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In recent years, the research of fucoidans has steadily increased. The interest in these substances is due to their various biological activities. Despite a wide range of biological activity and the lack of oral toxicity, fucoidans remain relatively unexploited as a source of medicines because of their heterogeneity. Enzymes that degrade polyanionic polysaccharides are widely used for establishing their structures and structure-activity relationships. Sometimes, to obtain preparations of polysaccharides with standard characteristics, for example, medicines and food supplements, enzymatic treatment can be also applied. Only a few sources of enzymes with fucoidanase activity have been described, and only a few studies regarding the isolation and characterization of fucoidanases have been performed. The data on the specificity of fucoidanases: the type of cleaved glycoside bond, the relation between catalytic activity and the degree of substrate sulfation are scarce. The review summarizes achievements in the research of fucoidanases, mechanisms of enzymatic degradation of fucoidans, aswell as of structures of sulfated fucooligosaccharides obtained under the action of fucoidanases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study proposed a non-radioactive quantitative measurement of bacterial production using stable isotope nitrogen-15-labeled deoxyadenosine ([N]-2′-deoxyadenosine; N-dA) by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The method of preparing N-dA described in this study included incubation of seawater or lake water with N-dA for 5-24 h, filtration onto a membrane filter, DNA extraction, enzymatic hydrolysis of DNA to nucleosides and quantification of N-dA by LC-MS. In the DNA extraction, the silica beads method was examined first, but a large amount of salts and enzymatic inhibitors used in the method caused failure of subsequent procedures, such as enzymatic hydrolysis and LC-MS analysis. On the other hand, the magnetic beads method showed much better results for the extraction. The incorporation rate of N-dA was significantly positively correlated to that of tritium-labeled thymidine (H-TdR) in samples of coastal seawaters and lake waters. The average N-dA: H-TdR incorporation ratio for the seawater sample was 0.55 with 2.5 and 97.5 % confidence intervals of 0.51 and 0.58, respectively; the average ratio for the lake water sample was 0.28 with 2.5 and 97.5 % confidence intervals of 0.23 and 0.34, respectively. The results suggest that the N-dA method can be applied to the measurement of bacterial production in aquatic ecosystems, and that this method can accurately predict the DNA synthesis rates measured by the conventional method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pontibacter roseus is a member of genus Pontibacter family Cytophagaceae, class Cytophagia. While the type species of the genus Pontibacter actiniarum was isolated in 2005 from a marine environment, subsequent species of the same genus have been found in different types of habitats ranging from seawater, sediment, desert soil, rhizosphere, contaminated sites, solar saltern and muddy water. Here we describe the features of Pontibacter roseus strain SRC-1T along with its complete genome sequence and annotation from a culture of DSM 17521T. The 4,581,480 bp long draft genome consists of 12 scaffolds with 4,003 protein-coding and 50 RNA genes and is a part of Genomic Encyclopedia of Type Strains: KMG-I project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nine non-pigmented, motile, Gram-negative bacteria originally designated as Alteromonas macleodii deep-sea ecotypes, were isolated from seawater samples collected from four separate locations; two deep-sea sites in the Mediterranean Sea and surface water of the Aegean Sea and English Channel. The six strains studied in vitro were found to tolerate up to 20 % NaCl. The DNA-DNA relatedness between the deep-sea ecotype strains was found to be between 75 and 89 %, whilst relatedness with the validly named Alteromonas species was found to be between 31 and 69 %. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) amongst the deep-sea ecotype strains was found to be 98-100 %; the in silico genome-to-genome distance (GGD), 85-100 %; the average amino acid identity (AAI) of all conserved protein-coding genes, 95-100 %; and the strains possessed 30-32 of the Karlin's genomic signature dissimilarity. The ANI between the deep-sea ecotype strains and A. macleodii ATCC 27126 and Alteromonas australica H 17 was found to be 80.6 and 74.6 %, respectively. A significant correlation was observed between the phenotypic data obtained in vitro and data retrieved in silico from whole genome sequences. The results of a phylogenetic study that incorporated a 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, multilocus phylogenetic analysis (MLPA) and genomic analysis, together with the physiological, biochemical and chemotaxonomic data, clearly indicated that the group of deep-sea ecotype strains represents a distinct species within the genus Alteromonas. Based on these data, a new species, Alteromonas mediterranea, is proposed. The type strain is DE ( = CIP 110805 = LMG 28347 = DSM 17117). