Absence Of Capsule Research Articles

Evasion of macrophage scavenger receptor A‐mediated recognition by pathogenic streptococci

PRR recognize conserved structures on pathogenic microbes and are important for the defense against invading microorganisms. However, accumulating evidence indicates that many pathogens have evolved mechanisms to avoid recognition by PRR. One type of PRR is the macrophage scavenger receptor A (SR-A), which has been shown to play an important role in recognition and non-opsonic phagocytosis of pathogenic bacteria. The bacterial ligands for SR-A have been suggested to be LPS or lipoteichoic acid. Here, we use murine bone marrow-derived macrophages to analyze the role of SR-A in non-opsonic phagocytosis of two major Gram-positive pathogens, Streptococcus agalactiae (group B streptococcus; GBS) and Streptococcus pyogenes. We show that the polysaccharide capsule of GBS and the surface M protein of S. pyogenes, two important virulence factors, prevent SR-A-mediated non-opsonic phagocytosis of streptococci. The sialic acid moiety of the GBS capsule was crucial for its ability to prevent recognition by SR-A. Moreover, we show that a ligand on GBS recognized by SR-A in the absence of capsule is the surface lipoprotein Blr. These findings represent the first example of a microbial strategy to prevent recognition by SR-A and suggest that bacterial surface proteins may be of importance as ligands for SR-A.

Prognostic factors after liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma with hepatitis B virus-related cirrhosis: The surgeon's role in survival

Aims Little is known in judging significant factors that affect the outcome of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related cirrhosis undergoing liver resection. The aim of the present study is to investigate the controllable and uncontrollable poor prognostic factors for hepatectomy in patients with HBV-related cirrhosis. Methods Clinical and pathological data of 412 HCC patients with HBV-related cirrhosis undergoing liver resection from October 1996 to October 2006 were retrospectively reviewed and the prognostic risk factors were analyzed by univariate and multivariate analyses. Cumulative survival was calculated with respect to the number of prognostic risk factors. Results The significant risk factors for decreasing both the overall and disease-free survival of patients were: (1) ascites volume of more than 500 ml; (2) prothrombin time of more than 4 s; (3) serum AFP of more than 400 ng/ml; (4) tumor distribution in two lobes; (5) vascular invasion; (6) capsule absence; and (7) blood transfusion of more than 600 ml. Moreover, female gender and operation time of more than 5 h are risk factors of tumor recurrence but not for the patients' overall survival. The 3-year survival rate decreased from 100% to 0 as the number of risk factors in the patients increased from zero to four or more. Patients who had two or more preoperative risk factors were poor candidates for liver resection, with a 3-year survival rate of 8.5%. Conclusions The survival of HCC patients with HBV-related cirrhosis after liver resection depends on preoperative liver reserve, tumor status and blood transfusion. Tumor status cannot be altered; however, the surgeon can do a great favor to the prognosis of patients by minimizing bleeding and blood transfusion. Patients with two or more preoperative risk factors should be cautiously selected for liver resection.

Cathelicidin Administration Protects Mice from Bacillus anthracis Spore Challenge

Cathelicidins are a family of cationic peptides expressed in mammals that possess numerous bactericidal and immunomodulatory properties. In vitro analyses showed that human, mouse, and pig cathelicidins inhibited Bacillus anthracis bacterial growth at micromolar concentrations in the presence or absence of capsule. Combined in vitro analyses of the effects of each peptide on spore germination and vegetative outgrowth by time lapse phase contrast microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and flow cytometric analysis showed that only the pig cathelicidin was capable of directly arresting vegetative outgrowth and killing the developing bacilli within the confines of the exosporium. C57BL/6 mice were protected from spore-induced death by each cathelicidin in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Protection afforded by the porcine cathelicidin was due to its bactericidal effects, whereas the human and mouse cathelicidins appeared to mediate protection through increased recruitment of neutrophils to the site of infection. These findings suggest that cathelicidins might be utilized to augment the initial innate immune response to B. anthracis spore exposure and prevent the development of anthrax.

Salmonella produces an O-antigen capsule regulated by AgfD and important for environmental persistence.

