Proteomic analysis of a sea-ice diatom: salinity acclimation provides new insight into the dimethylsulfoniopropionate production pathway.

Dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) plays important roles in oceanic carbon and sulfur cycling and may significantly impact climate. It is a biomolecule synthesized from the methionine (Met) pathway and proposed to serve various physiological functions to aid in environmental stress adaptation through its compatible solute, cryoprotectant, and antioxidant properties. Yet, the enzymes and mechanisms regulating DMSP production are poorly understood.

MT1 melatonin receptor internalization underlies melatonin-induced morphologic changes in Chinese hamster ovary cells and these processes are dependent on Gi proteins, MEK 1/2 and microtubule modulation.

Melatonin induces cellular differentiation in numerous cell types. Data show that multiple mechanisms are involved in these processes that are cell-type specific and may be receptor dependent or independent. The focus of this study was to specifically assess the role of human MT1 melatonin receptors in cellular differentiation using an MT1-Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) model; one that reproducibly produces measurable morphologic changes in response to melatonin.

Collagenous microbeads as a scaffold for tissue engineering with adipose-derived stem cells.

Background: Standard approaches to soft-tissue reconstruction include autologous tissue flaps and alloplastic implants. Both of these approaches have disadvantages, including donor-site morbidity, implant migration, and foreign body reaction. Autologous fat transplantation, with a minimally invasive cannula harvest, has lower donor-site morbidity than tissue flaps do, but there is an unpredictable degree of resorption of the transplanted fat over time.

Scientific basis for the use of hypotonic solutions with ultrasonic liposuction.

Background: A number of plastic surgeons have advocated using hypotonic solution in ultrasound lipoplasty, theorizing that induced adipocyte swelling increases membrane susceptibility to ultrasonic disruption. Additionally, it has been theorized that potassium increases membrane permeability. This study aimed to determine the effect of solution osmolality on adipocyte diameter, the time course of hypotonic solution action, and the effect of potassium addition on adipocyte diameter.

Multi-channeled biodegradable polymer/CultiSpher composite nerve guides.

Innovative methods to fabricate porous, biodegradable conduits were developed to produce nerve guides with multiple longitudinally aligned channels. The geometry of the nerve guide's channels was designed to be appropriate for harboring neurite extension. Both the coated mandrel and mandrel adhesion techniques permit flexibility in the number of channels, channel organization, and channel diameters.

Geographically separate outbreaks of shigellosis in Auckland, New Zealand, linked by molecular subtyping to cases returning from Samoa.

Aim: To investigate simultaneous outbreaks of Shigella sonnei gastroenteritis occurring in February 2001 at a health camp for socially deprived children and an elderly care facility.

Methods: Those with symptoms were interviewed using a standardised questionnaire. Cases were defined as having at least three loose stools over a 24 hour period and stool samples requested.