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Strain SYSU D8008 T was isolated from a desert sand sample collected from Saudi Arabia. The strain was observed to be Gram-stain positive, non-motile and aerobic. It can grow at 15-37 °C, pH 6.0-10.0 and can tolerant up to 7% (w/v) NaCl. Pairwise comparison of the 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that strain SYSU D8008 T shares high sequence similarities with Georgenia deserti SYSU D8004 T (96.8%) and Georgenia halophila YIM 93316 T (96.8%). Menaquinone MK-8(H 4 ) was detected as the respiratory isoprenologue. The polar lipid profile of strain SYSU D8008 T was found to consist of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, two phosphatidylinositol mannosides, an unidentified glycolipid and an unidentified phospholipid. Strain SYSU D8008 T was found to contain anteiso-C 15:0 and iso-C 15:0 as the predominant fatty acids. Galactose, glucose and rhamnose were detected as the whole cell sugars. Based on the phenotypic, genotypic and phylogenetic characteristics, strain SYSU D8008 T can be differentiated from other closely related members of the genus Georgenia. The strain SYSU D8008 T , therefore, is concluded to represent a novel species of the genus Georgenia, for which the name Georgenia alba sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SYSU D8008 T (= CGMCC 1.15800 T  = KCTC 39988 T ).

A novel Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-motile, coccus-shaped bacterium, designated CFH 90064 T , was isolated from a salt lake sediment sample collected from Yuncheng city, Shanxi province, PR China. 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons and phylogenetic analyses showed that the strain belonged to the genus Paracoccus and clustered with Paracoccus zeaxanthinifaciens R-1512 T (98.2 % similarity), Paracoccus homiensis DD-R11 T (97.6 % similarity) and Paracoccus fistulariae 22-5 T (96.5 % similarity), respectively. Growth of strain CFH 90064 T was observed at 10-37 °C, pH 6.0-9.0 and with NaCl concentrations of up to 6.0 % (w/v). Strain CFH 90064 T contained Q-10 as the only isoprenoid quinone, and the major fatty acid was C18 : 1ω7c. Polar lipids of strain CFH 90064 T comprised diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, an unidentified glycolipid, an unidentified aminolipid and an unidentified phospholipid. The genome of strain CFH 90008 T was 3.75 Mbp with a DNA G+C content of 65.1 %. Based on the phylogenetic analyses, low average nucleotide identity results, chemotaxonomic characteristics and differential physiological properties, strain CFH 90064 T could not be classified into any recognized species of the genus Paracoccus, suggesting that this strain represents a novel species, for which the name Paracoccushalotolerans sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CFH 90064 T (=CCTCC AB 2016131 T =DSM 103234 T ).

A Gram-stain positive, aerobic, non-motile and short-rod-shaped strain, CFH S00084 T , was isolated from a sediment sample of the Yellow River in Henan Province, China. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain CFH S00084 T clustered within members of Microbacterium and was most closely related to the type strains Microbacterium yannicii JCM 18959 T and Microbacterium arthrosphaerae DSM 22421 T (98.97 % and 98.36 % similarity, respectively). The strain grew optimally at 25-37 °C, at pH 7.0 and in 0-3 % (w/v) NaCl. The major whole-cell sugars were rhamnose and glucose. The cell-wall peptidoglycan mainly contained glycine, alanine and ornithine. The menaquinones of strain CFH S00084 T were MK-13, MK-12 and MK-11. The major fatty acids detected were anteiso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C17 : 0 and iso-C16 : 0. The genome of strain CFH S00084 T was 4.03 Mbp with a G+C content of 70.5 mol%. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values between CFH S00084 T and the other species of the genus Microbacterium were found to be low (ANIm <85 %, ANIb <75 % and dDDH <24 %). The phylogenomic analysis provided evidence for clear phylogenetic divergence between strain CFH S00084 T and its closely related type strains. On the basis of the differential physiological properties, chemotaxonomic characteristics and low ANI and dDDH results, strain CFH S00084 T is considered to represent a novel species for which the name Microbacteriumureisolvens sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CFH S00084 T (=KCTC 39802 T =DSM 103157 T ).