In this study, we show that Salmonella produces an O-antigen capsule coregulated with the fimbria- and cellulose-associated extracellular matrix. Structural analysis of purified Salmonella extracellular polysaccharides yielded predominantly a repeating oligosaccharide unit similar to that of Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis lipopolysaccharide O antigen with some modifications. Putative carbohydrate transport and regulatory operons important for capsule assembly and translocation, designated yihU-yshA and yihVW, were identified by screening a random transposon library with immune serum generated to the capsule. The absence of capsule was confirmed by generating various isogenic Deltayih mutants, where yihQ and yihO were shown to be important in capsule assembly and translocation. Luciferase-based expression studies showed that AgfD regulates the yih operons in coordination with extracellular matrix genes coding for thin aggregative fimbriae and cellulose. Although the capsule did not appear to be important for multicellular behavior, we demonstrate that it was important for survival during desiccation stress. Since the yih genes are conserved in salmonellae and the O-antigen capsule was important for environmental persistence, the formation of this surface structure may represent a conserved survival strategy.

The Important Role of NontypableStreptococcus pneumoniaeInternational Clones in Acute Conjunctivitis

In a recent epidemiological study in southern Israel, nontypable Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates were found to be highly associated with sporadic cases of acute conjunctivitis (AC). The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the relative importance in causing AC of the absence of capsule versus genotype properties. DNA typing by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) was performed on 148 nontypable organisms isolated from 3 sites: nasopharynx of healthy children, middle-ear fluid, and conjunctiva. Analysis of the PFGE patterns revealed the presence of 6 clusters; 2 clusters that included 44% of the isolates (65/148) were associated with AC, and the remaining 4 were frequently isolated from the nasopharynx. Multilocus sequence typing, performed on representative isolates of the 2 major clusters, confirmed that the organisms were pneumococci; one is a single-locus variant of sequence type (ST) 448, and the other is related to ST344. Both types appear to be members of pneumococcal lineages that have lost capsular loci. The nontypable isolates showed high rates of resistance to antimicrobial agents. Our data suggest that the absence of the capsule--along with other, yet-unidentified genetic characteristics--provide S. pneumoniae with a selective virulence advantage in conjunctivitis.

Studies on the antimicrobial activity of cecropin A-melittin hybrid peptides in colistin-resistant clinical isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii

Acinetobacter baumannii has successfully developed resistance against all common antibiotics, including colistin, one of the last active drugs against this pathogen. We have tested whether the differences in lethal mechanism between polymyxin B and the cecropin A-melittin hybrid peptide CA(1-8)M(1-18), shown previously with a colistin-susceptible strain, can be exploited as a new chemotherapeutic alternative against colistin-resistant clinical isolates. Furthermore, the effect of capsule on the bactericidal activity of cecropin A-melittin analogues (CAMs) was tested. MICs and MBCs of the four CAMs were determined for 13 clinical isolates. The bactericidal activity of the antimicrobial peptides was measured using time-kill curves. The presence or absence of capsule was determined using Indian ink stain. The MIC ranges of CA(1-8)M(1-18) and three of its shortened analogues, namely CA(1-7)M(2-9), its Nalpha-terminal octanoylated analogue and CA(1-7)M(5-9), for A. baumannii strains were 2-8, 2-4, 2-8 and 4-4 mg/L, respectively. MBCs differed by a factor of two at the most. All of the cecropin A-melittin peptides showed bactericidal activity in time-kill curves against four A. baumannii strains. The bactericidal activity of CAMs was not affected by the presence of capsule. These results indicate that this class of peptides has a fast microbicidal effect on the colistin-resistant A. baumannii isolates, regardless of considerable structural variation among the four peptides and varying colistin MIC for the strains included in the study. Overall, the cecropin A-melittin peptides appear to be a promising alternative to overcome polymyxin resistance in A. baumannii.

Serological Characterization of Streptococcus iniae Strains Isolated from Cultured Fish in Japan

Streptococcus iniae is known as an important marine and freshwater fish pathogen worldwide. In this paper, we characterized two serological phenotypes in Japanese S. iniae isolates, mainly from Japanese flounder Paralichthys olivaceus. The two phenotypes, designated K+ and K-, were distinguished by the presence or absence of capsule. K- cells agglutinated both with anti-K- and K+ type sera, whereas K+ cells agglutinated only with anti-K+ type serum. These two types were indistinguishable by any ordinary biological or biochemical characterization tests. Immunodiffusion test demonstrated the common antigens and a K+ type-specific antigen in the autoclave-extracts of cells. Capsule was observed on the K+ cells, from which acidic polysaccharides were detected. Strains of K+ type were virulent for Japanese flounder, whereas those of K- type were avirulent. There is a direct relationship between the serological phenotypes and the existence of capsule in S. iniae with link to its virulence.

