We previously discovered that coating solid surfaces with long-chained linear N-dodecyl,N-methyl-polyethylenimine makes them bactericidal and virucidal. In the present study, focusing on the use of this microbicidal paint to kill airborne Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, we have systematically investigated the dependence of this effect on the concentration and mode of application of the hydrophobic polycation, the number of coats, the nature of the solvent, and the presence of a dye in such paint. In addition, the latter's ability to be regenerated after use, stability upon repeated washings, and mammalian toxicity has been evaluated.

Members of the Dickkopf (Dkk) family of Wnt antagonists interrupt Wnt-induced receptor assembly and participate in axial patterning and cell fate determination. One family member, DKK3, does not block Wnt receptor activation. Loss of Dkk3 expression in cancer is associated with hyperproliferation and dysregulated ß-catenin signaling, and ectopic expression of Dkk3 halts cancer growth. The molecular events mediating the DKK3-dependent arrest of ß-catenin-driven cell proliferation in cancer cells are unknown. Here we report the identification of a new intracellular gene product originating from the Dkk3 locus. This Dkk3b transcript originates from a second transcriptional start site located in intron 2 of the Dkk3 gene. It is essential for early mouse development and is a newly recognized regulator of ß-catenin signaling and cell proliferation. Dkk3b interrupts nuclear translocation ß-catenin by capturing cytoplasmic, unphosphorylated ß-catenin in an extra-nuclear complex with ß-TrCP. These data reveal a new regulator of one of the most studied signal transduction pathways in metazoans and provides a novel, completely untapped therapeutic target for silencing the aberrant ß-catenin signaling that drives hyperproliferation in many cancers.

The process of connecting genetic parts—DNA assembly—is a foundational technology for synthetic biology. Microfluidics present an attractive solution for minimizing use of costly reagents, enabling multiplexed reactions, and automating protocols by integrating multiple protocol steps. However, microfluidics fabrication and operation can be expensive and requires expertise, limiting access to the technology. With advances in commodity digital fabrication tools, it is now possible to directly print fluidic devices and supporting hardware. 3D printed micro- and millifluidic devices are inexpensive, easy to make and quick to produce. We demonstrate Golden Gate DNA assembly in 3D-printed fluidics with reaction volumes as small as 490 nL, channel widths as fine as 220 microns, and per unit part costs ranging from $0.61 to $5.71. A 3D-printed syringe pump with an accompanying programmable software interface was designed and fabricated to operate the devices. Quick turnaround and inexpensive materials allowed for rapid exploration of device parameters, demonstrating a manufacturing paradigm for designing and fabricating hardware for synthetic biology.

Stem cell use for tissue replacement is limited, owing to rapid death induced in the hostile wound environment. This study found that restricting epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor signaling to the membrane provided a survival advantage. A method is proposed to tether EGF to bone induction material to improve the survival of mesenchymal stem cells/multipotent stromal cells in vivo.

A comparative prospective study of the Doppler ultrasonogram, the testicular scan and the surgical findings in patients with an acute scrotum is presented. The testicular scan was found to be the most reliable diagnostic method since it correlated with the surgical findings in 100 per cent of the cases. The Doppler ultrasonogram proved to be useful since it gave a positive correlation in 79 per cent of the cases studied.