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Abstract: Strain Cad16T is a small-celled purple sulfur bacterium (PSB) isolated from the chemocline of crenogenic meromictic Lake Cadagno, Switzerland. Long term in situ observations showed that Cad16T regularly grows in very compact clumps of cells in association with bacteria belonging to the genus Desulfocapsa in a cell-to-cell three dimensional structure. Previously assigned to the genus Lamprocystis, Cad16T, was here reclassified and assigned to the genus Thiodictyon. Based on comparative 16S rRNA gene sequences analysis, isolate Cad16T was closely related to Thiodictyon bacillosum DSM234T and Thiodictyon elegans DSM232T with sequence similarities of 99.2% and 98.9%, respectively. Moreover, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) analysis separated Cad16T from other PSB genera, Lamprocystis and Thiocystis. Major differences in cell morphology (oval-sphere compared to rod-shaped) and arrangement (no netlike cell aggregates), carotenoid group (presence of okenone instead of rhodopinal), chemolithotrophic growth as well as the ability to form syntrophic associations with a sulfate-reducing bacteria of the genus Desulfocapsa suggested a different species within the genus Thiodictyon. This isolate is therefore proposed and described as Candidatus “Thiodictyon syntrophicum” sp. nov., a provisionally novel species within the genus Thiodictyon. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Mouse Lymphoma Expert Workgroup of the International Workshop for Genotoxicity Tests (IWGT) met in Basel, Switzerland in August of 2009. The Workgroup (WG) was tasked with discussing the appropriate top concentration for non-pharmaceuticals that would be required for the conduct of the mouse lymphoma assay (MLA) when sufficient cytotoxicity [to between 10 and 20% relative total growth (RTG)] has not been attained. The WG approached this task by (1) enumerating the various regulatory decisions/use for MLA data, (2) discussing the appropriate assays to which MLA data and assay performance should be compared and (3) discussing all the proposals put forth concerning the top concentration for non-pharmaceuticals. In addition, one of the members presented a summary of a re-evaluation of the National Toxicology Program MLA data using the IWGT harmonized guidance that was underway as a separate (non IWGT) activity, being conducted by two members of the Expert WG. The WG was asked to vote on each of the various proposals for top concentration for when cytotoxicity is not concentration limiting. While there was general agreement that the top concentration for non-pharmaceuticals should be re-evaluated and likely lowered from the current recommended levels, there was no agreement on a specific new recommendation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]