Revisiting bacterial cytolethal distending toxin structure and function.

Cytolethal distending toxins (CDTs) are intracellular-acting bacterial genotoxins generated by a diverse group of mucocutaneous human pathogens. CDTs must successfully bind to the plasma membrane of host cells in order to exert their modulatory effects. Maximal toxin activity requires all three toxin subunits, CdtA, CdtB, and CdtC, which, based primarily on high-resolution structural data, are believed to preassemble into a tripartite complex necessary for toxin activity.

Mechanisms of Regeneration and Fibrosis in the Endometrium.

The uterine lining (endometrium) regenerates repeatedly over the life span as part of its normal physiology. Substantial portions of the endometrium are shed during childbirth (parturition) and, in some species, menstruation, but the tissue is rapidly rebuilt without scarring, rendering it a powerful model of regeneration in mammals. Nonetheless, following some assaults, including medical procedures and infections, the endometrium fails to regenerate and instead forms scars that may interfere with normal endometrial function and contribute to infertility.

Acute altitude induced hypoxia in a child with Down's syndrome following postoperative repair of complete atrioventricular septal defect.

The authors report the case of a 4-year-old male child with a background of Down's syndrome (Trisomy 21) and a definitive repair of a balanced complete atrioventricular septal defect (CAVSD) at 3 months of age who experienced acute pulmonary oedema at high altitude (2000 m) while on holiday with his parents. The authors discuss and review the literature on the effect of altitude on children with Down's syndrome and postoperative CAVSD repair. The authors propose that further research is needed into this area in this specific group of patients, so advice can be given to families prior to flying or travelling.

Anesthetic management for a five-day separation of craniopagus twins.

Unlabelled: Craniopagus twinning is a rare form of the already uncommon entity of conjoint twins. With advances in medical technology and expertise, future attempts at surgical separation of these increasingly complex cases are likely to occur. Despite this, medical literature on the anesthetic management of these cases is sparse.