This article presents W-IQ-TREE, an intuitive and user-friendly web interface and server for IQ-TREE, an efficient phylogenetic software for maximum likelihood analysis. W-IQ-TREE supports multiple sequence types (DNA, protein, codon, binary and morphology) in common alignment formats and a wide range of evolutionary models including mixture and partition models. W-IQ-TREE performs fast model selection, partition scheme finding, efficient tree reconstruction, ultrafast bootstrapping, branch tests, and tree topology tests. All computations are conducted on a dedicated computer cluster and the users receive the results via URL or email. W-IQ-TREE is available at http://iqtree.cibiv.univie.ac.at. It is free and open to all users and there is no login requirement.

Natural Killer (NK) cells are cytotoxic lymphocytes of the innate immune system and play a critical role in anti-viral and anti-tumor responses. NK cells develop in the bone marrow from hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) that differentiate through common lymphoid progenitors (CLPs) to NK lineage-restricted progenitors (NKPs). The orchestrated action of multiple cytokines is crucial for NK cell development and maturation. Many of these cytokines such as IL-2, IL-7, IL-12, IL-15, IL-21, IL-27, and interferons (IFNs) signal via the Janus Kinase / Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway. We here review the current knowledge about these cytokines and the downstream signaling involved in the development and maturation of conventional NK cells and their close relatives, innate lymphoid cells type 1 (ILC1). We further discuss the role of suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) proteins in NK cells and highlight their potential for therapeutic application.

As bone remodelling requires the immigration, proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts at the fusion site, high dosages of intrawound vancomycin might interfere with regenerative processes and increase the risk of non-union. To allow an appropriate balance of infection risk and the risk of non-union, the minimal local concentration required should be determined by controlled in vivo studies.

Introduction Surgical site infections represent a major complication of spinal surgery. The application of lyophilized vancomycin into the wound is reported to significantly decrease infection rates. As concentrations applied locally can exceed the minimal bacterial inhibitory concentration for more than a 1000-fold, toxic side effects on local tissue may be possible. Materials and Methods Primary osteoblast cell cultures were generated from bone tissue samples of 10 patients. Samples were incubated in absence or presence of 3, 6, or 12 mg/cm2 vancomycin according to a planned phase I clinical trial protocol. Changes in pH, osteoblast migration, proliferation, and viability were analyzed. Alkaline phosphatase and mineralization patterns were studied. Results The application of more than 3 mg/cm2 vancomycin induced a decline of pH toward the acidic range. The migration potential of osteoblasts was decreased from 100% (control samples) to zero (12 mg/cm2 vancomycin) in a dose-dependent manner. Cell proliferation was significantly inhibited at dosages above 3 mg/cm2. Significant cell death was observed if the dosage applied exceeded 6 mg/cm2. The synthesis of alkaline phosphatase was markedly reduced in all dosages applied and calcium deposition was significantly decreased in dosages above 3 mg/cm2. Conclusion As bone remodeling requires the immigration, proliferation, and differentiation of osteoblasts at the fusion site, high dosages of intrawound vancomycin might interfere with regenerative processes and increase the risk of nonunion. To allow an appropriate balance of infection risk and the risk of nonunion, the minimal local concentration required should be determined by controlled in vivo studies.