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A strain designated as S85 was isolated from a seaweed collected from coastal area of Chuuk State in Micronesia. The strain was gram-negative, rod-shaped, and non-motile and formed yellow colonies on the SWY agar (0.2 % yeast extract and 1.5 % agar in seawater) and Marine agar 2216. The strain grew at pH 5-9 (optimum, pH 8), at 15-40 °C (optimum, 25-28 °C), and with 1-9 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 3 %). The phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that strain S85 was related to Lutibacter litoralis CL-TF09 and Maritimimonas rapanae A31 with 91.4 % and with 90.5 % similarity, respectively. The dominant fatty acids were iso-C, iso-C 3-OH and iso-C 3-OH, C 3-OH and summed feature 3 (C ω7c and/or iso-C 2-OH). The major isoprenoid quinone was MK-6. The DNA G+C content of the type strain was 34.6 mol %. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, an unknown glycolipid and two unknown polar lipids. Based on this polyphasic taxonomic data, strain S85 stands for a novel species of a new genus, and we propose the name Ochrovirga pacifica gen. nov., sp. nov. The type strain of O. pacifica is S85 (=KCCM 90106 =JCM 18327). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Gram-negative, aerobic, non-motile, rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated as SWU8, was isolated from a mountain soil collected in Seoul Women's University campus at South Korea. Phylogenic analysis, using 16S rRNA gene sequence of the new isolate, showed that strain SWU8 belongs to the genus Pontibacter. The highest sequence similarities were 96.2 % with Pontibacter saemangeumensis GCM0142, 95.5 % with Pontibacter toksunensis ZLD-7, 95.3 % with Pontibacter roseus DSM 17521, and 95.1 % with Pontibacter odishensis JC130. Chemotaxonomic data showed that the most abundant fatty acids were summed feature 4 (comprising iso-C I /anteiso-C B; 26.9 %), iso-C (25.6 %), and iso-C 3OH (10.6 %), and major polar lipid was phosphatidylethanolamine. The DNA G+C content of strain SWU8 was 48.5 mol%. Together, the phenotypic, phylogenetic, and chemotaxonomic data supported that strain SWU8 presents a novel species of the genus Pontibacter, for which the name Pontibacter humi sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SWU8 (=KEMC 9004-131 = JCM 19178). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A taxonomic study was carried out on strain D104, which was isolated from deep-sea subsurface sediment sample from the Arctic Ocean. The bacterium was found to be Gram-negative, oxidase negative and catalase weakly positive, rod shaped, motile by means of polar flagellum. The organism grows between 4 and 37 °C (optimum 25-28 °C) and 0.5-6 % NaCl (optimum 3 %). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain D104 belongs to the genus Marinomonas, with highest sequence similarities of 97.7 % to Marinomonas ushuaiensis DSM 15871, followed by M. dokdonensis DSW10-10 (96.9 %), M. arenicola KMM 3893 (96.7 %), M. arctica 328 (96.6 %) and other 18 species of the genus Marinomonas (94.4-96.5 %). The average nucleotide identity and estimated DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain D104 and M. ushuaiensis DSM 15871 were 84.24 % and 20.80 ± 2.33 % respectively. The principal fatty acids were C, sum in feature 3 (C ω7 c/C ω6 c), sum in feature 8 (C ω7 c/C ω6 c) and C 3OH. The G + C content of the chromosomal DNA was determined to be 44.8 mol%. The respiratory quinone was found to be Q8 (100 %). Polar lipids include phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine as major phospholipids and aminolipid and phospholipid as minor components. The results of the genotypic and phenotypic analyses indicate that strain D104 represents a novel species of the genus Marinomonas, for which the name Marinomonas profundimaris sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain D104 (=MCCC 1A07573 = LMG 27696). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine sponges harbor diverse microbial communities, encompassing not only three domains of life including Bacteria, Archaea and eukaryotes, but also many different phyla within Bacteria. This diversity implies a rich source for biodiscovery of new natural products. Here, we review recent progress in our understanding of this genetic diversity, its retrieval via culture and genomic approaches, and its implications for chemical diversity and other biotechnology applications of sponge microorganisms and their genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seaweed-associated bacteria play a crucial role in morphogenesis and growth of seaweeds (macroalgae) in direct and/or indirect ways. Bacterial communities belonging to the phyla Proteobacteria and Firmicutes are generally the most abundant on seaweed surfaces. Associated bacterial communities produce plant growth-promoting substances, quorum sensing signalling molecules, bioactive compounds and other effective molecules that are responsible for normal morphology, development and growth of seaweeds. Also, bioactive molecules of associated bacteria determine the presence of other bacterial strains on seaweeds and protect the host from harmful entities