2015114). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A bacterial strain, designated as THG-SKA3, was isolated from field soil of Kyung Hee University, South Korea. Cells of the isolate were observed to be Gram-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped and motile by gliding. The strain was found to grow optimally at 28 °C, at pH 7 and in absence of NaCl. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons, strain THG-SKA3 shared highest sequence similarity with Lysobacter niastensis KACC 11588 followed by Lysobacter panacisoli KACC 17502, Lysobacter enzymogenes LMG 8762 and Lysobacter oryzae KCTC 22249. The G+C content of THG-SKA3 was determined to be 68.9 mol%. The DNA-DNA relatedness values between strain THG-SKA3 and its closest phylogenetic neighbors were below 25.0 %.The major polar lipids of strain THG-SKA3 were determined to be diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine. The predominant respiratory quinone was identified as ubiquinone 8 (Q-8). The major cellular fatty acids were identified as branched chain iso-C, iso-C and unsaturated iso-C ω9 c. On the basis of polyphasic data presented, it is evident that strain THG-SKA3 represents a novel species of the genus Lysobacter, for which the name Lysobacter agri sp. nov. (type strain THG-SKA3 = KACC 18283 = CSCTCC AB 2015126) is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A yellowish colored, Gram-staining negative, strictly aerobic, motile, rod-shaped bacterium, designated THG-SQE7, was isolated from reed pond water in Shangqiu, PR China. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that strain THG-SQE7 is most closely related to Hydrogenophaga pseudoflava ATCC 33668 (98.4 %), followed by Hydrogenophaga bisanensis K102 (97.6 %) and Hydrogenophaga flava CCUG 1658 (97.6 %). DNA-DNA hybridization showed 53.5, 36.0 and 22.5 % DNA re-association with H. pseudoflava KCTC 2348, H. bisanensis KCTC 12980 and H. flava KCTC 1648, respectively. Chemotaxonomic data revealed that strain THG-SQE7 possesses ubiquinone-8 as the only isoprenoid quinone, summed feature 3 (C ω7 c and/or C ω6 c), C and C ω7 c as the major fatty acids. The major polar lipids were found to be phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and diphosphatidylglycerol. The DNA G+C content was determined to be 63.7 mol%. These data corroborated the affiliation of strain THG-SQE7 to the genus Hydrogenophaga. Thus, the isolate represents a novel species, for which the name Hydrogenophaga luteola sp. nov. is proposed, with THG-SQE7 as the type strain (=KCTC 42501 = CCTCC AB 2014314 = JCM 30433). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel bacterial strain, designated as THG-SC4, was isolated from a soil sample collected from Yongin city in South Korea. Cells of the strain were Gram-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped and non-motile. The strain grew optimally at 28-30 °C; at pH 7.0 and in the absence of NaCl. Flexirubin-type pigments were found to be present. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, strain THG-SC4 was shown to belong to the genus Taibaiella and shares high sequence similarity with Taibaiella smilacinae KCTC 32316 (95.4 %), followed by Taibaiella koreensis KACC 17171 (94.3 %) and Taibaiella chishuiensis JCM 19637 (94.2 %). The DNA G+C content of the novel isolate was determined to be 43.1 mol% and MK-7 was identified as the predominant isoprenoid quinone. The only polyamine was homospermidine. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, an unidentified aminophospholipid and an unidentified polar lipid. The predominant fatty acids were identified as iso-C, iso-C G, C and iso-C3-OH. On the basis of data from this polyphasic taxonomic study, strain THG-SC4 is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Taibaiella, for which the name Taibaiella yonginensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is THG-SC4 (=KACC 18372 = CCTCC AB 2014316). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A yellow-colored, Gram-negative, strictly aerobic, non-motile, rod-shaped bacterium, designated THG-MM5, was isolated from road soil in Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence, strain THG-MM5 was moderately related to Sphingomonas sediminicola KACC 15039 (96.1 %), Sphingomonas ginsengisoli KACC 16858 (96.1 %) and Sphingomonas jaspsi KACC 13230 (96.0 %). Chemotaxonomic data revealed that strain THG-MM5 possesses ubiquinone-10 as the only respiratory quinone, sym-homospermidine as the major polyamine and summed feature 3 (C ω7 c and/or C ω6 c), C ω7 c and C as the major fatty acids. The polar lipid profile included sphingoglycolipid. The DNA G + C content was 60.7 mol%. These data, together with phenotypic characterization, corroborated the affiliation of strain THG-MM5 to the genus Sphingomonas. Thus, the isolate represents a novel species, for which the name Sphingomonas flavus sp. nov. is proposed, with THG-MM5 as the type strain (=KACC 18277 = CCTCC AB 2014320). