The 'Janus A' gene encodes a polo-kinase whose loss creates a dorsal/ventral intracellular homeosis in the ciliate, .

Genetic studies on the protist, provide a glimpse into the unexpectedly rich world of intracellular patterning that unfolds within the ciliate cell cortex. Ciliate pattern studies provide a useful counterpoint to animal models of pattern formation in that the unicellular model draws attention away from fields of cells (or nuclei) as the principal players in the metazoan pattern paradigm, focusing instead on fields of ciliated basal bodies serving as sources of positional information. In this study, we identify , a Polo kinase of , that serves as an important factor driving global, circumferential pattern.

Eculizumab in chemotherapy-induced thrombotic microangiopathy.

Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is a rare but severe complication of tumors and their chemotherapeutic treatment. We report on two patients with chemotherapy-induced TMA who were successfully treated with a short course of the terminal complement inhibitor eculizumab. Both patients quickly achieved remission of microangiopathic hemolytic anemia and recovery of renal function.

Survey among nephrologists in Germany: current practice and management of pregnant women on dialysis .

Background: To assess the experience and practice patterns of nephrologists in Germany with regard to the care of pregnant women on dialysis.

Methods: The 26-item internet survey sent by email asked for demographic information, subjective proficiency, maternal and fetal complications, treatment approaches and goals.

Results: Of the 2,015 surveys sent out, 200 (10%) were available for evaluation.

Dialysis and pregnancy--a case report and review of the literature.

We report on a patient with an eight-year history on maintenance hemodialysis treatment without residual renal function in whom pregnancy was successfully managed through to the 29th week. During this time, under carefully modified dialysis treatment, the nephrologic course, as well as materno-fetal flow relationships were unremarkable. Fetal development was appropriate for gestational age.

Uteroplacental and fetoplacental blood flow in a patient with renal anemia.

We report on Doppler sonographic findings of a dialysis patient with renal anemia during otherwise uncomplicated pregnancy. Uteroplacental and fetoplacental flow relationships before, as well as after the dialysis treatments during the course of the pregnancy were in the normal range. The favorable flow condition in the utero- and fetoplacental circulation was associated with a low hematocrit.