present in the pelagic realm. The ecological functions of cross-domain signalling between seaweeds and bacteria have been reported as liberation of carpospores in the red seaweeds and settlement of zoospores in the green seaweeds. In the present review, the role of extracellular polymeric substances in growth and settlement of seaweeds spores is also highlighted. To elucidate the functional roles of associated bacteria and the molecular mechanisms underlying reported ecological phenomena in seaweeds requires a combined ecological, microbiological and biochemical approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few diazotrophs have been found to belong to the family Cytophagaceae so far. In the present study, a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that forms red colonies, was isolated from sands of the Takalamakan desert. It was designated H4XT. Phylogenetic and biochemical analysis indicated that the isolate is a new species of the genus Pontibacter. The 16S rRNA gene of H4XT displays 94.2–96.8% sequence similarities to those of other strains in Pontibacter. The major respiratory quinone is menaquinone-7 (MK-7). The DNA G+C content is 46.6 mol%. The major cellular fatty acids are iso-C15∶0, C16∶1ω5c, summed feature 3 (containing C16∶1ω6c and/or C16∶1ω7c) and summed feature 4 (comprising anteiso-C17∶1B and/or iso-C17∶1I). The major polar lipids are phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), one aminophospholipid (APL) and some unknown phospholipids (PLs). It is interesting to see that this bacterium can grow very well in a nitrogen-free medium. PCR amplification suggested that the bacterium possesses at least one type of nitrogenase gene. Acetylene reduction assay showed that H4XT actually possesses nitrogen-fixing activity. Therefore, it can be concluded that H4XT is a new diazotroph. We thus referred it to as Pontibacter diazotrophicus sp. nov. The type strain is H4XT ( = CCTCC AB 2013049T = NRRL B-59974T). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A recently described marine gliding bacterium Rapidithrix thailandica strain TISTR 1741 was isolated from biofilm specimen collected from the Andaman Sea in Thailand. Four liters fermentation broth of R. thailandica TISTR 1741 cultivated in VY/2 medium were extracted with methanol to yield a novel amino phenyl pyrrolidone derivative compound ( 1) with antibacterial activities. The chemical structure and physico-chemical properties of 1 were investigated by spectrometry techniques. Compound 1 exhibited selective inhibition against vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis (VRE) with the MIC of 5.97 mM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An aerobic, Gram-negative, coccoid to short rod-shaped and non-flagellated marine bacterial strain S354 was isolated from seawater of Micronesia. The strain was capable to degrade agar-forming slight depression into agar plate. Growth occurred at a temperature range of 12-44 °C, a pH range of 5-9, and a salinity range of 1-7 % (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences suggested that S354 belongs to the family Flammeovirgaceae. The novel strain was most closely related to Limibacter armeniacum YM 11-185 with similarity of 92.5 %. The DNA G+C content was 43.8 mol%. The major fatty acids (>10 %) were iso-C and C ω5 c. The predominant isoprenoid quinone was determined to be MK-7. Polar lipid profile of S354 consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine, unknown polar lipid, and unknown glycolipids. Based on the phenotypic, phylogenetic, biochemical, and physiological tests conducted in this study, S354 is proposed to represent a type strain of a novel genus and species. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of S354 is registered in GenBank under the accession number JQ639084. The type of strain Algivirga pacifica gen. nov., sp. nov. is S354 (=KCCM 90107=JCM 18326). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A description of the bacterial communities associated with the Mediterranean pennatulids (sea pens) Pennatula phosphorea and Pteroeides spinosum from the Straits of Messina (Italy) is reported. The automated ribosomal intergenic spacer analysis showed a marked difference between coral (tissues and mucus) and non-coral (underlying sediment and surrounding water) habitats. The diversity of the coral-associated communities was more deeply analysed by sequencing the 16S rRNA genes of bacterial clones. P. phosphorea and P. spinosum harbour distinct bacterial communities, indicating the occurrence of species-specific coral-associated bacteria. In addition, only few phylotypes were shared between mucus and tissues of the same pennatulid species, suggesting that there might be a sort of microhabitat partitioning between the associated microbial communities. The predominance of Alphaproteobacteria was observed for the communities associated with both tissues and mucus of P. phosphorea (84 and 58.2 % of total sequences, respectively). Conversely, the bacterial community in the mucus layer of P. spinosum was dominated by Alphaproteobacteria (74.2 %) as opposed to the tissue library that was dominated by the Gammaproteobacteria and Mollicutes (40.6 and 35.4 %, respectively). The