Activation of toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and TLR4/MD2 by Neisseria is independent of capsule and lipooligosaccharide (LOS) sialylation but varies widely among LOS from different strains.

Lipooligosaccharide (LOS) structure and capsular polysaccharide of Neisseria meningitidis each greatly influence the virulence of the organism and the quality of host innate immune responses. In this study, we found that production of the proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF) by a human monocyte-derived cell line (THP-1) exposed to strains of N. meningitidis lacking capsule and/or with truncated LOS was similar to that elicited by the isogenic wild-type strain. These mutants also exhibited no difference in induction of the interleukin-8 (IL-8) promoter in a transfected HeLa cell system of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and TLR4/MD2 signaling. However, purified LOS from diverse strains of Neisseria (both N. meningitidis and N. gonorrhoeae) caused widely variant levels of IL-8 promoter induction in cells expressing MD2 that correlated with the production of TNF from THP-1 cells. These data suggest that although modification of the oligosaccharide chain of LOS and/or absence of capsule do not affect cell signaling mediated by TLR4/MD2, fine-structural differences in the LOS do influence signaling through TLR4/MD2 and, through this pathway, influence some of the proinflammatory responses elicited by Neisseria.

Hepatic angiomyolipoma: various appearances on two-phase contrast scanning of spiral CT

The purpose of this study was to describe and analyze the various appearances of hepatic angiomyolipoma (AML) on the two-phase contrast scans of spiral CT and find out the valuable signs suggesting the diagnosis. Spiral CT scanning of pre- and post-contrast arterial phase, portal venous phase were performed in 12 cases. We found that 11 of 12 lesions appeared as hypodense, the other one appeared as slightly hyperdense on pre-contrast CT scans. On the arterial phase, 11 lesions were markedly enhanced, with the central vasculature opacification in eight lesions; the only other lesion showed no marked enhancement, but with massive vessels seen within the lesion. On the portal venous phase, eight lesions remained in enhancement with the central vessels also seen in six lesions. Our results revealed that two-phase contrast scanning could demonstrate some characteristic features of AML, such as fat components within the lesions, hypervascular tumors, the absence of capsule. Especially the central vessels within the lesions suggested strongly the diagnosis of AML. As for atypical cases, the diagnosis remained difficult and should be differentiated from other hypervascular lesions by means of other imaging modalities or needle puncture biopsy.

In vitro Study of Pasteurella multocida Adhesion to Trachea, Lung and Aorta of Rabbits

In vitro experiments were undertaken to study the adhesion and colonization to tracheal mucosa, lung and aorta explants from freshly killed rabbits of two different strains of Pasteurella multocida. Serotype A:3 (capsulated, fimbriae +, haemagglutination –, dermonecrotic toxin –) isolated from a rabbit with rhinitis, and serotype D:1 (non-capsulated, fimbriae +, haemagglutination +, dermonecrotic toxin +) isolated from a dead rabbit with septicaemia, were used. When the explants were observed under the scanning electron microscope, the type D strain was highly adherent to trachea and aorta explants compared to the type A strain. Adhesion to lung explants was best achieved by the type A strain after 45 min incubation, but after 2 h incubation no significant difference was observed between the strains. Our data indicate that the presence of fimbriae and the absence of capsule seem to enhance the adherence of P. multocida type D strain to tracheal tissue. The capsular material of P. multocida type A strain and the toxin of the type D strain seem to influence the adherence to lung tissue in rabbit. Adhesion of strain D to aorta may indicate the expression of receptors on the endothelium to that strain and may also explain the ability of certain strains to cause septicaemia.

Isolation and characterization of a capsule-deficient mutant of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serotype 1

The capsular polysaccharides (CPS) play a major role in pathogenicity of Actinobacillus pleuroÍpneumoniae, the causative agent of porcine pleuropneumonia. The purpose of the present study was to isolate a mutant in CPS biosynthesis by using a mini-Tn 10 transposon mutagenesis system and evaluate its adherence to host cells. One mutant apparently did not possess CPS as it did not react with a monoclonal antibody against A. pleuropneumoniae serotype 1 capsular antigen. Absence of capsule was confirmed by flow cytometry and also by transmission electron microscopy after polycationic ferritin labelling. The site of insertion of the mini-Tn 10 was determined and found to be in thecpxC gene. Its gene product, CpxC, is a protein involved in polysaccharide transport across the cytoplasmic membrane during CPS biosynthesis. Use of piglet tracheal frozen sections indicated that the CPS mutant adhered significantly (P=0.0001) more than the parent strain. The non-capsular mutant was less virulent in pigs compared to the parent strain and showed no mortality in experimentally infected pigs. The CPS mutant was however resistant to pig serum. This CPS mutant is the first A. pleuropneumoniae mutant in a CPS transport gene. It is also the first time that adherence of a CPS mutant of A. pleuropneumoniae is evaluated. Our observations indicate that capsular polysaccharides of A. pleuropneumoniae serotype 1 are not involved in adherence to piglet tracheal frozen sections but rather mask, at least in part, the adhesive functions.

