NMR Structure of Lipoprotein YxeF from Bacillus subtilis Reveals a Calycin Fold and Distant Homology with the Lipocalin Blc from Escherichia coli

The soluble monomeric domain of lipoprotein YxeF from the Gram positive bacterium B. subtilis was selected by the Northeast Structural Genomics Consortium (NESG) as a target of a biomedical theme project focusing on the structure determination of the soluble domains of bacterial lipoproteins. The solution NMR structure of YxeF reveals a calycin fold and distant homology with the lipocalin Blc from the Gram-negative bacterium E.coli. In particular, the characteristic β-barrel, which is open to the solvent at one end, is extremely well conserved in YxeF with respect to Blc. The identification of YxeF as the first lipocalin homologue occurring in a Gram-positive bacterium suggests that lipocalins emerged before the evolutionary divergence of Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. Since YxeF is devoid of the α-helix that packs in all lipocalins with known structure against the β-barrel to form a second hydrophobic core, we propose to introduce a new lipocalin sub-family named ‘slim lipocalins’, with YxeF and the other members of Pfam family PF11631 to which YxeF belongs constituting the first representatives. The results presented here exemplify the impact of structural genomics to enhance our understanding of biology and to generate new biological hypotheses

Critical loads of acidity to lakes in the Polish Tatra Mountains. Final report

Major chemical compounds in precipitation and runoff have been intensively followed in two Polish, Tatra Mountain lakes (Dlugi Staw and Zielony Staw) since January 1993, to assess the degree of impact of acid precipitation. Since July 1995, even nitrogen and sulphur compounds in air have been measured, which means that most focus have been put on the year July 1995 - June 1996. Based on a dynamic, combined nitrogen and sulphur model (FAB), critical loads (CL) are exceeded for both lakes. While substantial reductionsof S and/or N are needed to reach CL at Dlugi Staw, only minor reductions are needed to obtain CL-level at Zielony Staw. Based on a nitrogen saturation index, both watersheds are in chronec stages of N-saturation. As long as the inputs of acid compounds are high, episodes particularly related to spring melt, may cause chemical conditions critical for aquatic life even at Zielony Staw with high acid neutralising capacity (ANC). This is primarily because the outlet streams might be totally dominated by melt water during such episodes, which means that organisms living in these streams have small changes to avoid episodes with extreme water quality. Because of far higher ANC at Zielony Staw, such episodes are both more uncommon and less extreme at this site compared with at Dlugi Staw. A surface water survey in the Karkonosze Mountains autumn 1995, documented strong impacts of atmospheric inputs of both S-and N-compounds in this area. Thus, CL is exceeded for all investigated sites

Regional scale evidence for improvements in surface water chemistry 1990-2001

The main aim of the international UNECE monitoring program ICP Waters under the Convention of Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution (CLRTAP) is to assess, on a regional basis, the degree and geographical extent of the impact of atmospheric pollution, in particular acidification, on surface waters. Regional trends are calculated for 12 geographical regions in Europe and North America, comprising 189 surface waters sites. From 1990-2001 sulphate concentrations decreased in all but one of the investigated regions. Nitrate increased in only one region, and decreased in three North American regions. Improvements in alkalinity and pH are widely observed. Results from the ICP Waters programme clearly show widespread improvement in surface water acid-base chemistry, in response to emissions controls programs and decreasing acidic deposition. Limited site-specific biological data suggest that continued improvement in the chemical status of acid-sensitive lakes and streams will lead to biological recovery in the future

A European patient record study on diagnosis and treatment of chemotherapy-induced anaemia

Purpose – Patients with cancer frequently experience chemotherapy‐induced anaemia (CIA) and iron deficiency (ID). Erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents (ESA), iron supplementation and blood transfusions are available therapies. This study evaluated routine practice in CIA management. Methods – Medical oncologists and/or haematologists from nine European countries (n=375) were surveyed on their last five cancer patients treated for CIA (n=1730). Information was collected on tests performed at diagnosis of anaemia, levels of haemoglobin (Hb), serum ferritin and transferrin saturation (TSAT), and applied anaemia therapies. Results – Diagnostic tests and therapies for CIA varied across Europe. Anaemia and iron status were mainly assessed by Hb (94%) and ferritin (48%) measurements. TSAT was only tested in 14%. At anaemia diagnosis, 74% of patients had Hb ≤10g/dL, including 15% with severe (Hb <8g/dL) anaemia. Low iron levels (ferritin ≤100ng/mL) were detected in 42% of evaluated patients. ESA was the most commonly used treatment (63%) and 30% of ESA‐treated patients also received iron supplementation. Most iron‐treated patients (74%) received an oral iron; intravenous iron was administered to 26%. 52% of patients received transfusions and in 76% of these, transfusions formed part of a regular anaemia treatment regimen. Management practices were similar in 2009 and 2011. Conclusion – Management of anaemia and iron status in patients treated for CIA varies substantially across Europe. Iron status is only assessed in half of the patients. In contrast to clinical evidence, iron treatment is underutilised and mainly based on oral iron supplementation. Implementation of guidelines needs to be increased, particularly the minimisation of blood transfusions

The influence of Mg-Zr master alloy microstructure on the corrosion of Mg

In this study, sixteen Mg-Zr alloys were produced to investigate the role of Zr on corrosion of Mg. Alloys were produced using two different commercial Mg-Zr master alloys commonly used for grain refining Mg, but which contain different Zr particle size distributions. It is seen that the master alloy with a smaller Zr particle size leads to an alloy containing more Zr in solid solution. The ratio of Zr in solid solution and in particle form was observed to have a marked effect on the corrosion of Mg