antibacterial activity of 78 bacterial isolates against indicator organisms was assayed. Active isolates (15.4 %), which predominantly affiliated to Vibrio spp., were mainly obtained from coral mucus. Results from the present study enlarge our knowledge on the composition and antibacterial activity of coral-associated bacterial communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel Gram-negative, strictly aerobic, heterotrophic, non-motile and yellow-pigmented bacterial strain, designated HD4, was isolated from the sea urchin Hemicentrotus pulcherrimus collected from the Yellow Sea in China. Optimal growth of the strain was observed at 28-30 °C, pH 6.8-7.3, and in the presence of 3-5 % (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that strain HD4 exhibited high similarity with the members of Salegentibacter (92.3-95.4 %). The DNA G+C content was 37.0 mol%, MK-6 was the main respiratory quinone and summed feature 3 (comprising iso-C 2-OH/Cω7c), iso-C, iso-C 3-OH and anteiso-C were the major cellular fatty acids. The predominant polar lipids in strain HD4 were phosphatidylethanolamine and two unknown lipids (L2, L4). Based on the phylogenetic, physiological and biochemical characteristics, strain HD4 should be classified as a novel species within the genus Salegentibacter, for which the name Salegentibacter echinorum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is HD4 (=CICC 10466 = NRRL B-59666). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A bacterial strain, designated J6, was isolated from activated sludge, collected from a chemical wastewater treatment system in Zhejiang Province of China. The cells stained Gram-negative, were aerobic, pale-yellow, and non-motile short rods. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that the closest relative of this organism was Paracoccus aminophilus KACC 12262 = JCM 7686 (97.4 % sequence similarity). Strain J6 grew at 10-37 °C (optimum 30 °C), at pH 6.0-8.0 (optimum pH 7.0) and with 0-5 % NaCl (optimum 3 %, w/v). The predominant cellular fatty acid found was summed feature 8(C ω7c and/or C ω6c; 82.8 %). The major respiratory quinone-detected was Q-10 and the DNA G+C content was 61.9 mol %. The polar lipid profile consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine and several unknown polar lipids. Strain J6 showed low DNA-DNA relatedness values with P. aminophilus KACC 12262 (28 ± 3 %). The phylogenetic analysis, DNA-DNA hybridization, whole-cell fatty acid composition as well as biochemical characteristics allowed clear differentiation of the isolate from the other type strains of already described Paracoccus species. It is evident from the genotypic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic analyses that strain J6 should be classified as a novel species of the genus Paracoccus, for which the name P. zhejiangensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is J6 (KACC 16703 = CCTCC AB 2012031). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel Gram-negative, orange-pigmented bacterial strain JLT2008 was isolated from the surface seawater of the Western Pacific and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain JLT2008 belonged to the genus Erythrobacter, sharing the highest similarity (96.6 %) with Erythrobacter gangjinensis K7-2 and the lowest similarity (94.9 %) with Erythrobacter litoralis DSM 8509. Strain JLT2008 did not contain bacteriochlorophyll a, and the predominant respiratory lipoquinone was ubiquinone-10. The major fatty acids were C ω7c, C, C ω7c/C ω6c. The prominent polar lipids were sphingoglycolipid, phosphatidylethanolamine, and phosphatidylglycerol. The genomic G + C content was 60.1 mol %. Based on the polyphasic taxonomic data, a novel species within the genus Erythrobacter, and with the name Erythrobacter westpacificensis sp. nov., is proposed. The type strain is JLT2008 (=CGMCC 1.10993 = JCM 18014). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A non-pigmented, motile, Gram-negative bacterium designated H 17 was isolated from a seawater sample collected in Port Phillip Bay (the Tasman Sea, Pacific Ocean). The new organism displayed optimal growth between 4 and 37 °C, was found to be neutrophilic and slightly halophilic, tolerating salt water environments up to 10 % NaCl. Strain H 17 was found to be able to degrade starch and Tween 80 but unable to degrade gelatin or agar. Phosphatidylglycerol (27.7 %) and phosphatidylethanolamine (72.3 %) were found to be the only associated phospholipids. The major fatty acids identified are typical for the genus Alteromonas and include C, Cω7, Cω8 and Cω7. The G+C content of the DNA was found to be 43.4 mol%. A phylogenetic study, based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis and Multilocus Phylogenetic Analysis, clearly indicated that strain H 17 belongs to the genus Alteromonas. The DNA−DNA relatedness between strain H 17 and the validly named Alteromonas species was between 30.7 and 46.4 mol%. Based on these results, a new species, Alteromonas australica, is proposed. The type strain is H 17 (= KMM 6016 = CIP 109921). