Charged glycan residues critically contribute to the adsorption and lubricity of mucins.

In the human body, mucin glycoproteins efficiently reduce friction between tissues and thereby protect the mucosa from mechanical damage. Mucin lubricity is closely related to their molecular structure: it has been demonstrated previously that the hydrophobic termini of mucins critically contribute to their lubricity. If and how intrinsic sources of negative charge in mucins, e.

Varicella-zoster virus seroprevalence in children and adolescents in the pre-varicella vaccine era, Germany.

Background: In 2004, universal childhood varicella vaccination was introduced in Germany. We aimed to determine the age-specific prevalence of anti-varicella zoster virus (VZV) IgG-antibodies among children in the pre-varicella vaccine era in Germany, to identify factors associated with VZV seropositivity, and to assess the suitability of a commercially available ELISA for VZV seroepidemiological studies by comparing it with an in-house fluorescent antibody to membrane antigen test (FAMA) as the gold standard.

Methods: Serum samples of 13,433 children and adolescents aged 1-17 years included in the population-based German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS; conducted 2003-2006) were tested for anti-VZV IgG by ELISA.

A two-component small multidrug resistance pump functions as a metabolic valve during nicotine catabolism by Arthrobacter nicotinovorans.

The genes nepAB of a small multidrug resistance (SMR) pump were identified as part of the pAO1-encoded nicotine regulon responsible for nicotine catabolism in Arthrobacter nicotinovorans. When [(14)C]nicotine was added to the growth medium the bacteria exported the (14)C-labelled end product of nicotine catabolism, methylamine. In the presence of the proton-motive force inhibitors 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP), carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP) or the proton ionophore nigericin, export of methylamine was inhibited and radioactivity accumulated inside the bacteria.

Navigated transoral approach to the cranial base and the craniocervical junction: technical note.

Objective: The transoral approach is an elegant reliable surgical procedure that provides anterior exposure of the cranial base and the craniocervical junction. Our objective was to demonstrate the advantages of neuronavigation in planning and performing the transoral approach.

Methods: Three patients with chordomas and one patient with rheumatoid atlantoaxial subluxation were considered for a neuronavigated transoral procedure.