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel Gram-negative, aerobic, yellow-pigmented, non-motile and rod-shaped bacterium, designated as THG-SM1, was isolated from field soil collected from Suwon, South Korea. The strain was found to grow optimally at 28 °C, at pH 7.0 and in the absence of NaCl. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities, strain THG-SM1 belongs to the genus Flavobacterium and is most closely related to Flavobacterium terrae KACC 11731, followed by Flavobacterium columnare KACC 11683 and Flavobacterium enshiense KCTC 23775. The DNA G+C content of the novel isolate was determined to be 38.5 mol%. In DNA-DNA hybridization tests, the DNA relatedness between strain THG-SM1 and its closest phylogenetic neighbour F. terrae was below 50 %. Flexirubin-type pigments were found to be present. The major polar lipid and isoprenoid quinone were phosphatidylethanolamine and menaquinone 6 (MK-6), respectively. The main cellular fatty acids were identified as iso-CG, iso-C 3OH, iso-C and iso-C. The DNA-DNA hybridization result and differentiating chemotaxonomic and phenotypic characteristics showed that strain THG-SM1 represents a novel species of the genus Flavobacterium, for which the name Flavobacterium vireti sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is THG-SM1 (=KACC 18371 = CCTCC AB2014312). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two bacterial strains, designated THG-DN8.7 and THG-DN8.3, were isolated from the rhizosphere of a strawberry plant in Gyeryong Mountain, South Korea. Cells of both isolates were observed to be Gram-negative, yellow-coloured and rod-shaped. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain THG-DN8.7 had highest sequence similarities to Lysobacter yangpyeongensis KACC 11407 (97.2 %), Lysobacter niabensis KACC 11587 (97.0 %) and Lysobacter oryzae KCTC 22249 (96.9 %), while strain THG-DN8.3 had closely similarity with L. niabensis KACC 11587 (98.1 %), L. oryzae KCTC 22249 (97.1 %) and L. yangpyeongensis KACC 11407 (96.1 %). DNA-DNA relatedness values between strains THG-DN8.7 and THG-DN8.3 and their closest phylogenetically neighbours were below 30.0 %, which indicates that strains THG-DN8.7 and THG-DN8.3 represent distinct species within the genus Lysobacter. Both strains were found to contain iso-C, iso-C and iso-C ω9 c as predominant fatty acids and ubiquinone-8 as major isoprenoid quinone. The major polar lipids were identified as phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidyl- N-methylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and diphosphatidylglycerol. The DNA G+C content of strains THG-DN8.7 and THG-DN8.3 were determined to be 66.9 and 67.8 mol%, respectively. These data are consistent with the affiliation of the two new species represented by THG-DN8.7 and THG-DN8.3 to the genus Lysobacter. The names Lysobacter fragariae sp. nov. and Lysobacter rhizosphaerae sp. nov. are proposed for these species with the type strains THG-DN8.7 (=KCTC 42236 = JCM 30322) and THG-DN8.3 (=KCTC 42237 = JCM 30321), respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT A sucrose utilization pathway was established in Ralstonia eutropha NCIMB11599 and R. eutropha 437-540 by introducing the Mannheimia succiniciproducens MBEL55E sacC gene that encodes β-fructofuranosidase. These engineered strains were examined for the production of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) [P(3HB)] and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate- co-lactate) [P(3HB- co-LA)], respectively, from sucrose as a carbon source. It was found that β-fructofuranosidase excreted into the culture medium could hydrolyze sucrose to glucose and fructose, which were efficiently used as carbon sources by recombinant R. eutropha strains. When R. eutropha NCIMB11599 expressing the sacC gene was cultured in nitrogen-free chemically defined medium containing 20 g/L of sucrose, a high P(3HB) content of 73.2 wt% could