In our recent paper (Tay et al. 2010), several errors arose in Figs 5 and 6, mostly at the drafting stage: we neglected a polytomy in both figures; the tree topology in Fig. 6 was incorrect; the names of seven terminal taxa were associated with the wrong branches in Fig. 6; and P. euryphylla was spelled incorrectly in Fig. 5. The figures presented here correct these errors.Additionally, we have updated the data presented by including the diploid chromosome number of P. daltonii (Brown 1981).Fortunately, the discussion and conclusions of the original paper are still consistent with the revised figures. Abstract. We examined the geographic origins and taxonomic placements of New Zealand and Australian Plantago (Plantaginaceae) by using molecular phylogenetic data. Plantago comprises over 200 species distributed worldwide. Analyses of three markers from the nuclear (ITS), chloroplast (ndhF-rpl32) and mitochondrial (coxI) genomes showed that the New Zealand species form three distinct, well supported clades that are not each others' closest relatives, and were each derived relative to the sampled Australian species. Therefore, at least three long-distance directional dispersal events into New Zealand can be inferred for Plantago, likely from Australian ancestors. This result differs from the biogeographic pattern often reported for New Zealand plant genera of a single dispersal event followed by rapid radiation, and may be attributed to ready biotic dispersal of mucilaginous seeds and habitat similarities of the Australasian species. Molecular dating placed the arrival time and diversification of the New Zealand species between 2.291 and 0.5 million years ago, which coincides with the geological dates for the uplift of mountain ranges in New Zealand. The mitochondrial DNA substitution rate of the Australasian clade relative to the rest of the genus is discussed, as well as implications of the non-monophyly of sections Oliganthos, Mesembrynia and Plantago within subgenus Plantago.

BackgroundBone erosion is a frequent complication of gout and is strongly associated with tophi, which are lesions comprising inflammatory cells surrounding collections of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals. Osteocytes are important cellular mediators of bone remodeling. The aim of this study was to investigate the direct effects of MSU crystals and indirect effects of MSU crystal-induced inflammation on osteocytes.MethodsFor direct assays, MSU crystals were added to MLO-Y4 osteocyte cell line cultures or primary mouse osteocyte cultures. For indirect assays, the RAW264.7 macrophage cell line was cultured with or without MSU crystals, and conditioned medium from these cultures was added to MLO-Y4 cells. MLO-Y4 cell viability was assessed using alamarBlue® and LIVE/DEAD® assays, and MLO-Y4 cell gene expression and protein expression were assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. Histological analysis was used to examine the relationship between MSU crystals, inflammatory cells, and osteocytes in human joints affected by tophaceous gout.ResultsIn direct assays, MSU crystals reduced MLO-Y4 cell and primary mouse osteocyte viability but did not alter MLO-Y4 cell gene expression. In contrast, conditioned medium from MSU crystal-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages did not affect MLO-Y4 cell viability but significantly increased MLO-Y4 cell expression of osteocyte-related factors including E11, connexin 43, and RANKL, and inflammatory mediators such as interleukin (IL)-6, IL-11, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Inhibition of COX-2 in MLO-Y4 cells significantly reduced the indirect effects of MSU crystals. In histological analysis, CD68+ macrophages and MSU crystals were identified in close proximity to osteocytes within bone. COX-2 expression was also observed in tophaceous joint samples.ConclusionsMSU crystals directly inhibit osteocyte viability and, through interactions with macrophages, indirectly promote a shift in osteocyte function that favors bone resorption and inflammation. These interactions may contribute to disordered bone remodeling in gout.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1186/s13075-018-1704-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

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Polyploidy is common in the widespread genus Plantago, and might be especially important in the evolutionary history of native New Zealand species of the genus. To further understanding of native New Zealand Plantago, mitotic and meiotic chromosome counts are reported from 58 individuals representing most native species and subspecies, and one introduced species, complementing previous studies by extending the number of individuals and the geographic range of taxa counted. Previous counts were confirmed for most Plantago lanigera (2n 0 2x012), all P. raoulii, P. spathulata subsp. spathulata, P. spathulata subsp. picta, P. triandra subsp. triandra and P. triandra subsp. masoniae (2n 0 8x 0 48), most P. unibracteata (2n 0 10x 0 60), and all P. sp. 'Sylvester' (2n 0 16x 0 96). Novel counts include 2n 0 12x 0 72 for four individuals identified as P. unibracteata, and 2n 0 48 for four individuals from Sugarloaf Pass, South Island, referred to here as P. aff. spathulata. One of the eight naturalized species, P. major, was diploid with 2n 0 12. These results, together with other studies, suggest that all native New Zealand Plantago have a base chromosome number of x 0 6 and most polyploids are allopolyploids.