A novel actinobacterium, designated strain CFH 30183 T , was isolated from a soil sample collected from a karst cave in Luoyang, Henan Province. The taxonomic position of the strain was investigated using a polyphasic approach. Cells of strain CFH 30183 T were observed to be Gram-stain positive, motile, asporogenous and coccoid to rod shaped. The strain was found to be aerobic and oxidase positive. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain CFH 30183 T was found to be closely related to Ornithinimicrobium murale 01-Gi-040 T (97.8% sequence identity). The ANIb/ANIm values between strain CFH 30183 T and O. murale DSM 22056 T were found to be 80.3%/85.9%. Strain CFH 30183 T was found to grow optimally at 28-32 °C, at pH 8.0-9.0 and in the presence of up to 7% NaCl (w/v). Whole cell hydrolysates of strain CFH 30183 T contained L-ornithine as the diagnostic diamino acid, and arabinose, glucose, mannose and rhamnose as whole cell sugars. The respiratory quinone was determined to be MK-8(H 4 ), while the major fatty acids were found to consist of iso-C 15:0 and iso-C 16:0 . The polar lipids profile was found to include diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, an unidentified phospholipid, an unidentified phosphoglycolipid and four unidentified lipids. The DNA G + C content of strain CFH 30183 T was calculated to be 70.9%. Based on the phenotypic, genotypic and phylogenetic data obtained, strain CFH 30183 T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Ornithinimicrobium, for which the name Ornithinimicrobium cavernae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CFH 30183 T (= KCTC 49018 T  = CGMCC 1.16393 T ).

A novel actinobacterium, designated strain SYSU K10002 T , was isolated from a soil sample collected from a karst cave in Xingyi county, Guizhou province, south-western China. The taxonomic position of the strain was investigated using a polyphasic approach. Cells of the strain were aerobic and Gram-stain-positive. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities and phylogenetic analysis, strain SYSU K10002 T was most closely related to the type strains of Nocardiaaltamirensis NBRC 108246 T (99.0 % sequence similarity) and Nocardiatenerifensis NBRC 101015 T (98.8 %) and is therefore considered to represent a member of the genus Nocardia. DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain SYSU K10002 T and the closely related type strains of the genus Nocardia were less than 70 %. In addition, meso-diaminopimelic acid was the diagnostic diamino acid in the cell-wall peptidoglycan. The whole-cell sugars were arabinose, ribose and galactose. The major isoprenoid quinone was MK-8(H4,ω-cycl), while the major fatty acids (>10 %) were C16 : 0, C18 : 1ω9c and C18 : 0 10-methyl. The polar lipids contained diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylinositol mannoside and an unidentified glycolipid. Mycolic acids were present. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain SYSU K10002 T was 67.4 mol%. On the basis of phenotypic, genotypic and phylogenetic data, strain SYSU K10002 T represents a novel species of the genus Nocardia, for which the name Nocardiaaurea sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SYSU K10002 T (=KCTC 39849 T =DSM 103986 T ).

The taxonomic status was determined of two actinomycetes, designated CFH S0057 T and CFH S0065, that were isolated from soil samples collected from an extinct volcano in Tengchong county, Yunnan province, south-west China. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strains CFH S0057 T and CFH S0065 belong to the genus Nocardia and formed a single clade within this genus. The two isolates were able to grow at 4-45 °C, pH 5.0-7.0 and with a NaCl tolerance up to 5.0% (w/v). The whole-cell hydrolysates were rich in meso-diaminopimelic acid, galactose, arabinose and fructose. Mycolic acids were present. Strains CFH S0057 T and CFH S0065 exhibited a menaquinone system with MK-8 (H 4 , ω cyclo), and the major polar lipids consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylinositol mannoside and one unidentified phospholipid. Major fatty acids were C 16:0 , Summed features 3, C 18:1 ω9c and C 18:0 10-methyl (TBSA). The genomic DNA G + C contents of strains CFH S0057 T and CFH S0065 were 65.7 and 66.1 mol%, respectively. The combined genotypic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic results indicated the isolates are considered to represent a novel species of the genus Nocardia, for which the name Nocardia tengchongensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CFH S0057 T (= KCTC 29485 T  = JCM 30083 T ).

Rahnella aquatilis infection is rare in aquaculture. Here, a Gram-negative rod-shaped bacterium was isolated from diseased crucian carp Carassius auratus in Xuzhou City, Jiangsu Province, eastern China. The isolate was tentatively named strain KCL-5, and subsequently identified as R. aquatilis by biochemical properties and molecular techniques. The results showed that the isolate KCL-5 was most closely related to the type strain ATCC33071 (= DSM4594) of R. aquatilis, which shared 99.67, 96.26 and 99.58% nucleotide sequence identities for 16S rDNA, gyrB and toxin yhaV genes, respectively. Experimental challenges were conducted which demonstrated pathogenicity of the isolate in crucian carp. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed that the isolated strain was susceptible to piperacillin, gentamicin, kanamycin, nalidixic acid, norfloxacin, ofloxacin, azithromycin and erythromycin. To our knowledge, this is the first report on R. aquatilis infection in crucian carp, and the first evidence of pathogenicity in fish.