be obtained. In addition, R. eutropha 437-540 expressing the Pseudomonas sp. MBEL 6-19 phaC1437 gene and the Clostridium propionicum pct540 gene accumulated P(3HB- co-21.5 mol% LA) to a polymer content of 19.5 wt% from sucrose by the expression of the sacC gene and the Escherichia coli ldhA gene. The molecular weights of P(3HB) and P(3HB- co-21.5 mol%LA) synthesized in R. eutropha using sucrose as a carbon source were 3.52 × 105 (Mn) and 2.19 × 104 (Mn), respectively. The engineered R. eutropha strains reported here will be useful for the production of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) from sucrose, one of the most abundant and relatively inexpensive carbon sources. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2015;112: 638-643. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to our increasing concerns on environmental problems and limited fossil resources, biobased production of chemicals and materials through biorefinery has been attracting much attention. Optimization of the metabolic performance of microorganisms, the key biocatalysts for the efficient production of the desired target bioproducts, has been achieved by metabolic engineering. Metabolic engineering allowed more efficient production of polyhydroxyalkanoates, a family of microbial polyesters. More recently, non-natural polyesters containing lactate as a monomer have also been produced by one-step fermentation of engineered bacteria. Systems metabolic engineering integrating traditional metabolic engineering with systems biology, synthetic biology, protein/enzyme engineering through directed evolution and structural design, and evolutionary engineering, enabled microorganisms to efficiently produce natural and non-natural products. Here, we review the strategies for the metabolic engineering of microorganisms for the in vivo biosynthesis of lactate-containing polyesters and for the optimization of whole cell metabolism to efficiently produce lactate-containing polyesters. Also, major problems to be solved to further enhance the production of lactate-containing polyesters are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Xanthophylls, a yellow pigment belonging to the carotenoid family, have attracted much attention for industrial applications due to their versatile nature. We report the isolation of a homo xanthophyll pigment-producing marine bacterium, identified as the Erythrobacter sp. SDW2 strain, from coastal seawater. The isolated Erythrobacter sp. SDW2 strain can produce 263 ± 12.9 mg/L (89.7 ± 5.4 mg/g dry cell weight) of yellow xanthophyll pigment from 5 g/L of glucose. Moreover, the xanthophyll pigment produced by the SDW2 strain exhibits remarkable antioxidative activities, confirmed by the DPPH (73.4 ± 1.4%) and ABTS (84.9 ± 0.7%) assays. These results suggest that the yellow xanthophyll pigment-producing Erythrobacter sp. SDW2 strain could be a promising industrial microorganism for producing marine-derived bioactive compounds with potential for foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crataegus pinnatifida has a long history of use in traditional oriental herbal medicine to stimulating digestion and improving blood circulation. Based on nutrition of hair, the present study was conducted to assess the effect of C. pinnatifida extract on hair growth using mouse model and its mechanisms of action. The C. pinnatifida extract containing the contents of total polyphenol of 5.88□0.82 g gallic acid/100 g extract and proanthocyanidin of 9.15□1.58 mg cyaniding chloride/100 g extract was orally administered daily at a dosage of 50 mg/kg weight to the 7-week-old C57BL/6 mice in telogen. The C. pinnatifida extract promoted hair growth by inducing anagen phase in mice in telogen, reflected by color of skin, thickness of hair shaft, and density of hair. The ratio of anagento telogen was determined by shape of hair follicles in vertically sectioned slide and increased by oral administration of C. pinnatifida extract. The number and the size of hair follicles were also enlarged, indicating anagen phase induction. The proliferation of human dermal papilla cells (hDPC) was accelerated by addition of C. pinnatifida extract, which activated the signaling of mitogen-activated protein kinases (Erk, p-38, and JNK) and Akt. Moreover, the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax as the determinant of cell fate was also raised in skin. These results suggest that the C. pinnatifida extract promotes hair growth by inducing anagen phase, which might be mediated by the activation of cellular signalings that enhance the survival of cultured hDPC and the increase of the ratio of Bcl-2 to Bax that protects cells against cell death. