Cloacae Research Articles

Bacterial flora distribution and antimicrobial resistance of pyogenic liver abscess: a multicenter retrospective study (A report of 897 cases)

Bacterial flora distribution and antimicrobial resistance of pyogenic liver abscess: a multicenter retrospective study (A report of 897 cases)

A new free-living marine nematode species of the genus <i>Phanoderma</i> Bastian, 1865 (Enoplida: Phanodermatidae) from the East Sea, Korea

A new species of free-living marine nematode is described from intertidal sediments of the East Sea, Korea. Phanoderma koreense sp. nov. is characterized by the presence of well-developed pharyngeal and cephalic capsule, six inner labial sensilla present as minute papillae around with circular groove, long and slender spicules with 4-5 serrated distal end, located at the base of the precloacal supplement, a series of eight to nine stout and short setae on the ventral cloacal region and conico-cylindrical tail with two pairs of blunt setae. In this study, we provide taxonomic descriptions and illustrations of a new species by differential interference contrast microscope and a pictorial key to the valid species of Phanoderma Bastian, 1865. This is the first record of the genus Phanoderma in the East Sea, Korea.

Biological and biochemical characteristics of male reproductive system, serum metabolites and carcass quality of Japanese quails by the supplementation of Pinus ponderosa leaves and α-tocopherol acetate.

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation of Pinus ponderosa leaves (pine leaves) and α-tocopherol acetate (vitamin E) powder on male reproductive system, serum metabolites and carcass characteristics of Japanese quails. A total of 360-day-old male quails were purchased from the open market and kept at poultry shed for ninety-four days. After ten days of adaptation, all quails were randomly assigned into 4 groups, control (IC); supplemented with α-tocopherol acetate (IE) at the rate of 150mg/L; Pinus ponderosa leaves (IP) at the rate of 150mg/L; and 70mg α-tocopherol acetate and 70mg Pinus ponderosa leaves (IEP). Pinus ponderosa leaves and α-tocopherol acetate supplementation had not significantly (p>.05) effected on final body weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio of quails. The high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) and total cholesterol (TC) were significantly (p>.05) affected by IE and IP groups as compared to IC and IEP groups. Triglyceride (TG), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) significantly (p<.05) increased in all treatment groups except for the IC group. Aspartate transaminase (AST) significantly (p>.05) decreased in treatment groups as compared to control group. Overall, the mineral levels significantly (p<.05) increased in treatment groups as compared to control. Cloacal gland index values, the quantity of foam production and testis weight were significantly (p<.05) increased in treatment groups. It was concluded that the supplementation of Pinus ponderosa leaves and α-tocopherol acetate improved the testis weight, foam production, serum antioxidant enzymes and mineral level especially zinc in Japanese quail considered an indicative characteristic ofhighersperm production rate and improved sexual activity. Further, highergametogenesis rate, sperm production orreproductive behaviour including different hormonal level will be analysed in future study.

Distribution characteristics and drug resistance of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae in children from 2016 to 2017

Objective To investigate the distribution and drug resistance of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) isolated from children in China. Methods CRE strains were collected in 10 tertiary children's hospitals of China from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2017. Antimicrobial susceptibility of the clinical strains was detected with disk diffusion method (KB method) and automated method. The results were analyzed according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) Standards published in 2017. WHONET 5.6 software was used to retrospectively analyze the distribution characteristics and drug resistance of these strains. Results A total of 3 065 CRE clinical strains were isolated from children with an overall prevalence of 7.7% and among them, 13.5% were isolated in neonatal group and 5.8% in non-neonatal group. The detection rate of CRE in 2017 was higher than that in 2016 (9.7% vs 5.7%). Among the 3 065 CRE strains, there were 1 912 strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae (62.0%), 667 strains of Escherichia coli (22.0%), 206 strains of Enterobacter cloacae (7.0%), 56 strains of Klebsiella aerogenes (1.8%) and 47 strains of Serratia marcescens (1.5%). Most of the strains were isolate in neonatology departments including neonatal intensive care units (NICU) and intensive care units (ICU), accounting for 44.8% and 19.7%, respectively. Respiratory tract (61.8%), urine (19.4%) and blood (5.7%) specimens were the main sources of CRE isolates. Results of antimicrobial susceptibility test showed that the CRE strains were highly resistant to carbapenem antibiotics such as imipenem, meropenem and ertapenem, as well as penicillins and most cephalosporins (79.6%-100%), especially those isolated in the neonatal group (P<0.05). Children had relatively low resistance rates to aminoglycosides such as amikacin (19.7%) and fosfomycin (11.9%), fluoroquinolones such as levofloxacin (37.7%) and ciprofloxacin (43.3%), and tigecycline (3.8%). Currently, no polymyxin B-resistant strains were isolated. Conclusions The prevalence of common CRE strains in children in 2017 was higher than that in 2016, especially in newborns. Drug resistance in CRE strains isolated from neonates to common antibiotics was more severe, suggesting that great attention should be paid to it and timely measures should also be taken. Key words: Carbapenem-resistant Enterbacteriaceae; Drug resistance; Children