Two novel actinomycetes, designated strains CFH S0322 T and CFH S01580 T , were isolated from soil samples collected from Xuchang city and Ji Guan cave in Henan province, China, respectively. Their taxonomic positions were investigated by a polyphasic approach. The two isolates were Gram-reaction positive, non-motile, aerobic and catalase-positive actinomycetes. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons showed that the two isolates are closely related to the members of the genus Amycolatopsis, sharing high similarities with Amycolatopsis magusensis KCTC 29056 T (99.1 %, CFH S0322 T ) and Amycolatopsis nigrescens DSM 44992 T (98.1 %, CFH S01580 T ), respectively. The major whole cell sugars of strains CFH S0322 T and CFH S01580 T were arabinose and galactose and the predominant menaquinone was MK-9(H 4 ). The genomic DNA G+C contents of strains CFH S0322 T and CFH S01580 T were 70.6 and 68.6 mol%, respectively. Morphological, phylogenetic and chemotaxonomic results suggest that strains CFH S0322 T and CFH S01580 T are representatives of two new species, for which the names Amycolatopsis xuchangensis sp. nov. and Amycolatopsis jiguanensis sp. nov. are proposed. The type strains are CFH S0322 T (=NBRC 110769 T  =KCTC 39516 T ) and CFH S01580 T (=DSM 101526 T  =CCTCC AA 2015032 T ).

GalNAc-transferase-7 (GALNT7) is essential for the regulation of cell proliferation and has been implicated in tumorigenesis. However, the role of GALNT7 in the development and progression of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) remains unclear. Our previous study showed that GALNT7 was a putative target of miR-494, which was confirmed by luciferase reporter assay. In the present study, we demonstrated that in vitro knockdown of GALNT7 significantly inhibited the proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion of NPC-derived cells. In vivo tumorigenicity assay showed that miR-494 and GALNT7-small interfering RNA (siRNA) reduced tumor growth in nude mice. Taken together, our results provided new evidence for an oncogenic role of GALNT7 in NPC.

Two closely related thermophilic bacterial strains, designated YIM 71031(T) and YIM 71039, were isolated from a hot spring in Tengchong county, Yunnan province, south-western China. The novel isolates were observed to be Gram-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped and yellow-pigmented bacteria. The strains were found to be able to grow at 37-65 °C, pH 6.0-9.0 and with a NaCl tolerance up to 1.0 % (w/v). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences placed these two isolates in the genus Meiothermus. They were found to be closely related to Meiothermus timidus DSM 17022(T) (98.6 % similarity), and formed a cluster with this species. The predominant menaquinone was identified as MK-8 and the major fatty acids (>10 %) as anteiso-C15:0, iso-C15:0, anteiso-C17:0, iso-C16:0 and C16:0. The genomic DNA G+C contents of strains YIM 71031(T) and YIM 71039 were determined to be 64.0 and 65.4 mol%, respectively. DNA-DNA hybridizations showed low values between strains YIM 71031(T) and YIM 71039 and their closely related neighbour M. timidus DSM 17022(T). Morphological phylogenetic and chemotaxonomic results suggest that strains YIM 71031(T) and YIM 71039 are representatives of a new species within the genus Meiothermus, for which the name Meiothermus roseus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM 71031(T) (=KCTC 42495(T) =NBRC 110900(T)).

A novel actinobacterial strain, designated CFH S0499(T), was isolated from a soil sample collected from Catba island in Halong Bay, Vietnam. The cells were observed to be Gram-stain positive, aerobic, non-motile, curved rods. The strain was found to grow optimally at 28 °C and pH 7.0. Growth was found to occur at 0-7 % NaCl. Chemotaxonomically, the peptidoglycan type was determined to be of the A3α type, with glutamic acid, glycine, alanine and lysine as the major cell wall amino acids. The whole cell sugars were found to contain mannose, galactose, glucose, ribose and rhamnose. The polar lipids were identified as diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, glycolipids and two unidentified phospholipids. The major fatty acids were identified as anteiso-C15:0, iso-C15:0, anteiso-C17:0 and iso-C16:0 and the predominant respiratory quinone as MK-9 (H2), with a minor amount of MK-10 (H4) and MK-8 (H2). The G+C content of the genomic DNA was determined to be 71.8 mol%. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain CFH S0499(T) should be assigned to the genus Sinomonas and is closely related to members of the species Sinomonas atrocyanea DSM 20127(T) (98.3 %), Sinomonas soli CW 59(T) (98.28 %), Sinomonas flava CW 108(T) (98.26 %), Sinomonas mesophila MPLK 26(T) (97.5 %) and Sinomonas notoginsengisoli SYP-B 575(T) (95.8 %). DNA-DNA hybridizations showed low values (49.1-54.5 %) between strain CFH S0499(T) and its four closest neighbours. Based on phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic analysis, strain CFH S0499(T) is concluded to represent a novel species of the genus Sinomonas, for which the name Sinomonas halotolerans sp. nov. is proposed, with CFH S0499(T) as the type strain (=CCTCC AB2014300(T) = KCTC 39116(T)).

