Shape transformations of lipid vesicles by insertion of bulky-head lipids

Lipid vesicles, in particular Giant Unilamellar Vesicles (GUVs), have been increasingly important as compartments of artificial cells to reconstruct living cell-like systems in a bottom-up fashion. Here, we report shape transformations of lipid vesicles induced by polyethylene glycol-lipid conjugate (PEG lipids). Statistical analysis of deformed vesicle shapes revealed that shapes vesicles tend to deform into depended on the concentration of the PEG lipids. When compared with theoretically simulated vesicle shapes, those shapes were found to be more energetically favorable, with lower membrane bending energies than other shapes. This result suggests that the vesicle shape transformations can be controlled by externally added membrane molecules, which can serve as a potential method to control the replications of artificial cells

Effects of SLIT with JCP tablets

Objective : We examined the effects of SLIT with tablets containing JCP antigens on nasal symptoms and sleep disturbance in patients with Japanese cedar pollinosis during pollen dispersal season. Methods : A total of 128 patients with Japanese cedar pollinosis were categorized into four groups : 19 one-year SLIT with tablets group, 16 two-year SLIT with drops group, 19 antihistamine group, and 74 untreated group. The scores of nasal symptoms and sleep disturbance were evaluated based on the Japanese guidelines for allergic rhinitis and the Athens Insomnia Scale. Results : The scores of nasal symptoms and sleep disturbance at the peak cedar pollen period in the two-year SLIT with drop group and the one-year SLIT with tablets group were significantly lower than those in untreated group. Additionally, these scores were significantly lower in the one-year SLIT with tablets group than those in the antihistamine group. Conclusion : It is suggested that SLIT with JCP tablets improved both nasal symptoms and sleep disturbances at peak pollen period in patients with Japanese cedar pollinosis. SLIT with JCP tablets for one year was more effective than SLIT with JCP drops for two years and prophylactic treatment with antihistamines