Klebsiella pneumoniae 35 and 36 kDa Porins Are Common Antigens in Different Serotypes and Induce Opsonizing Antibodies

Background Klebsiella pneumoniae is a major cause of neonatal sepsis and nosocomial infections in Mexico. Antibiotic therapy is the first choice for treatment but the increase in multiple resistance strains has forced scientists to look for alternative treatments, such as immunotherapy. In this work, we propose that porins could be a common antigen among four different capsular serotypes of Klebsiella pneumoniae for the production of immune sera with opsonizing capacity. Methods The 35 and 36 kDa porins from four different serotypes of the bacteria were isolated by the Nikaido method followed by purification in Sephacryl column chromatography. The 36 kDa of serotype K8 was further purified by electroelution. The 35 and 36 kDa porins were used to obtain rabbit polyclonal antibodies (PolyAb) to the four serotypes and the 36 kDa from K8 for the production of monoclonal antibodies (MoAb). Antigenic reactivity of PolyAb and MoAb were analyzed by ELISA and WB and their opsonizing capacity for human PMN was measured by chemiluminescence (CL) using capsulated and non-capsulated bacteria. Results Porins from the four strains showed electrophoretic homology and cross reaction by ELISA and WB. CL assays indicated that PolyAb opsonized heterologous strains and that MoAb perform this in the absence of capsule. Conclusions K. pneumoniae 35 and 36 kDa porins are common antigens for the four serotypes studied and induce opsonizing antibodies.

Streptococcus suis serotype 2 mutants deficient in capsular expression.

Streptococcus suis serotype 2 is responsible for a wide variety of porcine infections. In addition, it is considered a zoonotic agent. Knowledge about the virulence factors for this bacterium is limited but its polysaccharide capsule is thought to be one of the most important. Transposon mutagenesis with the self-conjugative transposon Tn916 was used to obtain acapsular mutants from the virulent S. suis type 2 reference strain S735. Clones were screened by colony-dot ELISA with a monoclonal antibody specific for a type 2 capsular epitope and clones that failed to react with the antibody were characterized. Two mutants, 2A and 79, having one and two Tn916 insertions respectively, were chosen for further characterization. Absence of capsule was confirmed by coagglutination, capillary precipitation and capsular reaction tests and by transmission electron microscopy. Absence of capsular polysaccharides correlated with increased hydrophobicity and phagocytosis by both murine macrophages and porcine monocytes compared to the wild-type strain. Furthermore, both mutants were shown to be avirulent in murine and pig models of infection. Finally, mutant 2A was readily eliminated from circulation in mice compared to the wild-type strain, which persisted more than 48 h in blood. Thus, isogenic mutants defective in capsule production demonstrate the importance of capsular polysaccharides as a virulence factor for S. suis type 2.

Identification of Prototheca from bovine mastitis in Denmark

In the present study, algal isolates recovered during the period 1991 through 1996 from Danish cases of bovine mastitis were characterized and identified. Sixteen isolates of Prototheca were obtained, all of which were identified as Prototheca zopfii according to assimilation pattern, absence of capsules and resistance to clotrimazole.

Expression of the integrin? 5 subunit and its mediated cell adhesion in hepatocellular carcinoma