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laquer tree ( Rhus verniciflua Stokes; Anacardiaceae, RVS) has been used in oriental medicines. This study examined whether the extract of RVS free of urushiol (detoxified RVS extract, DRE) exerting antiinflammation could alleviate the symptoms of atopic dermatitis (AD) induced with 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) in NC/Nga mice. DRE contained flavonoids like fustin (153 mg/g), fisetin (14.6 mg/g), sulfuretin (13.3 mg/g), and quercetin (0.95 mg/g). DRE (10 μg/mL) decreased the production of nitric oxide activated by lipopolysaccharide. Oral administration of DRE (200 mg/kg weight/day) decreased scratching frequencies, the epidermal thickness on dorsal skin, and the number of degranulated mast cell. DRE significantly lowered the levels of IgE in sera ( p<0.01), which were elevated by DNCB. DNCB reciprocally raised IL-4 and lowered IFN-γ in media of spleenocyte. DRE reversely raised IFN-γ and lowered IL-4. Contrastively, dexamethasone suppressed the overall immune reactions. In conclusion, DRE inhibited Th2-mediated IgE overproduction through modulation of Th1/2 balance, which was in part attributed to anti-inflammatory activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Gram-reaction-negative, strictly aerobic, non-motile, non-spore-forming, and rod-shaped bacterial strain designated Gsoil 1429 was isolated from the soil of ginseng cultivating field of Pocheon province in South Korea. This bacterium was characterized in order to determine its taxonomic position by using the polyphasic approach. Strain Gsoil 1429 grew well at 25-37°C and at pH 7.0 on R2A and nutrient agar without NaCl supplement. Strain Gsoil 1429 had -glucosidase activity, which was responsible for its ability to transform ginsenoside Rb1 (one of the dominant active components of ginseng) to F via gypenoside XVII. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, strain Gsoil 1429 was shown to belong to the family Sphingomonadaceae and to be related to Sphingomonas yunnanensis YIM 003 (98.2% sequence similarity), S. phyllosphaerae FA2 (97.5%), S. koreensis JSS26 (97.3%), and S. asaccharolytica IFO 15499 (97.1%). The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 65.6%. The major respiratory quinone was Q-10 and the major fatty acids were summed feature 8 (comprising C 7c/ωt/12t), C and C2OH. DNA and chemotaxonomic data supported the affiliation of strain Gsoil 1429T to the genus Sphingomonas. The DNA-DNA relatedness values between strain Gsoil 1429 and its closest phylogenetically neighbours were below 28%. Strain Gsoil 1429 could be differentiated genotypically and phenotypically from the recognized species of the genus Sphingomonas. The isolate therefore represents a novel species, for which the name Sphingomonas ginsenosidimutans sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain Gsoil 1429 (=KACC 14949 =JCM 17074 =LMG 25799). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gram-positive, rod-shaped, non-spore-forming bacterium (Gsoil 485) was isolated from the soil of a ginseng field located in Pocheon province in South Korea. This bacterium was characterized in order to determine its taxonomic position by using the polyphasic approach. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, strain Gsoil 485 was shown to belong to the family Nocardioidaceae and related to Nocardioides koreensis (96.8% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity), Nocardioides basaltis (96.7%), Nocardioides salarius (96.7%), and Nocardioides sediminis (96.5%). The sequence similarity with other species that had validly published names within the genus Nocardioides was less than 96.4%. Strain Gsoil 485 was characterized chemotaxonomically as having LL-2,6-diaminopimelic acid in a cell-wall peptidoglycan, MK-8(H) as the predominant menaquinone, and iso-C, C ω9 c as the major fatty acids. The G+C content of genomic DNA was 71.6 mol%. The chemotaxonomic properties and phenotypic characteristics supported the affiliation of strain Gsoil 485 to the genus Nocardioides. The results of both physiological and biochemical tests allowed for genotypic differentiation of strain Gsoil 485 from the recognized Nocardioides species. Therefore, strain Gsoil 485 is considered to represent the novel species, for which the name Nocardioides ginsengisegetis sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain Gsoil 485 (KACC 14269 =KCTC 19469 =DSM 21349). