GTP-dependent membrane fusion.

Shape changes and topological remodeling of membranes are essential for the identity of organelles and membrane trafficking. Although all cellular membranes have common features, membranes of different organelles create unique environments that support specialized biological functions. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a prime example of this specialization, as its lipid bilayer forms an interconnected system of cisternae, vesicles, and tubules, providing a highly compartmentalized structure for a multitude of biochemical processes. A variety of peripheral and integral membrane proteins that facilitate membrane curvature generation, fission, and/or fusion have been identified over the past two decades. Among these, the dynamin-related proteins (DRPs) have emerged as key players. Here, we review recent advances in our functional and molecular understanding of fusion DRPs, exemplified by atlastin, an ER-resident DRP that controls ER structure, function, and signaling.

Validation and clinical application of a volumetric absorptive microsampling method for 14 psychiatric drugs.

Aim: Volumetric absorptive microsampling offers a hematocrit insensitive way for microsampling. The aim of this study was to develop a method for routine healthcare for 14 antidepressants, antipsychotics and their active metabolites on a single-quadrupole HPLC-MS. A clinical validation study to determine conversion factors from capillary blood to plasma concentration was conducted afterward. Results: The method was validated according to current guidelines except for one substance. Five substances were measured in 49 patient samples and conversion factors could be derived with Passing-Bablok and Bland-Altman analysis. Conclusion: A reliable extraction and analysis method for commonly used antidepressants and antipsychotics was developed and validated. The method with the obtained conversion factors can now be used in routine healthcare.

Evaluation of genital sites and sampling techniques for detection of human papillomavirus DNA in men.

To evaluate methods for detection of genital human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA in men, samples were obtained from 3 consecutive groups of 10 men attending a sexually transmitted disease clinic by use of (1) a saline-wetted Dacron swab alone, (2) a saline-wetted cytobrush, or (3) emery paper (600A-grit Wetordry Tri-M-ite; 3M) abrasion followed by a saline-wetted Dacron swab. By use of a polymerase chain reaction-based assay, 45% of emery-paper samples were found to be positive for beta-globin, compared with 23% of swab-alone and 0% of cytobrush samples. Subsequently, emery paper and saline-wetted Dacron swabs were used to obtain penile shaft, glans, foreskin, and scrotum samples from 318 male university students. Urine samples were also obtained. Of 1323 samples tested, 1288 (97%) were found to be positive for beta-globin. HPV DNA was detected in samples from 104 men (33%): 24% from the penile shaft, 16% from the glans, 28% from the foreskin, 17% from the scrotum, and 6% in urine. The HPV prevalence was similar for circumcised and uncircumcised men. Testing multiple sites increased the number of men for whom HPV DNA was detected.