Micronuclei research has regained its popularity due to the realization that genome chaos, a rapid and massive genome re-organization under stress, represents a major common mechanism for punctuated cancer evolution. The molecular link between micronuclei and chromothripsis (one subtype of genome chaos which has a selection advantage due to the limited local scales of chromosome re-organization), has recently become a hot topic, especially since the link between micronuclei and immune activation has been identified. Many diverse molecular mechanisms have been illustrated to explain the causative relationship between micronuclei and genome chaos. However, the newly revealed complexity also causes confusion regarding the common mechanisms of micronuclei and their impact on genomic systems. To make sense of these diverse and even conflicting observations, the genome theory is applied in order to explain a stress mediated common mechanism of the generation of micronuclei and their contribution to somatic evolution by altering the original set of information and system inheritance in which cellular selection functions. To achieve this goal, a history and a current new trend of micronuclei research is briefly reviewed, followed by a review of arising key issues essential in advancing the field, including the re-classification of micronuclei and how to unify diverse molecular characterizations. The mechanistic understanding of micronuclei and their biological function is re-examined based on the genome theory. Specifically, such analyses propose that micronuclei represent an effective way in changing the system inheritance by altering the coding of chromosomes, which belongs to the common evolutionary mechanism of cellular adaptation and its trade-off. Further studies of the role of micronuclei in disease need to be focused on the behavior of the adaptive system rather than specific molecular mechanisms that generate micronuclei. This new model can clarify issues important to stress induced micronuclei and genome instability, the formation and maintenance of genomic information, and cellular evolution essential in many common and complex diseases such as cancer.

Forty three cases of psittacosis infection were identified retrospectively over a five year period. The commonest clinical presentation was of a bronchitic illness with a productive cough and features of systemic upset. In 12 (28%) cases no radiographic abnormality was detected on the chest film. Segmental shadowing was the commonest abnormality but lobar and more extensive consolidation occurred. There were no radiographic features that allowed confident differentiation from other causes of pneumonia. The total and differential white cell counts were usually normal and this feature may help to differentiate psittacosis from bacterial pneumonia.Psittacosis is a relatively uncommon cause of community acquired pneumonia in patients requiring hospital admission. In two recent studies of pneumonia, in Bristol' and in Nottingham,2 it accounted for only 1.5% and 5.5% of cases. In 1980 and 1981 there was an increase in the number of cases of psittacosis detected nationally3 and this provided the opportunity to examine a substantial number of cases of psittacosis infection. MethodsPatients with psittacosis occurring in the three health districts centred on Bristol in the years 1978-82 were identified from the records of the Public Health Laboratory in Bristol. Our definition of psittacosis infection required a fourfold rise in complement fixing antibody titre or a titre equal to or greater than 1/256 in the absence of positive serological results for other organisms. Most requests for serological testing were made by chest physicians. Determination of antibody titres was usually requested as part of the investigation of pneumonia but was not done routinely in the investigation of symptoms suggesting other acute respiratory tract infections.The hospital notes and radiographs were obtained for all patients treated either as hospital inpatients

Oxidative stress represents an impaired metabolic system that promotes damage to cells and tissues. This is the predominant factor that leads to the development and progression of diabetes and diabetic complications. Research has indicated that zinc plays a consequential mechanistic role in the protection against oxidative stress as zinc is required for the proper functioning of the antioxidant system, the suppression of inflammatory mediators, and the modulation of zinc transporters. Recently, the mechanisms surrounding ZnT8, ZIP7, and metallothionein have shown to be of particular pathogenic importance and are considered as potential therapeutic targets in disease management. The literature has shown that zinc dysregulation is associated with diabetes and may be considered as a leading contributor to the deleterious vascular alterations exhibited by the disease. Although further investigation is required, studies have indicated the favorable use of zinc supplementation in the protection against and prevention of oxidative stress and its consequences over the course of the condition. This review aims to provide a comprehensive account of zinc homeostasis, the oxidative mechanisms governed by zinc status, current therapeutic targets, and the impact of zinc supplementation in the prevention of disease onset and in mitigating vascular complications.

Images in neonatal medicine Surgical retrieval of transected umbilical catheter from preterm infantWe present a 26 weeks gestation boy with a complication of central venous catheterisation. He was intubated in delivery suite, and admitted for intensive care. An umbilical venous catheter (UVC) was placed and used; however, there was difficulty obtaining umbilical arterial catheterisation (UAC) access due to thin cord. During subsequent attempts to place a UAC, the UVC was transected. It migrated inwards and could not be retrieved. The baby was transferred for on-going care, radiology and surgical management. Radiographs confirmed 6cm of catheter from umbilical vein to right atrium (figures 1 and 2). This did not cause compromise, and peripheral long-line and arterial lines were used in place of umbilical access. Echocardiogram revealed no clot formation in the atrium. The UVC was removed surgically via a supraumbilical incision. Careful isolation of the umbilical vein very close to the liver was necessary to retrieve the migrating catheter. This case highlights an unusual complication of umbilical catheter use and a method of retrieval.These images demonstrate the umbilical catheter remnant in the umbilical vein, ductus venosus and right atrium. Echocardiogram was also performed. Permission for publication has been obtained from the patient's parents.Correction notice This paper has been corrected since it was published Online First. There is an factual error in the first paragraph, seventh sentence. Where it is written: 'Radiographs confirmed 6cm of catheter from umbilical vein to left atrium', this should read 'Radiographs confirmed 6cm of catheter from umbilical vein to right atrium'.

The majority of children in the study group did not have a visible thymus on MR images, which suggests that in these children any residual thymic tissue left postoperatively does not regenerate.