Tumor invasion and metastasis are complex processes, requiring the ability of tumor cells to interact with proteins of the extracellular matrix through cell-adhesion molecules on the cell surface. Integrins are heterodimeric membrane glycoproteins, consisting of alpha and beta subunits, which enable cells to recognize adhesive substrates in the extracellular matrix. The roles of the integrin alpha5beta1 in tumor invasion are highlighted by finding that some tumor cells have lost or reduced alpha5beta1 expression. It therefore functions as a negative signaling regulator. Expression of alpha5beta1 and its mediation of cell adhesion in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have not been elucidated. In surgical specimens of HCC we found, by immunohistochemistry and Northern blot analysis, that the alpha5-positive rates in cancerous tissues were lower than the corresponding rates in non-cancerous tissues. Reduced expression of the integrin alpha5 occurred more frequently in HCC with more malignant phenotypes, such as poor differentiation, large size (more than 10-cm in diameter), absence of capsule and high invasion. Reverse transcription/polymerase chain reaction, a more sensitive assay, was used to detect the alpha5 mRNA level in LCID20, a highly metastatic model of human HCC, and LCID35, a low-metastasis model. The results showed that integrin alpha5 was negative in the former and positive in the latter. Cell adhesion assays showed the maximal percentage inhibition of anti-alpha5 mAb on SMMC 7721 cell adhesion to fibronectin to be 68.9 +/- 4.9% at the saturation concentrations of each antibody (200 microg/ml). If anti-alpha5 mAb was combined with anti-beta1 mAb, the inhibition was 74.1 +/- 11.1%. It is concluded that reduced expression of the integrin alpha5 subunit is correlated with more malignant phenotypes of human HCC. Any change in the adhesion of hepatocellular carcinoma cells to fibronectin is mainly dependent upon the function of the integrin alpha5beta1.

Unique ability of the Proteus mirabilis capsule to enhance mineral growth in infectious urinary calculi.

Struvite (MgNH4PO4.6H2O) calculi are a common complication of Proteus mirabilis urinary tract infections. Although urease is a major virulence factor in calculus formation, the polysaccharide capsule (CPS) of this organism also enhances struvite crystallization and growth in vitro (L. Clapham, R. J. C. McLean, J. C. Nickel, J. Downey, and J. W. Costerton, J. Crystal Growth 104:475-484, 1990). We obtained purified CPS, of known structure and varying anionic character, from P. mirabilis ATCC 49565 and several other organisms. Artificial urine was added to CPS, and the pH was elevated from 5.8 to 8.5 by the addition of urease or titration with 0.25 M NH4OH to induce struvite crystallization. Crystallization was measured by particle counting (Coulter counter), and the morphology (crystal habit) was examined by phase-contrast microscopy. In the presence of partially anionic P. mirabilis CPS, struvite formation occurred at a lower pH than in the absence of CPS or in the presence of other neutral, partially anionic, or anionic CPS. At pH 7.5 to 8.0, significantly more struvite crystals formed in the presence of P. mirabilis CPS than under other experimental conditions. With the exception of one polymer (curdlan) which did not bind Mg2+, enhancement of struvite formation by CPS polymers was inversely proportional to their Mg2+ binding ability. We speculate that the structure and partial anionic nature of P. mirabilis CPS enable it to enhance struvite formation by weakly concentrating Mg2+ ions during struvite crystal formation. This illustrates a new virulence aspect of bacterial CPS during infection.

Deposition and degradation of C3 on type III group B streptococci

Antibody to the polysaccharide capsule of type III group B streptococci (GBS) and complement are essential to host defense against systemic infection in neonates. Interactions between C3 degradation products and specific neutrophil receptors mediate the attachment and ingestion of these organisms. To evaluate the influence of capsule on C3 disposition, we compared the C3 fragments released from a highly encapsulated clinical isolate (M861) with those from an unencapsulated mutant (COH 31-15) and an asialo mutant (COH 31-21) of type III GBS after opsonization with hypogammaglobulinemic serum. Upon sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western blot (immunoblot) analysis, the three strains displayed similar patterns of C3 degradation; both C3b and iC3b were detectable. However, as the duration of opsonization increased, C3 fragment bands became more prominent on the encapsulated strain. The capsule, and specifically sialylation of the capsular polysaccharide of type III GBS, promotes C3 fragment deposition. However, C3 was deposited and degraded to iC3b in the absence of capsule. Opsonization of strain M861 with serum containing antibody specific for the polysaccharide capsule facilitated C3 fragment deposition in the early phases of opsonization. Because iC3b is one of the C3 fragments on an encapsulated strain of type III GBS, the relative deficiency of neonatal neutrophil receptors for this ligand may contribute to the virulence of this organism. Sufficient concentrations of antibody may enhance opsonization by facilitating C3 deposition as well as by interacting with Fc receptors on neutrophils.

Surgical treatment of pancreatic pseudocysts

Clinically and morphologically the cyst is an intermediate stage between acute and chronic pancreatitis. In the early stage of the disease, i.e. in absence of capsule, pancreatic juice leakages in retroperitoneal tissue, small omental pouch, inside pancreatic parenchyma cannot be anatomically considered a cyst, but since they are initial substrate for its formation, they are eligible to be called cysts in unstable stage. According to some authors, in the early stages of cysts should be treated conservatively, while others believe that surgical treatment should be carried out immediately after diagnosis, before a dense capsule develops, which takes 2-4 months to form.