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma has very high incidence and high mortality worldwide. MiRNA is related to the tumorigenesis and metastasis of a variety of tumors. In the present study, we verify that the expression of miR-494 in NPC tissues and NPC-derived cells was down-regulated, respectively. The proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion of NPC-derived cells were suppressed, while the cell apoptosis was promoted, when miR-494 was over-expressed in these cells. GALNT7 and CDK16 were confirmed to be the direct targets of miR-494. These results suggested that miR-494 play an inhibitory role in the tumorigenesis of NPC.

A Gram-positive, aerobic, nonmotile actinomycete strain designated DRQ-2(T) was isolated from the soil sample collected from lime-stone open pit mine from the Gulbarga region, Karnataka province, India. Strain DRQ-2(T) was identified as a member of the genus Nonomuraea by a polyphasic approach. Strain DRQ-2(T) could be differentiated from other members of the genus Nonomuraea on the basis of physiology and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of strain DRQ-2(T) showed highest sequence similarity to Nonomuraea muscovyensis DSM 45913(T) (99.1%), N. salmonea DSM 43678(T) (98.2%) and N. maheshkhaliensis JCM 13929(T) with 98.0%, respectively. Chemotaxonomic properties showing predominant menaquinones of MK-9 (H4), MK-9(H2) and MK-9(H6), major polar lipids comprised diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylmono methyl ethanolamine (PME), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), hydroxy-PME (OH-PME), hydroxy PE (OH-PEE), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), ninhydrin-positive phosphoglycolipid and unknown phospholipid, fatty acids with major amounts of i-C16:0, ai-C15:0 and ai-C17:0 supported allocation of the strain to the genus Nonomuraea. Results of DNA-DNA hybridization and physiological tests allowed genotypic and phenotypic differentiation of strain DRQ-2(T) from closely related species. The genomic DNA G+C content of the organism was 72.5 mol%. On the basis of phenotypic, chemotypic and molecular characteristics, strain DRQ-2(T) represents a novel species of the genus Nonomuraea, for which the name N. indica sp. nov. is proposed, with type strain DRQ-2(T) (=NCIM 5480(T)= CCTCC AA 209050(T)).

A Gram-positive, aerobic, non-motile and non-spore forming strain, designated CFH S0262(T), was isolated from a soil sample collected from Catba island in Halong Bay, Vietnam. A polyphasic approach was used to study the taxonomic position of this new isolate. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that strain CFH S0262(T) belongs to the genus Rhodococcus and clustered with Rhodococcus soli DSD51W(T), Rhodococcus hoagii NBRC 103062(T), Rhodococcus defluvii Call(T) and Rhodococcus kunmingensis YIM 45607(T) (98.7, 98.5, 97.9 and 97.6% similarities, respectively). Strain CFH S0262(T) could grow in the presence of NaCl (0-4%, optimum 0-3%), at pH 6.0-8.0 (optimum, pH 7.0) and at 10-40 °C (optimum, 28 °C). The predominant menaquinones of strain CFH S0262(T) were identified as MK-8 (H2) and MK-8 (H4). The major fatty acids (≥10%) were found to be C(16:0) and C(18:1)ω9c. The polar lipids detected were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylinositol mannoside, a glycolipid and two unidentified phospholipids. The DNA G+C content was determined to be 71.4 mol%. Based on a comparative analysis of phenotypic and genotypic characteristics, in combination with low values of DNA-DNA hybridization between strain CFH S0262(T) and its closest neighbours, it is proposed that strain CFH S0262(T) represents a novel species of the genus Rhodococcus, for which the name Rhodococcus agglutinans sp. nov., is proposed, with the type strain CFH S0262(T) (=CCTCC AB2014297(T)=KCTC 39118(T)).

A novel endoglucanase gene was cloned from Thermobifida halotolerans YIM 90462(T), designated as thcel6A for being a member of glycoside hydrolase family 6. The gene was 1332 bp long and encoded a 443-amino-acid protein with a molecular mass of 45.9 kDa. The purified recombinant endoglucanase had optimal activity at 55 °C and pH 8.5. Thcel6A showed high hydrolytic activities at 25-55 °C and retained 58% of initial activity after incubation at 90 °C for 1 h. It retained more than 80% of activity after incubation for 12 h at pH values from 4 to 12. Thcel6A displayed higher hydrolytic activities in 5-15% NaCl (w/v) than at 0% NaCl. Activity increased 2.5-fold after incubation with 20% (w/v) NaCl at 37 °C for 10 min. These properties suggest that this novel endoglucanase has potential for specific industrial application.

