Differences in SMA-like polymer architecture dictate the conformational changes exhibited by the membrane protein rhodopsin encapsulated in lipid nano-particles.

Membrane proteins are of fundamental importance to cellular processes and nano-encapsulation strategies that preserve their native lipid bilayer environment are particularly attractive for studying and exploiting these proteins. Poly(styrene-co-maleic acid) (SMA) and related polymers poly(styrene-co-(N-(3-N',N'-dimethylaminopropyl)maleimide)) (SMI) and poly(diisobutylene-alt-maleic acid) (DIBMA) have revolutionised the study of membrane proteins by spontaneously solubilising membrane proteins direct from cell membranes within nanoscale discs of native bilayer called SMA lipid particles (SMALPs), SMILPs and DIBMALPs respectively. This systematic study shows for the first time, that conformational changes of the encapsulated protein are dictated by the solubilising polymer.

Single molecule binding of a ligand to a G-protein-coupled receptor in real time using fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, rendered possible by nano-encapsulation in styrene maleic acid lipid particles.

The fundamental importance of membrane proteins in cellular processes has driven a marked increase in the use of membrane mimetic approaches for studying and exploiting these proteins. Nano-encapsulation strategies which preserve the native lipid bilayer environment are particularly attractive. Consequently, the use of poly(styrene co-maleic acid) (SMA) has been widely adopted to solubilise proteins directly from cell membranes by spontaneously forming "SMA Lipid Particles" (SMALPs).

The accuracy of dental panoramic tomographs in determining the root morphology of mandibular third molar teeth before surgery.

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the accuracy of dental panoramic tomograph (DPT) in the presurgical assessment of mandibular third molar teeth by correlating the radiologic interpretation with surgical findings.

Study Design: DPTs of 300 mandibular third molar teeth were assessed by 9 staff oral surgeons for root morphology and proximity to the inferior alveolar neurovascular bundle. Detailed records were made at surgery.

The bicoronal flap (craniofacial access): an audit of morbidity and a proposed surgical modification in male pattern baldness.

Maxillofacial surgeons have used the bicoronal flap for nearly three decades to gain access to the craniofacial skeleton. A retrospective analysis of 68 bicoronal flaps done over a five-year period showed that our incidence of permanent morbidity was low. Although 24 patients (35%) experienced some form of sensory abnormality immediately after the operation, this persisted for longer than two years in only one.