Entodon hampeanus C. Müll., New and Extinct in the United States

Entodon hampeanus C. Miill., a Mexican-Andean moss, is reported for the first time from the United States. It was collected in Oconee County, South Carolina, in 1958, by Wilfred B. Schofield, but remained unidentified until recently. The creation of Lake Jocassee has since flooded the site and the moss is now extinct there. Nevertheless E. hampeanus can be added to a growing list of tropical American bryophytes that are disjunctive to the Southern Appalachian Mountains. A description and illustrations of the moss are provided. In June 1958, Wilfred B. Schofield collected a sterile Entodon in Oconee County, South Carolina, and referred it to the senior author for identification. In aspect the leafy plants resembled E. macropodus (Hedw.) C. Miill., except they seemed more slender and less complanate. Microscopically, the leaf shape looked vaguely different, and the alar cells seemed more prominent, but the differences were difficult to pinpoint. The absence of capsules made identification difficult. Schofield returned to the site in October 1959, and gathered a large quantity of the moss, enough, in fact, for future inclusion in the Crum and Anderson exsiccati, Mosses of North America. The plants were put aside with the provisional label, Entodon n. sp. The material did not surface again until 1982, when a specimen of the original sterile collection was sent to Buck, who had recently completed a generic revision of the Entodontaceae (Buck 1980). He suggested that it might be Entodon hampeanus C. Miill., a Mexican-Andean species not previously known north of Mexico, but lack of fruits prevented positive identification. Fortunately, when the exsiccati material was being packeted, it was found to be in fruit; it could then be identified with certainty as E. hampeanus. Meanwhile, Duke Power Company had constructed a huge dam on the Keowee River, into which the Whitewater River flowed at the time of Schofield's collection. This dam created Lake Jocassee, which flooded the site where E. hampeanus had been collected. In spite of many diligent searches it has not been found elsewhere. This paper, therefore, happily reports the discovery of a moss new to the United States and at the same time sadly takes note of its disappearance. Nevertheless, we call attention to the moss not only because of its phytogeographic significance but in the hope that it exists elsewhere in the Southern Appalachian Mountains and that it will be rediscovered. The accompanying description and illustrations should enhance the possibility of its being found elsewhere. ENTODON HAMPEANUS C. Miill., Linnaea 18: 705. 1845. (FIG. 1-10) Plants relatively slender, yellow-green, glossy, in flat mats. Stems elongate, to ca. 5 cm long, prostrate, irregularly branched, the branches complanate-foliate; pseudoparaphyllia foliose, narrowly lanceolate; axillary hairs uniseriate, with a single, short, brown basal cell and 3-4 elongate, hyaline, apical ones. Leaves oblong to oblong-ovate, to ca. 2 mm long, usually widest about 1/3 leaf length, acute or more often obtuse or broadly apiculate, concave, constricted at the insertion; margins plane, densely serrulate above, subentire below; costa short and double; cells linear, smooth, subflexuose, shorter at the extreme apex; alar cells numerous, not reaching costa or reaching it in only 2-3 rows, extending up margins in 5-9 rows, quadrate to short-rectangular, gradually differentiated from those above. Autoicous. Perichaetial leaves erect with gradually spreading apices, lanceolate, 1.3-2.2 mm long, gradually long-acuminate; margins plane, distantly serrulate above, entire below; ecostate; cells linear, subflexuose, becoming broader and shorter above; alar cells scarcely differentiated from other cells across insertion. Setae light yellow to yellow-orange, to ca. 2.5 cm long, twisted; capsules erect to somewhat nodding, cylindric, to 4 mm long; annulus not differentiated; operculum high-conic; peristome inserted well below mouth; exostome teeth reddish, lanceolate, on outer surface striate below, papillose 0007-2745/88/113-115$0.45/0 This content downloaded from 157.55.39.255 on Wed, 25 May 2016 05:55:09 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms 114 THE BRYOLOGIST [VOL. 91

Lipomyces anomalus sp. nov.

A description of a new yeast species from soil - Lipomyces anomalus - is given. It differs from all the accepted Lipomyces spp. by the formation of abundant pseudomycelium, absence of capsules, the assimilation properties, and its habitat: the north taiga subzone.