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A taxonomic study was carried out on Gsoil 142T, a bacterial strain isolated from the soil collected in a ginseng field in Pocheon province, South Korea. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence studies showed a clear affiliation of this bacterium to the Gammaproteobacteria, and it was most closely related to Hydrocarboniphaga effusa ATCC BAA 332T (94.4%, 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity), Nevskia ramosa DSM 11499T (94.1%) and Alkanibacter difficilis MN154.3T (92.0%). Strain Gsoil 142T was a Gram-negative, strictly aerobic, motile, and rod-shaped bacterium. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 69.9% and predominant ubiquinone was Q-8. Major fatty acids were summed feature 8 (C18:1 ω7 c and/or ω6 c, 36.3%), summed feature 3 (iso-C15:0 2-OH and/or C16:1 ω7 c, 20.6%) and C16:0 (17.4%). The major polar lipids detected in strain Gsoil 142T were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, and an unknown glycolipid. On the basis of polyphasic evidence, it is proposed that strain Gsoil 142T should be placed in a novel genus and species, for which the name Panacagrimonas perspica gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Gsoil 142T (= KCTC 12982T = LMG 23239T). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of waterborne poly(urethane-urea) anionomers were prepared from isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), polycaprolactone diol (PCL), dimethylol propionic acid (DMPA), ethylene diamine (EDA), and triethylamine (TEA), NaOH, or Cu(COOCH3)2 as neutralizing agent. This study was performed to decide the effect of neutralizing agent type on the particle size, viscosity, hydrogen bonding index, adhesive strength, antistaticity, antibacterial and mechanical properties. The particle size of the dispersions decreased in the following order: TEA based samples (T-sample), NaOH based samples(N-sample), and Cu(COOCH3)2 based sample (C-sample). The viscosity of the dispersions increased in the order of C-sample, N-sample, and T-sample. Metal salt based film samples (N and C-sample) had much higher antistaticity than TEA based sample. By infrared spectroscopy, it was found that the hydrogen bonding index (or fraction) of samples decreased in the order of T-sample, N-sample, and C-sample. The adhesive strength and tensile modulus/strength decreased in the order of T-sample, N-sample, and C-sample. The C-sample had strong antibacterial halo, however, T- and N-samples did not. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A correction to the article "Lysobacter fragariae sp. nov. and Lysobacter rhizosphaerae sp. nov. isolated from rhizosphere of strawberry plant" that was published in a previous issue is presented.

Cohen syndrome (CS), a rare autosomal recessive disorder, has been associated with genetic mutations in the VPS13B gene, which regulates vesicle-mediated protein sorting and transport. However, the cellular mechanism underlying CS pathogenesis in patient-derived human neurons remains unknown. We identified a novel compound heterozygous mutation, due to homozygous variation of biparental origin and heterozygous variation inherited from the father, in the VPS13B gene in a 20-month-old female patient. To understand the cellular pathogenic mechanisms, we generated induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from the fibroblasts of the CS patient. The iPSCs were differentiated into forebrain-like functional glutamatergic neurons or neurospheres. Functional annotation from transcriptomic analysis using CS iPSC-derived neurons revealed that synapse-related functions were enriched among the upregulated and downregulated genes in the CS neurons, whereas processes associated with neurodevelopment were enriched in the downregulated genes. The developing CS neurospheres were small in size compared to control neurospheres, likely due to the reduced proliferation of SOX2-positive neural stem cells. Moreover, the number of SV2B-positive puncta and spine-like structures was significantly reduced in the CS neurons, suggesting synaptic dysfunction. Taking these findings together, for the first time, we report a potential cellular pathogenic mechanism which