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eleven compounds were isolated from the culture of an endophytic bacterium Pseudomonas brassicacearum subsp. Neoaurantiaca in Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods as cyclo-(Gly-L-Ala) (1), cyclo-(L-Ala-L-Ala) (2), cyclo-(L-Pro-Gly) (3), cyclo-(L-Pro-L-Ser) (4), cyclo-(L-Ala-trans-4-hydroxy-L-Pro) (5), cyclo-(L-Val-L-Pro) (6), cyclo-(Gly-L-Tyr) (7), cyclo-(L-Ala-L-Tyr) (8), cyclo-(L-Tyr-trans-4-hydroxy-L-Pro) (9), 3-methylhydantoin (10) and 2-piperidinone (11). All these compounds were isolated from this bacterium for the first time. The brine shrimp lethality, antifungal and antibacterial activities of these compounds were evaluated. The results indicated that some cyclodipeptides may play an important role in plant–bacteria interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insect midgut proteases are excellent targets for insecticidal agents such as protease inhibitors. These inhibitors are used for producing transgenic plants, resistant to pests. For achieving this goal, it is necessary to find the nature of specific proteases and their properties for adopting possible pest management procedure. Therefore, characterisation of the enzymes in the gut of the rose sawfly, Arge rosae (Hymenoptera: Argidae), responsible for proteolysis, was performed using a range of synthetic substrates and specific inhibitors. The optimum conditions for general proteases and trypsin were achieved at pH 10. The highest activity for general proteases was obtained at a temperature of 45°C. The use of specific inhibitors and SDS-PAGE (sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis) provided evidence to suggest that most of the proteases belonged to the serine group because of high inhibitory effect of phenyl methane sulfonyl fluoride on total proteolytic activity. Also, inhibition assays and zymogram analysis showed that metalloproteases are present in A. rosae digestive system. These results indicated that A. rosae larvae mainly used serine proteases for protein digestion, with chymotrypsin as the dominant form. The kinetic parameters of trypsin-like proteases using N-benzoyl-dl-arg-p-nitroanilide as substrate indicated that the K m and V max values of trypsin in the gut of the fifth instar larvae were 730 ± 17.3 μM and 456 ± 13.85 nmol min−1 mg−1 protein, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Out of 62 bacterial isolates obtained from the mangrove Avicennia marina rhizosphere that grows along the Abu Dhabi coast, United Arab Emirates (UAE), an isolate of Pseudoalteromonas maricaloris (Wild type strain) (WT) produced relatively high levels of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) deaminase in vitro. Application of this WT strain under greenhouse conditions to A. marina seedlings significantly ( P < 0.05), reduced endogenous levels of ACC in the roots and shoots, and significantly ( P < 0.05) increased the levels of in planta endogenous plant growth regulators (PGRs) including indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), indole-3-pyruvic acid (IPYA), putrescine (Put), spermidine (Spd) and spermine (Spm) in roots and shoots compared with control mangrove seedlings. WT application has also significantly ( P < 0.05) increased photosynthetic pigment contents, photosynthetic carbon assimilation, plant water use efficiency and promoted mangrove seedlings growth characteristics including increased dry weight and length of roots and shoots, total leaf area and the number of the side branches compared with control mangrove seedlings. In comparison, an ACC deaminase non-producing mutant strain (NPM) failed to reduce endogenous levels of ACC in the roots and shoots and also failed to increase endogenous PGRs and photosynthetic pigments and did not promote seedling growth. Both WT and NPM strains were incapable of producing in vitro detectable levels of IAA, IPYA, Gibberellic acid (GA), zeatin (Z), Put, Spd and Spm in the culture filtrates. This study demonstrated for the first time the ability of ACC deaminase-producing bacteria to promote mangrove growth under greenhouse conditions. P. maricaloris has potential as biological inoculants to promote the growth of mangrove seedlings in afforestation programs in nutrient impoverished sediments in hyper-saline coastal areas in the UAE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Planctomycetes associated with 12 macroalgae from the north coast of Portugal were isolated, using an improved method. A total of 138 isolates were found to comprise 10 operational taxonomic units (OTUs), with 65% of the strains being closely related to the species Rhodopirellula baltica. The other strains are probably new species or genera related to Rhodopirellula, Blastopirellula and Planctomyces. Some of the OTUs isolated are unique and have never been found before in previous studies. Catalyzed reporter deposition-FISH confirmed the presence of Planctomycetes on macroalgal surfaces. This study provides the first report of the cultured diversity of Planctomycetes on the epiphytic macroalgae community and presents clear evidence of their nutritional and intimate relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