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Pili of Group A Streptococcus (GAS) are surface-exposed structures involved in adhesion and colonisation of the host during infection. The major protein component of the GAS pilus is the T-antigen, which multimerises to form the pilus shaft. There are currently no licenced vaccines against GAS infections and the T-antigen represents an attractive target for vaccination. We have generated a multivalent vaccine called TeeVax1, a recombinant protein that consists of a fusion of six T-antigen domains. Vaccination with TeeVax1 produces opsonophagocytic antibodies in rabbits and confers protective efficacy in mice against invasive disease. Two further recombinant proteins, TeeVax2 and TeeVax3 were constructed to cover 12 additional T-antigens. Combining TeeVax1–3 produced a robust antibody response in rabbits that was cross-reactive to a full panel of 21 T-antigens, expected to provide over 95% vaccine coverage. These results demonstrate the potential for a T-antigen-based vaccine to prevent GAS infections.

Aims Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) has a higher risk of revision than total knee arthroplasty (TKA), particularly for younger patients. The outcome of knee arthroplasty is typically defined as implant survival or revision incidence after a defined number of years. This can be difficult for patients to conceptualize. We aimed to calculate the ‘lifetime risk’ of revision for UKA as a more meaningful estimate of risk projection over a patient’s remaining lifetime, and to compare this to TKA. Methods Incidence of revision and mortality for all primary UKAs performed from 1999 to 2019 (n = 13,481) was obtained from the New Zealand Joint Registry (NZJR). Lifetime risk of revision was calculated for patients and stratified by age, sex, and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade. Results The lifetime risk of revision was highest in the youngest age group (46 to 50 years; 40.4%) and decreased sequentially to the oldest (86 to 90 years; 3.7%). Across all age groups, lifetime risk of revision was higher for females (ranging from 4.3% to 43.4% vs males 2.9% to 37.4%) and patients with a higher ASA grade (ASA 3 to 4, ranging from 8.8% to 41.2% vs ASA 1 1.8% to 29.8%). The lifetime risk of revision for UKA was double that of TKA across all age groups (ranging from 3.7% to 40.4% for UKA, and 1.6% to 22.4% for TKA). The higher risk of revision in younger patients was associated with aseptic loosening in both sexes and pain in females. Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) accounted for 4% of all UKA revisions, in contrast with 27% for TKA; the risk of PJI was higher for males than females for both procedures. Conclusion Lifetime risk of revision may be a more meaningful measure of arthroplasty outcomes than implant survival at defined time periods. This study highlights the higher lifetime risk of UKA revision for younger patients, females, and those with a higher ASA grade, which can aid with patient counselling prior to UKA. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(6):672–679.

Geological and climatic changes, coupled with long-distance dispersals, have resulted in relatively recent origins and radiations of many New Zealand plant lineages. Several have extensive morphological but low genetic variation, rendering taxonomic resolution difficult. This study presents population-level phylogenies and networks for the New Zealand species of Plantago (Plantaginaceae) using DNA sequences from internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of the nuclear ribosomal genes. The data suggest that the two P. spathulata subspecies, and a 16-ploid entity (P. sp. 'Sylvester'), should be recognized at species rank. However, there was no evidence for divergence of: two P. raoulii forms; P. lanigera and P. novae-zelandiae; and two P. triandra subspecies. Several species and subspecies boundaries require revision with additional data (e.g. chromosome counts, morphological data, and additional DNA loci) needed. The high morphological variation but low sequence divergence found here could be caused by various factors, including incomplete speciation and/or hybridization.