Seasonal Variations in Femoral Gland Secretions Reveals some Unexpected Correlations Between Protein and Lipid Components in a Lacertid Lizard

Animals modulate intraspecific signal shape and intensity, notably during reproductive periods. Signal variability typically follows a seasonal scheme, traceable through the expression of visual, acoustic, chemical and behavioral patterns. The chemical channel is particularly important in lizards, as demonstrated by well-developed epidermal glands in the cloacal region that secrete lipids and proteins recognized by conspecifics. In males, the seasonal pattern of gland activity is underpinned by variation of circulating androgens. Changes in the composition of lipid secretions convey information about the signaler's quality (e.g., size, immunity). Presumably, individual identity is associated with a protein signature present in the femoral secretions, but this has been poorly investigated. For the first time, we assessed the seasonal variability of the protein signal in relation to plasma testosterone level (T), glandular activity and the concentration of provitamin D3 in the lipid fraction. We sampled 174 male common wall lizards (Podarcis muralis) over the entire activity season. An elevation of T was observed one to two months before the secretion peak of lipids during the mating season; such expected delay between hormonal fluctuation and maximal physiological response fits well with the assumption that provitamin D3 indicates individual quality. One-dimensional electrophoretic analysis of proteins showed that gel bands were preserved over the season with an invariant region; a result in agreement with the hypothesis that proteins are stable identity signals. However, the relative intensity of bands varied markedly, synchronously with that of lipid secretion pattern. These variations of protein secretion suggest additional roles of proteins, an issue that requires further studies.

First comprehensive report of bacteria spp. associated with cloaca of Laudakia nupta (Sauria: Agamidae) in Iran using molecular studies

Iran bears a remarkable variety of reptiles. One of the lizard families occurring in Iran is the Family Agamidae which is widely are distributed throughout the old world. The large-scaled rock agamid, Laudakia nupta, is one of the well-known agamid. There are few reports of cloacal microbial on reptiles hence their function in cloacae remains unknown. Laudakia nupta usually live in rural and urban areas and close vicinity to man, they are likely to play an important role in the spread of disease that may be caused by these microorganisms and their transmission to man. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the bacterial flora colonizing the cloacal region of Laudakia nupta using molecular studies. The cloacal fluids were directly placed on nutrient agar (NA) plates and incubated at 25 ± 2 °C for 48 h. The resulting bacterial colonies were transferred to fresh nutrient agar (NA) plates for molecular studies. Twelve isolates were obtained from 17 specimens of Laudakia nupta. All bacteria isolates were identified as Bacillus subtillis (5), Bacillus cereus (4), Bacillus sp. (1), Pseudomonas putida (1), and Pseudomonas sp. (1) based on partial sequences of the 16 s rRNA gene. This is the first comprehensive report of bacteria spp. associated with cloaca of Laudakia nupta using molecular studies. In this research, we found that Laudakia nupta can be a carrier of bacteria which can transfer microorganisms to hosts.