gram-negative, motile, straight to curved rod shaped, pink pigmented bacterium was isolated from a soil sample collected from the rhizosphere of an Indian medicinal plant, Nerium indicum ( Chuvanna arali) and subjected to a detailed polyphasic taxonomic study. The strain, designated as IMTB-1969, matched with most of the phenotypic and chemotaxonomic properties of the genus Pontibacter and represents a novel species. The major fatty acids of the strain were monounsaturated iso/anteiso branched C17 fatty acids (45.1%) and iso-C15:0 (16.5%). MK-7 was the predominant isoprenoid quinone. According to 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain IMTB-1969 was indicated to belonged to the phylum Bacteroidetes and further phylogenetic analysis revealed that the strain IMTB-1969 belongs to the family Cytophagaceae and genus Pontibacter. The highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity was with Pontibacter korlensis CCTCC AB 206081 (97.2%) and lower sequence similarity was observed with other species in the genus Pontibacter (95.9-94.0%). DNA-DNA relatedness study of the strain IMTB-1969 confirmed that it represents a novel species. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 52.2 (±0.5) mol%. The results of physiological and biochemical tests allowed the genotypic and phenotypic distinction of strain IMTB-1969 from its closest phylogenetic relatives. The strain IMTB-1969 should be classified as novel species of the genus Pontibacter, for which the name Pontibacter rhizosphera sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is IMTB-1969 (=MTCC 10673 = DSM 24399). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial communities associated with the surfaces of several Mediterranean sponge species ( Agelas oroides, Chondrosia reniformis, Petrosia ficiformis, Geodia sp., Tethya sp., Axinella polypoides, Dysidea avara, and Oscarella lobularis) were compared to those associated with the mesohyl of sponges and other animate or inanimate reference surfaces as well as with those from bulk seawater. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis of PCR-amplified bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA genes obtained from the surfaces and tissues of these sponges demonstrated that the bacterial communities were generally different from each other. The bacterial communities from sponges were different from those on reference surfaces or from bulk seawater. Additionally, clear distinctions in 16S rDNA fingerprint patterns between the bacterial communities from mesohyl samples of 'high-microbial abundance (HMA) sponges' and 'low-microbial abundance sponges' were revealed by DGGE and cluster analysis. A dominant occurrence of particularly GC-rich 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) fragments was found only in the DGGE banding pattern obtained from the mesohyl of HMA sponges. Furthermore, sequencing analysis of 16S rDNA fragments obtained from mesohyl samples of HMA sponges revealed a dominant occurrence of sponge-associated bacteria. The bacterial communities within the mesohyl of HMA sponges showed a close relationship to each other and seem to be sponge-specific. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In deep subsurface sediments of the Juan de Fuca Ridge Flank, porewater acetate that is depleted in 13C relative to sedimentary organic matter indicates an acetogenic component to total acetate production. Thermodynamic calculations indicate common fermentation products or lignin monomers as potential substrates for acetogenesis. The classic autotrophic reaction may contribute as well, provided that dihydrogen (H2) concentrations are not drawn down to the thermodynamic thresholds of the energetically more favorable processes of sulfate reduction and methanogenesis. A high diversity of novel formyl tetrahydrofolate synthetase (fhs) genes throughout the upper half of the sediment column indicates the genetic potential for acetogenesis. Our results suggest that a substantial fraction of the acetate produced in marine sediment porewaters may derive from acetogenesis, in addition to the conventionally invoked sources fermentation and sulfate reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract  We isolated a marine bacterium strain S2V2 which inhibited the growth of pathogenic marine Vibrio spp. The aims of this research were to identify a new antibiotic-producing marine bacterium strain S2V2, and evaluate its spectrum activity and pathogenic property. Analysis of 16S rDNA sequence placed strain S2V2 in the genus Pseudoalteromonas, but the sequence similarity was low (95.46%) implying the strain might be a new species in this genus. Strain S2V2 inhibited the growth of 67.9% of 28 Vibrio strains tested. This strain inhibited V. alginolyticus, V. anguillarum, V. fluvialis, V. harveyi, V. metschnikovii, V. splendidus, V. ordalii, V. parahaemolyticus, and V. vulnificus, but inactive against V. campbellii, Aeromonas hydrophyla and Staphylococcus aureus. Strain S2V2 produced extracellular non proteinaceous antibacterial substances. The highest antibacterial activity was found when strain S2V2 was cultured for 96 h in ZoBell broth medium. An artificial infection to post larvae of Lithopenaeus vanname indicated that strain S2V2 was a non pathogenic bacterium. Non pathogenic property and specific antibacterial activity against a broad range of fish pathogenic