Saccharothrix sp. PAL54, a new chloramphenicol-producing strain isolated from a Saharan soil

An actinomycete strain designated PAL54, producing an antibacterial substance, was isolated from a Saharan soil in Ghardaïa, Algeria. Morphological and chemical studies indicated that this strain belonged to the genus Saccharothrix. Analysis of the 16S rDNA sequence showed a similarity level ranging between 96.9 and 99.2% within Saccharothrix species, with S. longispora DSM 43749T, the most closely related. DNA–DNA hybridization confirmed that strain PAL54 belonged to Saccharothrix longispora. It showed very strong activity against pathogenic Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria responsible for nosocomial infections and resistant to multiple antibiotics. Strain PAL54 secreted the antibiotic optimally during mid-stationary and decline phases of growth. One antibacterial compound was isolated from the culture broth and purified by HPLC. The active compound was elucidated by uv-visible and NMR spectroscopy and by mass spectrometry. The results showed that this compound was a D(-)-threo chloramphenicol. This is the first report of chloramphenicol production by a Saccharothrix species

Streptomyces asenjonii sp. nov., isolated from hyper-arid Atacama Desert soils and emended description of Streptomyces viridosporus Pridham et al. 1958

A polyphasic study was undertaken to establish the taxonomic status of Streptomyces strains isolated from hyper-arid Atacama Desert soils. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences of the isolates showed that they formed a well-defined lineage that was loosely associated with the type strains of several Streptomyces species. Multi-locus sequence analysis based on five housekeeping gene alleles showed that the strains form a homogeneous taxon that is closely related to the type strains of Streptomyces ghanaensis and Streptomyces viridosporus. Representative isolates were shown to have chemotaxonomic and morphological properties consistent with their classification in the genus Streptomyces. The isolates have many phenotypic features in common, some of which distinguish them from S. ghanaensis NRRL B-12104T, their near phylogenetic neighbour. On the basis of these genotypic and phenotypic data it is proposed that the isolates be recognised as a new species within the genus Streptomyces, named Streptomyces asenjonii sp. nov. The type strain of the species is KNN35.1bT (NCIMB 15082T = NRRL B-65050T). Some of the isolates, including the type strain, showed antibacterial activity in standard plug assays. In addition, MLSA, average nucleotide identity and phenotypic data show that the type strains of S. ghanaensis and S. viridosporus belong to the same species. Consequently, it is proposed that the former be recognised as a heterotypic synonym of the latter and an emended description is given for S. viridosporus

Streptomyces asenjonii sp. nov., isolated from hyper-arid Atacama Desert soils and emended description of Streptomyces viridosporus Pridham et al. 1958

A polyphasic study was undertaken to establish the taxonomic status of Streptomyces strains isolated from hyper-arid Atacama Desert soils. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences of the isolates showed that they formed a well-defined lineage that was loosely associated with the type strains of several Streptomyces species. Multi-locus sequence analysis based on five housekeeping gene alleles showed that the strains form a homogeneous taxon that is closely related to the type strains of Streptomyces ghanaensis and Streptomyces viridosporus. Representative isolates were shown to have chemotaxonomic and morphological properties consistent with their classification in the genus Streptomyces. The isolates have many phenotypic features in common, some of which distinguish them from S. ghanaensis NRRL B-12104T, their near phylogenetic neighbour. On the basis of these genotypic and phenotypic data it is proposed that the isolates be recognised as a new species within the genus Streptomyces, named Streptomyces asenjonii sp. nov. The type strain of the species is KNN35.1bT (NCIMB 15082T = NRRL B-65050T). Some of the isolates, including the type strain, showed antibacterial activity in standard plug assays. In addition, MLSA, average nucleotide identity and phenotypic data show that the type strains of S. ghanaensis and S. viridosporus belong to the same species. Consequently, it is proposed that the former be recognised as a heterotypic synonym of the latter and an emended description is given for S. viridosporus

Facteurs prédictifs de la chute chez l'hémiplégique vasculaire en centre de médecine physique [Factors predicting falls by patients with vascular hemiplegia at a physical medicine center]

To determine factors predicting falls by patients with vascular hemiplegia to establish a program aimed at preventing falls in this population. A comparative prospective study performed over 19 months with 44 patients older than 16 years who had had a cerebral vascular accident (CVA, stroke) and were consequently admitted to the Centre Richelie. The exclusion criteria were represented by CVA history, evidence of another form of encephalic lesion, and subsequent admission to hospital after hemiplegia or for follow-up. Assessment consisted of taking note of the mechanism of the fall, possible lesions, and number of falls and analyzing follow-up after the return home. Also included for all patients was information on 20 variables that could be risk factors for fall. The patients' average age was 60.43+/-13.43 years and 20 had had at least one fall (mean 2.2), which allowed us to determine a "falling" group and a control group. Statistical analysis revealed the following factors considered to predict falls: large amount of time prior to hospitalization and lengthy hospitalization, low functional independence measure for entering and leaving, the existence of sensitivity disorders, spatial neglect, failed seated and standing equilibrium, and sedative treatment. In most cases, whatever their nature, falls occurred during transfers (68% of cases). Most often, the post-fall lesions were minor. However, in one case, a femur neck fracture necessitated osteosynthesis. One-third of the patients had a fall at home (as opposed to 5% of the control group). Our results confirm those in the literature. The predictive factors for falls in patients with hemiplegia are therefore well established and essentially correlate with the CVA. This consideration must lead to implementation of a prevention program including material-based as well as human measures