Research progress in epidemiological characteristics of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae

Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) are defined as bacteria of the Enterobacteriaceae family exhibiting resistance to any carbapenem antibiotics. As some of the most common pathogens, Enterobacteriaceae spread worldwide and often cause large-scale outbreaks and transmission in medical institutions or regions. Increasing resistance of these bacteria to clinically common-used anti-infective drugs results in more and more treatment failure and brings enormous challenges to nosocomial infection control and anti-infection treatment. Understanding the distribution and transmission of CRE is of great significance for controlling the spread of such pathogens. This article reviews the progress in the distribution and epidemic characteristics of CRE. Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC)-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (K.pneumoniae) was first isolated in the United States and has become the predominant species of CRE worldwide. In recent years, KPC-2- and KPC-3-producing K. pneumoniae are widely spread in many regions. NDM-1 has been detected worldwide since it was isolated from Escherichia coli (E.coli) and K. pneumoniae in India and Britain in 2010 and become the second most common carbapenemase produced by Enterobacteriaceae other than KPC. OXA-48, which was first detected from a carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae in 2004, has weak hydrolytic activity against carbapenems. Large-scale outbreaks caused by OXA-48-producing Enterobacteriaceae have occurred in many countries such as Turkey, Spain, Morocco and Tunisia. In China, the predominant species of CRE is KPC-producing K. pneumoniae mainly belonging to the sequence type 11 (ST11). In addition, KPC-producing Klebsiella oxytoca (K.oxytoca), E. coli, Enterobacter cloacae (E.cloacae), Citrobacter freundii (C.freundii), Serratia marcescens, Proteus mirabilis (P.mirabilis), Enterobacter fluvialis (E.fluvialis) and Morgan morganii have also been reported. The prevalent NDM-producing species isolated in China are E. coli and K. pneumoniae. Moreover, blaNDM is also carried by E. cloacae, K. oxytoca, C. freundii, P. mirabilis and Enterobacter aerogenes (E.aerogenes). Small-scale outbreaks caused by OXA-48-producing K. pneumoniae have only been reported in Beijing and Taiwan in China. Key words: Carbapenemase; Drug resistance; Enterobacteriaceae; Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae

Parasitic affections of domesticated pigeons (Columba livia) in Jammu, India

The parasitic fauna of domesticated pigeons in Jammu region were not recorded and so a survey was undertaken amongst a population of approximately 4000 birds in twelve areas around Jammu. Ectoparasites and haemoprotozoa from live birds, and endoparasites from dead birds were recorded. Ova shed in feces were also screened in four different seasons. Ectoparasites recovered include Columbicola columbae, Campanulotes bidentatus, Pseudolynchia canariensis, Ctenocephalides sp., Psoroptes sp. A total of 22 (36.67%) out 60 gastrointestinal tracts (GIT) of pigeons were positive for helminthic endoparasites including Raillietina sp. (25%; 15/60); Ascaridia sp. (5%; 3/60) and the hairworm Capillaria sp. (6.67%; 4/60). coccidian (58.3%; 35/60), cryptosporidian parasites (50.0%; 5/10), Trichomonas gallinae (40%; 12/30) and haemoprotozoal schizogony tissue stages (45.0%; 27/60) were observed in cloacal, oro-pharyngeal and tissue samples from post-mortem materials. Prevalence of cestodes was relatively more than nematodes perhaps due to the pigeon’s access to intermediate hosts of the cestodes. Blood smears showed the presence of Haemoproteus columbae gametocytes (26.6%; 8/30). Twenty-four pooled fecal samples examined from six select villages revealed presence of different parasitic ova. A higher prevalence of parasitic eggs was noted in the winters. Ascarid eggs were particularly prevalent during monsoon and post monsoon. Raillietina sp. was the most common cestode with lowered prevalence in the peak summers. It is speculated that close confinement of the domesticated birds are responsible for increased parasitic load and their dissemination. The parasitic data generated in the study may be helpful in estimating the faunistic prevalence of different parasites for strategic management of such parasitism during various seasons.

A new species of the endemic Himalayan genus Liurana (Anura, Ceratobatrachidae) from southeastern Tibet, China, with comments on the distribution, reproductive biology, and conservation of the genus.