marine Vibrio of strain S2V2 suggest that this strain is a prospective source of unique antibiotic and a potential biocontrol agent in marine aquaculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine biofilms are a virtually untapped source of bioactive molecules that may find application as novel antifoulants in the marine paint industry. This study aimed at determining the potential of marine biofilm bacteria to produce novel biomolecules with potential application as natural antifoulants. Nine representative strains were isolated from a range of surfaces and were grown in YEB medium and harvested during the late exponential growth phase. Bacterial biomass and spent culture medium were extracted with ethanol and ethyl acetate, respectively. Extracts were assayed for their antifouling activity using two tests: (1) antimicrobial well diffusion test against a common fouling bacterium, Halomonas marina, and (2) anti-crustacean activity test using Artemia salina. Our results showed that none of the ethanolic extracts (bacterial biomass) were active in either test. In contrast, most of the organic extracts had antimicrobial activity (88%) and were toxic towards A. salina (67%). Sequencing of full 16 S ribosomal DNA analysis showed that the isolates were related to Bacillus mojavensis and Bacillus firmus. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) profiling of ethyl acetate extracts of culture supernatants showed that these species produce the bioactive lipopeptides surfactin A, mycosubtilin and bacillomycin D. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Pseudoalteromonas has attracted interest because it has frequently been found in association with eukaryotic hosts, and because many Pseudoalteromonas species produce biologically active compounds. One distinct group of Pseudoalteromonas species is the antifouling subgroup containing Pseudoalteromonas tunicata and Ps. ulvae, which both produce extracellular compounds that inhibit growth and colonization by different marine organisms. PCR primers targeting the 16S rRNA gene of the genus Pseudoalteromonas and the antifouling subgroup were developed and applied in this study. Real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) was applied to determine the relative bacterial abundance of the genus and the antifouling subgroup, and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) was applied to study the diversity of the genus in 11 different types of marine samples from Danish coastal waters. The detection of Ps. tunicata that contain the antifouling subgroup was achieved through specific PCR amplification of the antibacterial protein gene ( alpP). The Pseudoalteromonas species accounted for 1.6% of the total bacterial abundance across all samples. The Pseudoalteromonas diversity on the three unfouled marine organisms Ciona intestinalis, Ulva lactuca and Ulvaria fusca was found to be low, and Ps. tunicata was only detected on these three hosts, which all contain accessible cellulose polymers in their cell walls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One hundred and forty bacteria isolated from Antarctic seawater samples were examined for their ability to inhibit the growth of indigenous isolates and their sensitivity to antibacterial activity expressed by one another. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequencing and analysis, bacterial isolates were assigned to five phylogenetically different taxa, Actinobacteria, alpha and gamma subclasses of Proteobacteria, Bacillaceae, and Bacteroidetes. Twenty-one isolates (15%), predominantly Actinobacteria, exhibited antagonistic properties against marine bacteria of Antarctic origin. Members of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes did not show any inhibitory activity. Differences were observed among inhibition patterns of single isolates, suggesting that their activity was more likely strain-specific rather than dependent on phylogenetic affiliation. A novel analysis based on network theory confirmed these results, showing that the structure of this population is probably robust to perturbations, but also that it depends strongly on the most active strains. The determination of plasmid incidence in the bacterial strains investigated revealed that there was no correlation between their presence and the antagonistic activity. The data presented here provide evidence for the antagonistic interactions within bacterial strains inhabiting Antarctic seawater and suggest the potential exploitation of Antarctic bacteria as a novel source of antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is virtually no readily accessible systematically recorded evidence on how the organization of mental health services in Europe's largest country, Russia, may differ from other national systems. This study systematically compares the mental health services in Archangelsk County and Northern Norway using instruments developed for trans-cultural use.Methods: The European Service Mapping Schedule (ESMS) and The International Classification of Mental Health Care (ICMHC) were used to describe: (i) resources, organisation and utilisation of the services; (ii) their decentralisation and differentiation; (iii) some interventions