A Streptomyces-like actinomycete strain, designated as YIM 78087(T), was isolated from a sediment sample collected from Hehua hot spring in Tengchong, Yunnan province, south-west China. The taxonomic position of strain YIM 78087(T) was investigated by a polyphasic approach. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain YIM 78087(T) belongs to the genus Streptomyces and is closely related to Streptomyces fimbriatus DSM 40942(T), Streptomyces marinus DSM 41968(T) and Streptomyces qinglanensis DSM 42035(T) (97.18, 97.05 and 97.1 % similarity, respectively). Combined with the low values of DNA-DNA hybridization between strain YIM 78087(T) and its closest neighbours, these analyses indicated that this new isolate represents a different genomic species in the genus Streptomyces. The predominant menaquinones of strain YIM 78087(T) were identified as MK-9 (H4) and MK-9 (H6). The major fatty acids were identified as anteiso-C15:0 (28.4 %), anteiso-C17:0 (23.0 %) and iso-C16:0 (15.1 %). The whole-cell hydrolysates found to contain glucose, mannose and ribose. The DNA G+C content was determined to be 73.0 mol%. Based on the comparative analysis of phenotypic and genotypic characteristics, it is proposed that strain YIM 78087(T) represents a novel species of the genus Streptomyces, for which the name Streptomyces calidiresistens sp. nov., is proposed. The type strain is YIM 78087(T) (=BCRC 16955(T)=DSM 42108(T)=JCM 19629(T)).

Female Exopalaemon carinicauda at ovarian maturation stage II rearing by artificial propagation in the laboratory were chosen as test material. The shrimps were gradually acclimated to the experimental salinity levels of 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 to determine the effects of salinity on spawning, embryonic development and larval growth of E. carinicauda. The results showed that the ovaries of female E. carinicauda could mature at all test salinity levels. However, it failed to spawn at salinity 2. Salinity levels from 10 to 20 were the most favorable for female E. carinicauda spawning. Although larval development was most successful in eggs incubated at salinity levels of 5 to 30, embryonic development were significantly affected by salinity, and the egg incubation period was shorter at salinities of 15, 20 and 25 than at the other salinities. There were no significant effects of salinity on the rates of larval metamorphosis and survival, but the dry mass of individuals was significantly affected by salinity. The dry mass of shrimps reared at salinities of 15 and 20 were significantly higher than at the other salinities. The growth of 20-day old shrimps was significantly affected by salinity. The specific growth rate increased with the increasing salinity level from 5 to 20, and then decreased at the salinity above 20. The mRNA level of gill Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase was high at high and low salinities, and the lowest at the theoretical salinity 17.5, which might be equal to the hemolymph osmotic pressure of E. carinicauda. It was implied that female parent E. carinicauda could reproduce in a wide range of salinities, while 20-day old shrimps presented higher growth rates at salinities near its theoretical isosmotic point.

An alkalitolerant, thermotolerant and Gram-stain negative bacterium, designated strain YIM 78007(T), was isolated from an alkaline geothermal soil sample from Hehua hot spring, Tengchong, Yunnan province, south-west China. Cells of strain YIM 78007(T) were observed to be aerobic and short rod-shaped. The colonies were observed to be orange-red, convex and circular. 16S rRNA gene sequence-based phylogenetic analysis showed that strain YIM 78007(T) clustered with members of the genus Roseomonas (with similarities from 97.2 to 92.2 %). Optimal growth of strain YIM 78007 occurs at 40-50 °C and pH 8.0-10.0. The predominant ubiquinone was identified as Q-10 and the major fatty acids were identified as C18:1 ω7c and C16:0. The polar lipids were identified as diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, two unidentified aminolipids and one unknown phospholipid. The G + C content of the genomic DNA was determined to be 63 mol %. The levels of DNA-DNA hybridization relatedness between strain YIM 78007(T) and its closet neighbours (Roseomonas lacus JCM 13283(T) and Roseomonas terrae JCM 14592(T)) were well below the threshold required for the proposal of a novel species. The results of physiological and biochemical characteristics, the phylogenetic analysis, as well as low DNA-DNA hybridization values, allowed the phenotypic and genotypic differentiation of strain YIM 78007(T) from its closest phylogenetic neighbours. Therefore, strain YIM 78007(T) is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Roseomonas, for which the name Roseomonas alkaliterrae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM 78007(T) (=BCRC 80644(T) = JCM 19656(T)).