A new species of the genus Liurana Dubois, 1986 is described from Medog County, Tibet, China, based on morphological and molecular data. The new species can be differentiated from all other congeners by the following combination of characters: (1) head wider than long; (2) tympanum distinct and large; (3) hindlimb long, tibiotarsal articulation beyond tip of snout when adpressed; (4) belly with flat tubercles, cloacal region with small tubercles; (5) transverse bands distinctly on dorsal limbs, four bands on thigh and three on tibia; and, (6) dark brown marbled patterns or speckles on white belly. Here, we also discuss the distribution pattern of Liurana in the East Himalaya region, the role of the Yarlung Tsangpo River in the speciation and genetic isolation of congeners, the direct developmental mode of reproduction, and the two different ecotypes of the genus. Lastly, we provide conservation recommendations for the genus in southeastern Tibet.

Effects of Leptadinea reticulata and Chromium Yeast (LAYPLUSR) Supplementation on the Reproductive Parameters of Male Japanese Quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

A 12-week study was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife to evaluate the effect of dietary inclusion of Leptadinea reticulata (LRCY) on reproductive and histological parameters of male Japanese quails, Coturnix coturnix japonica. Two hundred and ten birds were used for this study, and they were allocated randomly into seven treatment groups and replicated thrice. Group 1 served as control without inclusion of extract, while groups 2, 3, 4 and 5 had 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, 750mg/kg and 1000mg/kg inclusion of LR and group 6 had 240mg/kg of vitamin E respectively and group 7 clomiphene citrate. The birds were weighed weekly to determine weight change. The cloacal gland of each bird was measured to the nearest 0.01mm. Semen from cauda epididymis was smeared on slide and the morphology of the sperm cells assessed. The weight of the testes was determined by using sensitive scale and the histology of the testes was performed to determine the stages of spermatogenesis. The internal organs such as the length of both testes, weight of heart, liver, gizzard and proventriculus were taken to determine the effect of the feed supplement on the organs. The data obtained were analyzed using one-way ANOVA. There was significant (p

First record of the epibiont barnacle Platylepas hexastylos (Crustacea: Cirripedia: Platylepadidae) from Galician coast

First record of the epibiont barnacle Platylepas hexastylos (Crustacea: Cirripedia: Platylepadidae) from Galician coast

Reducing feather pecking and cloacal cannibalism by providing layer breeders with nest boxes in colony cages for natural mating

Colony cages for natural mating have been applied on many layer breeder farms. However, feather pecking and cloacal cannibalism are considered as prominent problems for these systems. This study aimed to investigate the effects on feather pecking and vent pecking behaviors by providing layer breeders with nest boxes (0.90 m L × 0.40 m W × 0.60 m H) in colony cages for natural mating (4.80 m L × 1.20 m W × 0.71 m H). Video recording and artificial observation were adopted. The results showed that the usage of nest boxes gradually increased from the beginning of nest boxes providing at the age of 37 weeks to the end of the experiment at the age of 55 weeks. The utilization rates of nest boxes were 36.75%, 44.75% and 50.38% at the ages of 41 weeks, 47 weeks and 53 weeks, respectively. The hens in the cages without nest boxes showed significantly more frequent gentle feather pecks (both given and received) than hens in the cages with nest boxes at the ages of 41 weeks, 47 weeks and 53 weeks. A decreasing trend of gentle feather pecking frequency (both given and received) was found with the increasing age for both the two groups. No significant difference was found in the number of given or received severe feather pecks at the age of 41 weeks. The hens in the cages without nest boxes showed a significantly higher frequency of given and received severe feather pecks than hens in the cages with nest boxes at the ages of 47 weeks and 53 weeks (p<0.05). Both cannibalistic injury occurrence and mortality rate in the cages with nest boxes were significantly lower than those in the cages without nest boxes. In conclusion, providing nest boxes in colony cages for natural mating could decrease abnormal pecking behaviors and improve animal welfare conditions of layer breeders. Keywords: feather pecking, vent pecking, nest box, colony cage, cloacal cannibalism, layer breeder, animal welfare DOI: 10.25165/j.ijabe.20181106.3323 Citation: Shi H P, Zheng W C, Tu J, Li B M. Reducing feather pecking and cloacal cannibalism by providing layer breeders with nest boxes in colony cages for natural mating. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2018; 11(6): 27–32.