delivered by the mental health service units (n = 132) in both regions.Results: The Norwegian services are more decentralised and differentiated, while the Russian services are largely hospital-based. The GPs are of considerable importance to the Norwegian services, functioning as gatekeepers-both centrally and peripherally. In contrast, the GP model is still poorly established in Archangelsk County. There are more units for long term stay in the Russian services than in Norway. General health care and taking over daily living activities are more organised in Archangelsk County, while psychopharmacological treatment and psychosocial interventions are more developed in Norway.Conclusion: The study has revealed several differences in resources, organisation and utilisation of the mental health services between the two compared areas. The very large variations indicate that underlying local patterns of service delivering must be further investigated and taken into account in the planning of the services development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study presents evidence in support of the bacterial theory associated with the toxicity of Pyrodinium bahamense var. compressum. Bacterial endosymbionts from Philippine P. bahamense var. compressum strain Pbc MZRVA 042595 were isolated and identified via 16S rDNA sequence analysis. Taxonomic diversity of the identified culturable intracellular microbiota associated with Philippine P. bahamense var. compressum was established to be limited to the Phyla Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Firmicutes. Major endosymbionts identified included Moraxella spp., Erythrobacter spp., and Bacillus spp., whereas Pseudomonas putida, Micrococcus spp., and Dietzia maris were identified as minor isolates. All identified strains except D. maris, P. putida, and Micrococcus spp. were shown to contain either saxitoxin or neo saxitoxin or both at levels ≤73 ng/107 bacterial cells based on high-performance liquid chromatography analysis. Paralytic shellfish poisoning-like physiologic reactions in test animals used in the mouse assay were recorded for the endosymbionts except for P. putida. The study is the first to elucidate the possible contribution of bacterial endosymbionts in the toxicity of P. bahamense var. compressum isolated in the Philippines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ecophysiological variabilities in the ectohydrolytic enzyme profiles of the three species of Pseudoalteromonas, P. citrea, P. issachenkonii, and P. nigrifaciens, have been investigated. Forty-one bacteria isolated from several invertebrates, macroalgae, sea grass, and the surrounding water exhibited different patterns of hydrolytic enzyme activities measured as the hydrolysis of either native biopolymers or fluorogenic substrates. The activities of the following enzymes were assayed: proteinase, tyrosinase, lipase, amylase, chitinase, agarase, fucoidan hydrolase, laminaranase, alginase, pustulanase, cellulase, β-glucosidase, α- and β-galactosidases, β-N-acetylglucosaminidase, β-glucosaminidase, β-xylosidase, and α-mannosidase. The occurrence and cell-specific activities of all enzymes varied over a broad range (from 0 to 44 μmol EU per hour) and depended not only on taxonomic affiliation of the strain, but also on the source/place of its isolation. This suggests ‘specialization’ of different species for different types of polymeric substrates as, for example, all strains of P. citrea and P. issachenkonii hydrolyzed alginate and laminaran, while strains of P. nigrifaciens were lacking the ability to hydrolyze most of the algal polysaccharides. The incidence of certain enzymes such as fucoidan hydrolases, alginate lyases, agarases, and α-galactosidases might be strain specific and reflect its particular ecological habitat. Correspondence to: Elena P. Ivanova; email: eivanova@swin.edu.au --> [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phylogeny of 11 pigmented, aerobic, spore-forming isolates from marine sources was studied. Forty-two biochemical characteristics were examined, and a 16S rDNA sequence was obtained for each isolate. In a phylogenetic tree based on 16S sequencing, four isolates (NRRL B-14850, NRRL B-14904, NRRL B-14907, and NRRL B-14908) clustered with B. subtilis and related organisms; NRRL B-14907 was closely related to B. amyloliquefaciens. NRRL B-14907 and NRRL B-14908 were phenotypically similar to B. amyloliquefaciens and B. pumilus, respectively. Three strains (NRRL B-14906, NRRL B-14910, and NRRL B-14911) clustered in a clade that included B. firmus, B. lentus, and B. megaterium. NRRL B-14910 was closely related phenotypically and phylogenetically to B. megaterium. NRRL B-14905 clustered with the mesophilic round spore-producing species, B. fusiformis and B. sphaericus; the isolate was more closely related to B. fusiformis. NRRL B-14905 displayed characteristics typical of the B. sphaericus-like organisms. NRRL B-14909 and NRRL B-14912 clustered with the Paenibacillus species and displayed characteristics typical of the genus. Only NRRL B-14851, an unusually thin rod that forms very small spores, may represent a new Bacillus species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]