An alkalitolerant, thermotolerant, strictly aerobic and Gram-staining negative bacterial strain, designated YIM 78140(T), was isolated from a water sample in Hehua hot spring, Tengchong, Yunnan province, south-west China. The colonies were light brown, convex and circular. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain YIM 78140(T) indicated that it was clustered with members of β-Proteobacteria (with the similarity from 96.9 to 93.6 %). Good growth occurred at 40-50 °C, pH 8.0-9.0 and in the presence of 0-3 % (w/v) NaCl. The predominant ubiquinones were Q-8 and Q-9. The major fatty acids were C16:0, C17:0 cyclo, C18:1 ω7c and summed feature 3. The G+C content of genomic DNA was 70.8 mol%. The results of physiological and biochemical characteristics, phylogenetic analysis allowed the phenotypic and genotypic differentiation of strain YIM 78140(T) from its closest phylogenetic neighbours. Therefore, the strain YIM 78140(T) represents a novel genus of the family Comamonadaceae, for which the name Zhizhongheella caldifontis gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM 78140(T) (= BCRC 80649(T) = KCTC 32557(T)).

A thermotolerant Gram-staining negative and aerobic bacterium, designated strain YIM 77520(T), was isolated from a geothermally heated soil sample collected at Rehai National Park, Tengchong, Yunnan Province, South-West China. Cells of the strain were found to be rod-shaped and colonies were light beige and circular. The strain was found to grow in the presence of 0-2 % (w/v) total salts (optimum, 0 %), at pH 6.0-8.0 (optimum, pH 7.0) and 25-55 °C (optimum, 45 °C). The only quinone detected was Q-8 and the genomic DNA G+C content was determined to be 66.9 mol%. The major fatty acids (>10 %) were identified as iso-C16:0 and iso-C15:0. The phospholipids were found to consist of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, five unknown phospholipids and three aminophospholipids. Based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain YIM 77520(T) was found to form a cluster with Lysobacter thermophilus YIM 77875(T) and showed the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to L. thermophilus YIM 77875(T) (96.0 %). These two strains formed a distinct lineage of the family 'Xanthomonadaceae'. On the basis of the morphological and chemotaxonomic characteristics, as well as genotypic data, a new genus, Vulcaniibacterium gen. nov. is proposed with Vulcaniibacterium tengchongense sp. nov. as the type species. The type strain of V. tengchongense sp. nov. is strain YIM 77520(T) (=DSM 25623(T) = CCTCC AB 2011152(T)). Furthermore we propose that L. thermophilus Wei et al. 2012 is reclassified in the new genus as Vulcaniibacterium thermophilum comb. nov. (type strain YIM 77875(T) = CCTCC AB 2012064(T) = KCTC 32020(T)) based on polyphasic data.

An orange-coloured, non-spore-forming, motile and coccus-shaped actinobacterium, designated YIM 75677(T), was isolated from a soil sample collected from a dry-hot river valley in Dongchuan county, Yunnan Province, south-west China and its taxonomic position was investigated. Growth of strain YIM 75677(T) occurred at 12-55 °C, pH 6.0-9.0 and NaCl tolerance up to 2 % (w/v). Cells adhered to agar media and were agglutinated tightly together. The peptidoglycan contained meso-diaminopimelic acid, alanine and glutamic acid. The whole-cell hydrolysates mainly contained glucose, galactose, mannose and ribose. The predominant menaquinone was MK-9 (H(2)) and the major fatty acids were anteiso-C(15:0) and iso-C(15:0). Mycolic acids were not present. The DNA G+C content of strain YIM 75677(T) was 74.8 mol%. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons clearly revealed that strain YIM 75677(T) represents a novel member of the genus Kineococcus and is closely related to Kineococcus xinjiangensis S2-20(T) (level of similarity, 98.6 %). Meanwhile, the result of DNA-DNA hybridization between strain YIM 75677(T) and K. xinjiangensis S2-20(T) demonstrated that this isolate represented a different genomic species in the genus Kineococcus. On the basis of phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, strain YIM 75677(T) represents a novel species of the genus Kineococcus, for which the name Kineococcus glutineturens sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM 75677(T) (=CCTCC AA 209075(T) = JCM 18126(T)).