Ophidian Cloacal Scent Gland Impaction and Surgical Excision: A Case Series in Six Different Snake Species

Members of the suborder Serpentes possess paired scent glands located caudal to the vent. In this retrospective case series (n = 6), four colubrids, a boid, and a viperid presented with cloacal scent gland impaction. The colubrids were greater than 17 yr old, had both glands initially or eventually affected (4/4, 100%), and most (3/4, 75%) were females. The python (Python regius) was a 10 yr old male, and the viper (Agkistrodon contortrix pictigaster) was of undetermined age and male. In the non-colubrid snakes, gland impaction was unilateral. Infection (4/6, 66.7%), mineralization (1/6, 16.7%), and neoplasia (1/6, 16.7%; fibrosarcoma) were associated with the gland impactions in the colubrids and python; a colubrid with neoplasia also had a concurrent bacterial infection and the cause of impaction was not determined in the viper (1/6, 16.7%). Medical management was attempted in 1/6 (16.7%) of the cases but was unsuccessful. Overall, complete surgical excision was realized in 9 of 10 (90%) affected glands. Postoperative infection of the surgery site was encountered in two (33.3%) snakes. The colubrids died 6 wk to 5 yr postoperatively of causes unrelated to the surgery. No complications occurred in a 5 yr follow-up of the viper, whereas an impaction recurred in association with residual glandular tissue and had to be surgically removed in the python 2 yr after surgery. Interspecific differences, age, husbandry, and concomitant pathological processes are suggested to be potential predisposing factors to developing a cloacal scent gland impaction, but additional cases supported by a thorough husbandry and medical history are needed to better delineate these possible associations.

Distribution and antibiotic resistance of 532 bacterial panthogens in blood culture in a hematology department

Objective To analyze the distribution and antibiotic resistance of bacterial pathogens in blood culture in the Department of Hematology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from 2013 to 2017. Methods BACTEC FX automatic blood culture instrument was used for blood culture. VITEK-2 Compact automatic microbial identification and drug susceptibility system was used for bacterial identification, drug sensitivity testing and fungal identification. K-B and ATB FUNGUS 3 methods were used for Streptococcus and fungi susceptibility testing, respectively. WHONET5.6 software was used for statistical analysis. Results The positive results of blood culture accounted for 7.6% during 2013 to 2017 and the top five isolated pathogenic bacteria were Escherichia coli (20.9%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (18.0%), coagulase negative Staphylococcus (12.4%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (11.5%) and Enterobacter cloacae (3.6%). Carbapenems (94.4%) were the most active antibiotics against Enterobacteriaceae. Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains were sensitive to all antibacterial dugs except aztreonam. Acinetobacter baumannii strains had a lower sensitivity to almost all antibacterial dugs. Vancomycin, linezolid and teicoplanin were active antimicrobial agents against gram-positive cocci. Conclusion Patients with hematological diseases are more susceptible to nosocomial infection, which should be paid more attention to in clinical and laboratory practice. Rational antimicrobial therapy is an effective way for control of antimicrobial resistance. Key words: Blood culture; Pathogenic bacteria; Antibiotic; Antimicrobial susceptibility

PRODUCTIVE AND REPRODUCTIVE RESPONSES OF BREEDER JAPANESE QUAILS TO DIFFERENT DIETARY CRUDE PROTEIN AND L-VALINE LEVELS

The outcomes of dietary crude protein levels (CP; 18 and 20%) and L-valine (Val.; 0, 0.1 and 0.2%) supplementation on the productive/reproductive performance, egg quality and some blood parameters of breeder Japanese quails were evaluated from 14 to 28 weeks of age. One hundred forty-four birds were individually weighed and randomly distributed into six treatment groups with eight replicates each of two females and one male. Body weight, egg weight and percentages of fertility, hatchability and total embryonic mortality were not influenced by treatments. However, significant interactions due to CP and Val. levels on egg production percentage, egg mass, chick weight and egg quality traits were obtained. Quails fed 18% CP + 0.2% Val. diets had better feed and valine intake, FCR, shell thickness and yolk index. Sexual libido, foam production, sperm concentration and motility percentage and methylene blue reaction time (MBRT) did not differ due to treatments while cloacal gland area and semen ejaculate volume of male quail were significantly improved by 18% CP level. No differences between treatments were observed for blood urea and albumin concentrations of male and female. In contrast, total protein and Superoxide dismutase (SOD) concentrations increased significantly in response to Val. levels and were also enhanced differently in the blood of male and female. Superoxide dismutase concentration in the plasma of male was not influenced by treatments while plasma female's SOD was significantly elevated due to 18 % CP + 0.2 % Val. diet. The results indicated that dietary 18% CP with 0.2% L-valine was suitable for breeder quails at 14-28 weeks of age.

