The M2 protein is a multifunctional protein, which plays several roles in the replication cycle of the influenza A virus. Here we focus on its ability to promote budding of the mature virus from the cell surface. Using high-resolution small-angle X-ray scattering we show that M2 can restructure lipid membranes into bicontinuous cubic phases which are rich in negative Gaussian curvature (NGC). T...

Tetherin is an interferon-induced protein whose expression blocks the release of HIV-1 and other enveloped viral particles. The underlying mechanism by which tetherin functions and whether it directly or indirectly causes virion retention are unknown. Here, we elucidate the mechanism by which tetherin exerts its antiviral activity. We demonstrate, through mutational analyses and domain replacem...

background: tissue engineering represents very exciting advances in regenerative medicine; however, periodontal literature only contains few reports. emdogain (emd) consists of functional molecules that have shown many advantages in regenerative treatments. this study investigated emd effect on gingival fi broblast adhesion to different membranes. materials and methods: two dense polytetrafl uo...

Membrane reactors are currently under extensive research and development. Hardly any concept however is realized yet in practice. Frequently, forgotten as membrane reactors are electro-catalyic membrane reactors where electrodes perform chemical conversations and membranes separate the locations of conversion. In this chapter we extensively describe a technology where the membrane itself is cat...

THE problem of the splitting of the glomerular basement membrane originated with the observations of Jones (I953, I957) on the histogenesis of membranous thickening, made possible by means of a new method of staining (silver-methenamine). In his opinion this thickening was caused by the splitting of the basement membrane due to the deposition of a hyaline substance between the two layers. Jones...

background: different methods have been suggested to preserve bone architecture following traumatic events such as teeth extraction. the purpose of the study was to histologically and histomorphometrically evaluate the dental socket healing after applying porous titanium granules (ptg) in dogs. materials and methods: four healthy male dogs were involved in the present 6-weeks experimental anima...

the polysulfone-based membrane has been used in hemodialysis (hd) and it is continuously developed to maintain its sustainability on the subject of biocompatibility. during the polysulfone-based membrane development, several parameters should be considered to improve the membrane performances, such as excellent biocompatibility, appropriate ultrafiltration rate, and effective clearance of the t...