A novel cold-resistant bacterium, designated YIM 016(T), was isolated from a peat bog sample collected from Mohe County, Heilongjiang Province, Northern China and its taxonomic position was investigated using a polyphasic approach. The strain was Gram-positive, aerobic, endospore-forming, motile and rod-shaped. Phylogenetic analyses based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence clearly revealed that strain YIM 016(T) is a member of the genus Paenibacillus. The strain is closely related to Paenibacillus alginolyticus DSM 5050(T), Paenibacillus chondroitinus DSM 5051(T) and Paenibacillus pocheonensis Gsoil 1138(T) with similarities of 99.0 %, 97.0 % and 96.3 %, respectively. Meanwhile, the low DNA-DNA relatedness levels between strain YIM 016(T) and its closely related phylogenetic neighbours demonstrated that this isolate represents a new genomic species in the genus Paenibacillus. Phenotypic and chemotaxonomic tests showed that growth of strain YIM 016(T) occurred at 4-37 °C, pH 6.0-8.0 and with a NaCl tolerance up to 0.5 % (w/v). The peptidoglycan contained meso-diaminopimelic acid, alanine and glutamic acid. The whole-cell hydrolysates mainly contained glucose, galactose and ribose. The predominant menaquinone was MK-7 and the major fatty acids were anteiso-C(15:0) and iso-C(16:0). The DNA G+C content of strain YIM 016(T) was 51.7 mol %. On the basis of phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, strain YIM 016(T) could be clearly distinguished from other species of the genus Paenibacillus. It is therefore concluded that strain YIM 016(T) represents a novel species in the genus Paenibacillus, for which the name Paenibacillus frigoriresistens sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM 016(T) (= CCTCC AB 2011150(T) = JCM 18141(T)).

A novel actinobacterium, designated MBRL 201(T), was isolated from a sample collected from a limestone quarry at Hundung, Manipur, India. The strain was characterized using polyphasic taxonomy. Comparison of the 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain MBRL 201(T) and other Streptomyces species showed sequence similarities ranging from 93.0 to 99.6 % and strain MBRL 201(T) showed closest similarities to Streptomyces virginiae NBRC 12827(T) (99.6 %) and Streptomyces cinnamonensis NBRC 15873(T) (99.6 %). The DNA relatedness between MBRL 201(T) and the type strains of S. virginiae NBRC 12827(T) and S. cinnamonensis NBRC 15873(T) were 44.5 and 35.6 % respectively. Strain MBRL 201(T) contained LL: -diaminopimelic acid (A(2)pm) as the diagnostic diamino acid, with glucose as the main sugar, while small amounts of galactose, glucose, mannose, rhamnose, ribose and xylose were also present in cell-wall hydrolysates. The major fatty acids identified were anteiso-C(15:0) (38.9 %), iso-C(15:0) (19.9 %) and anteiso-C(17:1) (14.7 %). The predominant menaquinones detected were MK-9(H(6)) and MK-9(H(8)), while the polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylmethylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylinositolmannosides, with other unknown phospholipids and lipids. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 72.9 %. The phenotypic and genotypic data showed that strain MBRL 201(T) merits recognition as a representative of a novel species of the genus Streptomyces. It is proposed that the isolate should be classified in the genus Streptomyces as a novel species, Streptomyces manipurensis sp. nov. The type strain is MBRL 201(T) (=DSM 42029(T) = JCM 17351(T)).

Two novel Gram-positive, spore-forming, thermophilic actinomycetes, designated as strain YIM 77501(T) and YIM 77570, were isolated from a sandy soil sample collected at Tengchong National Volcanic Geological Park, Yunnan province, south-west China. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequences suggested that the two isolates fell within the family Streptosporangiaceae. The strains formed extensively branched substrate and aerial mycelia which carried masses of long, straight or irregular spore chains composed of warty ornamented spores. Cell walls of the two strains contained meso-diaminopimelic acid and glucose, galactose, mannose and ribose were detected as whole-cell sugars. The predominant menaquinones were MK-9(H(4)) and MK-9(H(6)). The major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, N-acetylglucosamine-containing phospholipids and phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylinositolmannosides. The major cellular fatty acids were iso-C(16:0) and 10-methyl C(17:0). The DNA G+C content was 74-76 mol%. On the basis of the morphological and chemotaxonomic characteristics as well as the phylogenetic analysis, these strains represents a novel species of a new genus within the family Streptosporangiaceae, for which the name Thermoactinospora rubra gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of T. rubra is YIM 77501(T) (=DSM 45614(T) = CCTCC AA 2011014(T)).