Avian Influenza Prevalence and Viral Shedding Routes in Minnesota Ring-Billed Gulls (Larus delawarensis).

Birds within the orders Charadriiformes (shorebirds, gulls) and Anseriformes (waterfowl) are reservoir hosts for avian influenza (AI) viruses, but their role in the transmission dynamics of AI viruses is unclear. To date, waterfowl have been the predominant focal species for most surveillance and epidemiological studies, yet gulls, in particular, have been shown to harbor reassortant AI viruses of both North American and Eurasian lineages and are underrepresented in North American surveillance efforts. To address this gap in surveillance, 1346 ring-billed gulls (Larus delawarensis) were sampled during spring and fall migrations and at three breeding sites in 2017 across Minnesota. Results indicate noticeable age-cohort dynamics in AI virus prevalence within ring-billed gulls in Minnesota. Immunologically naïve juveniles represented the cohort with the highest prevalence rate (57.8%). Regardless of age, more gulls had AI virus detected in oropharyngeal (OP) than in cloacal (CL) swabs. The high AI virus prevalence within ring-billed gulls, particularly in immunologically naïve birds, warrants further targeted surveillance efforts of ring-billed gulls and other closely related species.

Integrative approach on Pharyngodonidae (Nematoda: Oxyuroidea) parasitic in reptiles: Relationship among its genera, importance of their diagnostic features, and new data on Parapharyngodon bainae.

The first integrative approach using sequences of two genes (18S and 28S rRNA) plus morphological and life history traits, was explored in Pharyngodonidae nematodes parasitic in reptiles. Additionally, first genetic characterization of Parapharyngodon bainae and new data on its morphology are given. This approach evaluated the phylogenetic relationships among genera within Pharyngodonidae, as well as the importance of their diagnostic morphological features. Specimens of P. bainae were collected from faecal pellets of the lizard Tropidurus torquatus in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Nematodes were fixed for scanning electron microscopy and molecular procedures. Morphological observations revealed the accurate structures of cephalic end, of cloacal region in males, of vulva and eggs. Phylogenetic reconstructions were based upon four datasets: aligned sequences of the 18S, of the 28S, of both concatenated genes and of combined morphological and molecular datasets. Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood were performed to infer the phylogenies of molecular datasets and maximum parsimony to infer that of all-combined data. Pharyngodonid parasites of reptiles seem to configure two general monophyletic lineages, as previously assertions. Results also showed the monophyly of Spauligodon, Skrjabinodon and Parapharyngodon, as well as the clear separation between the latter and Thelandros. Combination of datasets improved nodal supports. Analysis of the all-combined datasets revealed the importance of vulval position and egg morphology as phylogenetic informative traits. However, characters of male caudal morphology appear as are highly homoplastic, and seem to be product of convergent evolution or multiple losses of ancestral traits. The closely-related Thelandros and Parapharyngodon are kept valid and their diagnosis should be based upon the position of the operculum in eggs (terminal or subterminal, respectively). Some inconsistencies in the scarce molecular and morphological databases were noted. Thus, new genetic data is required for further conclusions and current database must be evaluated with attention.

On the taxonomy and natural history of the secretive Ischnocnema lactea Miranda-Ribeiro, 1923) (Anura: Brachycephaloidea: Brachycephalidae).