reveals the alteration of neurodevelopment-related genes and the dysregulation of synaptic function in the human induced neurons differentiated from iPSCs and neurospheres of a CS patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As concerns are increasing about drinking water contamination with heavy metals, we investigated the possible use of a pellicle (floating biofilm)-like biofilm-producing microorganism as a biosorbent for the treatment of Pb(II) in aqueous solutions. The bacterial pellicle-producing Methylobacterium hispanicum EM2 strain (EM2) was newly isolated from mine tailing soil, and we investigated its use as a biosorbent for treating a Pb(II)-contaminated aqueous solution. The EM2 strain was strongly resistant to Pb(II) up to a concentration of 800 mg/L, and achieved remarkable adsorption performance (adsorption rate and maximum adsorption capacity of 96% ± 3.2% and 79.84 mg/g, respectively) under optimal conditions (pH, biomass content, contact time, and initial Pb(II) concentration of 7.1 g/L, 60 min, and 10 mg/L, respectively). The adsorption of Pb(II) was characterized by scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy and Fourier-transform infrared analysis. The equilibrium data matched the Freundlich isotherm model well, indicating the occurrence of multilayer adsorption of Pb(II) onto the heterogeneous surface of the EM2 strain, which was also consistent with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model (R2 = 0.98). The high Pb(II) removal efficiency was also confirmed by conducting an adsorption experiment using Pb(II)-contaminated industrial wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes a novel chromatographic method for efficient removal of anionic dyes from aqueous solutions. Chitosan-coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles can easily be immobilized on a dextran gel column. Single elution of Evans Blue (EB) solution to the nanoadsorbent-incorporated columns provides high removal efficiency with a maximum adsorption capacity of 243.9 mg/g. We also investigated the influence of initial concentration and solution pH on the removal efficiency of EB. The electrostatic interaction between the adsorbent surface and negatively charged sulfate groups on EB molecules promotes the efficient adsorption of dyes. The equilibrium data matched well with the Langmuir isotherm model, which indicated monolayer dye adsorption onto the adsorbent surface. To extend the application of the current method, we performed further adsorption experiments using other anionic dyes of different colors (Cy5.5, Acid Yellow 25, Acid Green 25, and Acid Red 1). All of these molecules can efficiently be captured under continuous flow conditions, with higher removal efficiency obtained with more negatively charged dyes. These findings clearly demonstrate that the present approach is a useful method for the removal of anionic dye contaminants in aqueous media by adsorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As concerns about public health and environmental problems regarding contamination by toxic substances increase worldwide, the development of a highly effective and specific treatment method is imperative. Although physicochemical arsenic treatment methods have been developed, microbial in vivo remediation processes using live cell fabricated nanoparticles have not yet been reported. Herein, we report the development of magnetic iron nanoparticles immobilized an extremophilic microorganism, Deinococcus radiodurans R1, capable of removing toxic arsenic species. First, in vivo synthesis of magnetic iron nanoparticles was successfully achieved with the D. radiodurans R1 strain and characterized by scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta-potential, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis. Second, the maximum removal capacity of the magnetic iron nanoparticle-immobilized D. radiodurans R1 strain (DR-FeNPs) for arsenic [As(V)] was evaluated under the optimized conditions. Finally, the removal capacity of DR-FeNPs in the presence of various competitive anions was also investigated to simulate the practical application. More than 98% of As(V) was efficiently removed by DR-FeNPs within 1 h, and the removal efficiency was stably maintained for up to 32 h (98.97%). Furthermore, the possibility of recovery of DR-FeNPs after use was also suggested using magnets as a proof-of-concept. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]