The crystal structure of zebrafish IL-22 reveals an evolutionary, conserved structure highly similar to that of human IL-22.

The class II cytokine family consists of small α-helical signaling proteins including the interleukin-10 (IL-10)/IL-22 family, as well as interferons (IFNs). They regulate the innate immune response and in addition have an important role in protecting epithelial tissues. Teleost fish possess a class II cytokine system surprisingly similar to that of humans, and thus zebrafish offers an attractive model organism for investigating the role of class II cytokines in inflammation.

[Results of a hemodynamic study of valve diseases surgically treated with prosthesis].

The haemodynamic status after valve replacement surgery and the preoperative haemodynamic parameters have been studied for their predictive value in a series of 217 patients who have had aortic, mitral or mitro-aortic valve replacements; all cases had a preoperative catheterisation, and 132 had a postoperative catheterisation at an average of 15 months postoperative. The following conclusions have been drawn from the study: 1. The operation (which consisted of replacement with a Starr valve with Silastein ball-valve in 8 cases out of 10) resulted in a substantial, and statistically significant, improvement in the minor circulation pressures and in the cardiac index.