The original description of Ischnocnema lactea (Miranda-Ribeiro, 1923) was based on two specimens and an inaccurate type locality. These circumstances have obscured the identity of this name. Moreover, the I. lactea species has had a complex taxonomic history and, in general, specimens of species in this group are poorly represented in amphibian collections. The diagnosis of the series is confusing, with many non-exclusive and variable characters barely useful. An accurate diagnosis for the series requires a precise characterization of I. lactea, its type species. Recently discovered populations, museum data, and new information on the collector of the type specimen allowed the elucidation of important issues related to this species. Here we provide the redescription of Ischnocnema lactea based on the lectotype, and intraspecific variation based on newly collected specimens. Ischnocnema lactea is characterized by its large body size (adult 19.6-26.7 mm SVL; females 27.6-34.3 mm SVL); dorsum and flanks rugose, venter granular; vocal sac single and subgular, externally expanded; finger disks expanded, T-shaped, indented and truncate in fingers II-IV; toes relative length I&lt;II&lt;III&lt;V&lt;IV; black blotch on cloacal region, tarsus, and feet; moderate calcar tubercle present. Its advertisement call consists on a single short pulsed note ranging from 634 to 1060 milliseconds, with dominant frequency ranging from 2239.5 to 2756.2 Hz. Males call perched on vegetation mostly during daytime, starting early in the morning, and reproduction is explosive, associated to cold front rains. Ischnocnema lactea is a secretive and endemic inhabitant of the Serra do Mar in Southeastern Brazil. The type locality is redefined to the Municipality of Caraguatatuba.

First report of Enterobacter Cloacae causing Stem Rot on Tobacco in China

Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L) is one of the most important economic and agricultural crops in China. Guizhou province produces nearly 30% of the total production. In the summer of 2010 and 2011, a sample with stem rot was collected in the commercial field in “Pan xian” of Guizhou province. The pathogen was identified as Enterobacter cloacae on the basis of morphology, sequence of 16S region of rDNA. This information provides new material for plant disease research in tobacco of China, This manuscript is the first report of E. cloacae causing stem rot on tobacco in China and the disease must be considered in existing disease management practices

Flap transplantation combined with Masquelet technique in the treatment of bone and soft defect

Objective To explore the effect of the use of flap transplantation combined with Masquelet tech- nique in the repair of long bone accompanied with soft tissue defect. Methods The retrospective study includes 16 cases of bone defects over 6.0 cm combined with soft tissue defect from March, 2013 to March, 2016, 13 males and 3 females, of which the ages range from 16 to 65 years. The length of bone defect ranged from 6.0 to 12.0 cm, with an average of 8.5 cm, while the wound defect ranged from 5.2 cm×3.5 cm to 16.0 cm×7.5 cm. There were 8 cases out of 16 involve an infection: 3 cases of Staphylococcus aureus (including 1 MRSA) , 2 cases of Staphylococcus epidermidis, 2 cases of Enterobacter cloacae, and 1 case of Acinetobacter baumannii. The 1 stage surgery in all patients admitted to hospital after complete debridement and external fixation, the clean wounds with bone defect received antibiotic-impregnated bone cement filling operation and a flap transplantation or transposition directly after the debridement, but the infected wounds received vacuum sealing drainage treatment firstly, associated with adequate use of antibi- otics for 1-2 weeks and then the bone cement filling and flap transplantation with infection totally controlled. After 8- 12 weeks, we conducted the secondary internal fixation surgery replacing antibiotic -impregnated bone cement with autogenic cancellous bone, vancomycin artificial bone as well as rhBMP-2. All the cases were followed for 6 to 18 months. Results All patients with primary surgery are effectively controlled after 1-4 weeks of anti-infection treat- ment exclusive of the case with MRSA. As the condition of the patient with MRSA relapse, we changed to onvention- al treatment: placed a continuous irrigation and suction equipment instead of the bone cement filling, the wound healed completely without fistula formation of osteomyelitis in 6 months after the treatment of Ilizarov technique.All transplantation and transposition flaps survived. As for those who received a secondary bone graft operation, all achieved a bony union in a period of 4 -6 months. Conclusion The combination of flap transplantation and Masquelet technique is an effective method to repair limb long bone and soft tissue defect currently. Key words: Masquelet technique; Perforator flap; Composite defect; Stage treatment