A novel Gram-stain positive, aerobic, non-motile, spore-forming actinobacterium, designated YIM 75926(T), was isolated from a soil sample collected at soil forest in Yuanmo county of Yunnan province, south-west China. Its taxonomic position was investigated by a polyphasic approach. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the novel strain YIM 75926(T) belongs to the genus Pseudonocardia and was closely related to Pseudonocardia halophobica DSM 43089(T) (98.1% similarity). Strain YIM 75926(T) had MK-8 (H(4)) as the predominant menaquinone. The whole organism hydrolysates mainly consisted of meso-diaminopimelic acid, mannose, glucose, galactose and arabinose. The major cellular fatty acids were iso-C(16:0) (37.16%) and C(16:0) (12.43%). The DNA G+C content of strain YIM 75926(T) was 70.6 mol%. The resultant phylogenetic trees further showed that strain YIM 75926(T) belong to Pseudonocardia and had a distinct subclade within the evolutionary radiation of the genus Pseudonocardia. On the basis of its comparative analysis of phenotypic and genotypic characteristics, it is proposed that strain YIM 75926(T) represent a novel species of the genus Pseudonocardia, named Pseudonocardia yuanmoensis sp. nov. The type strain is YIM 75926(T) (=CCTCC AA 2011017(T) = JCM 18055(T)).

A novel actinomycete, designated as strain YIM 75980(T), was isolated from a soil sample collected from a dry-hot river valley in Dongchuan county, Yunnan province, south-west China and was subjected to polyphasic taxonomic characterization. The organism produced circular, smooth, red to black coloured colonies comprising coccoid-shaped cells. Colonies on agar medium lacked mycelia and cells adhered to the agar. Strain YIM 75980(T) contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid in the cell-wall peptidoglycan and contained galactose, arabinose and glucosamine as the main sugars in the whole-cell hydrolysates. The predominant menaquinone was MK-9 (H(4)) and the major fatty acids were iso-C(15:0), iso-C(16:0) and C(16:0). The DNA G + C content of strain YIM 75980(T) was 73.1 mol%. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences clearly showed that strain YIM 75980(T) formed a distinct clade within the genus Geodermatophilus and was closely related to Geodermatophilus obscurus DSM 43160(T) (level of similarity, 97.9%). Furthermore, the result of DNA-DNA hybridization between strain YIM 75980(T) and G. obscurus 43160(T) demonstrated that this isolate represented a different genomic species in the genus Geodermatophilus. Moreover, the physiological and biochemical data showed the differentiation of strain YIM 75980(T) from its closest phylogenetic neighbour. Therefore, it is proposed that strain YIM 75980(T) represents a novel species of the genus Geodermatophilus, for which the name Geodermatophilus nigrescens sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM 75980(T) (=CCTCC AA 2011015(T) =JCM 18056(T)).

Nitrogen doped amorphous carbon (a-C : N) thin films were prepared by DC magnetron sputtering. The films were investigated by AES, UV-Vis and ellipsometer. A parameter 'D' defined as the distance between the maximum of positive going excursion and the minimum of negative going excursion was calculated in the derivative AES spectra. The values of 'D' were used to calculate the percentage of sp2 hybrid bonds. The optical transmission and the optical band gap of the films were characterized by an UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The results showed that the optical band gap decreased and then increased with the increase of N2 gas source. The transmission and refractive index changed in reverse order. It was demonstrated that the thin film with low percentage of nitrogen was beneficial to the formation of sp3 hybrid bonds and caused the optical band gap of the thin film to increase. As a result, the thin film should be prepared under low percentage of nitrogen pressure to ensure that it possesses fine optical properties.

Objective: To investigate the curative effect of transtympanic perfusion of gentamicin on unilateral Ménière's disease., Methods: Twenty-three patients with unilateral Ménière's disease, 14 males and 9 females, aged 24 - 61, all with vertigo, tinnitus and ear fullness sensation to different degrees, were treated with transtympanic perfusion of gentamicin via the tympanostomy tube, 12 mg per 3 hours and 5 times a day. Pure tone audiometry and caloric test were performed every day before treatment. When destruction type of nystagmus was observed by Frenzel's glasses and the treated ear showed no response to caloric test, the treatment was ceased. After the treatment the patients were followed up for 9 - 11 years (10.2 years on average)., Results: The average amount of gentamicin used was 216 mg. The treatment lasted for 1.5 to 5 days (3.6 days on average). Vertigo disappeared in 21 patients (91%) and remained unchanged in 2. Hearing was improved or remained unchanged in 17 patients (73%) and became worse in 6. Tinnitus decreased or disappeared in 15 patients (66%), and increased in 2 patients. Ear fullness sensation decreased or disappeared in 21 patients (91%). and remained unchanged in 2. Twenty-one patients were completely recovered and returned to work (91%)., Conclusion: Relieving intractable vertigo and preserving hearing, transtympanic perfusion of gentamicin is effective on unilateral Ménière's disease.