Heterogenous nucleation on small molecule crystals causes a monoclinic crystal form of bacteriorhodopsin (BR) in which trimers of this membrane protein pack differently than in native purple membranes. Analysis of single crystals by nano-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry demonstrated a preservation of the purple membrane lipid composition in these BR crystals. The 2.9-Å x-ray structure shows a lipid-mediated stabilization of BR trimers where the glycolipid S-TGA-1 binds into the central compartment of BR trimers. The BR trimer͞lipid complex provides an example of local membrane thinning as the lipid head-group boundary of the central lipid patch is shifted by 5 Å toward the membrane center. Nonbiased electron density maps reveal structural differences to previously reported BR structures, especially for the cytosolic EF loop and the proton exit pathway. The terminal proton release complex now comprises an E194-E204 dyad as a diffuse proton buffer.

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Prefoldin (GimC) is a hexameric molecular chaperone The archaeal Group II chaperonin (thermosome) is complex built from two related classes of subunits closely related to its eukaryotic homologue TRiC and present in all eukaryotes and archaea. Prefoldin (Gutsche et al., 1999). In contrast, Hsp70 proteins and interacts with nascent polypeptide chains and, in vitro, TF are generally missing from the archaeal kingdom can functionally substitute for the Hsp70 chaperone though some archaea have acquired Hsp70, presumably system in stabilizing non-native proteins for subseby lateral gene transfer (Gribaldo et al., 1999). However, quent folding in the central cavity of a chaperonin. all archaea contain a homologue of the recently de-Here, we present the crystal structure and characterscribed eukaryotic molecular chaperone prefoldin/GimC ization of the prefoldin hexamer from the archaeum (Geissler et al., 1998; Vainberg et al., 1998; Hansen et al., Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum. Prefoldin 1999; Siegers et al., 1999), which is absent in bacteria. has the appearance of a jellyfish: its body consists of Archaeal prefoldin has been shown to have ATP-indea double ␤ barrel assembly with six long tentacle-like pendent chaperone properties similar to that of Hsp70 coiled coils protruding from it. The distal regions of in a folding pathway with a chaperonin in vitro (Leroux the coiled coils expose hydrophobic patches and are et al., 1999), and may perform Hsp70-like functions required for multivalent binding of nonnative proteins. in vivo. The structures and functions of Hsp70 and chaper-* To whom correspondence should be addressed (email: ismail@ tensions of their apical domains that are thought to memoarefi.com [I. M.],

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Journal of International Advanced Otology requires and encourages the authors and the individuals involved in the evaluation process of submitted manuscripts to disclose any existing or potential conflicts of interests, including financial, consultant, and institutional, that might lead to potential bias or a conflict of interest. Any financial grants or other support received for a submitted study from individuals or institutions should be disclosed to the Editorial Board. To disclose a potential conflict of interest, the ICMJE Potential Conflict of Interest Disclosure Form should be filled in and submitted by all contributing authors. Cases of a potential conflict of interest of the editors, authors, or reviewers are resolved by the journal's Editorial Board within the scope of COPE and ICMJE guidelines. The Editorial Board of the journal handles all appeal and complaint cases within the scope of COPE guidelines. In such cases, authors should get in direct contact with the editorial office regarding their appeals and complaints. When needed, an ombudsperson may be assigned to resolve cases that cannot be resolved internally.

The aim of this multicentre, randomized study was to compare the efficacy and safety of moxifloxacin (BAY 12-8039), a new 8-methoxy fluoroquinolone, with that of cefuroxime axetil for the treatment of acute bacterial sinusitis in adults. Diagnosis was made on a range of clinical signs and symptoms combined with radiology and microbiology. A 400 mg dose of moxifloxacin was administered once daily for 7 days to 242 patients and 250 mg twice daily of cefuroxime axetil was administered to 251 patients for 10 days. The clinical success rate at the end of treatment in the evaluable population was significantly higher (96.7%) in the moxifloxacin group (204/211) than in the cefuroxime axetil group (204/225, 90.7%; 95% confidence intervals 1.5%; 10.6%). At follow-up the success rate in the moxifloxacin group was 90.7% and that for the cefuroxime axetil group was 89.2% (95% confidence intervals -4.3%; 5.4%). The predominant pathogens isolated were Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae, followed by Moraxella catarrhalis and Staphylococcus aureus. The bacteriological eradication rates were higher for moxifloxacin (94.5%, 103/109) than for cefuroxime axetil (83.5%, 96/115; 95% CI 3.6%; 19.7%). Only one S. pneumoniae infection persisted following moxifloxacin therapy in contrast with three in individuals on cefuroxime axetil. There were slightly more adverse events in the moxifloxacin group than in the cefuroxime axetil group, but there were fewer serious adverse events following moxifloxacin treatment (three vs. eight). The drug was discontinued because of adverse events in 14 moxifloxacin patients and in 11 cefuroxime axetil patients. Overall, in all assessments, moxifloxacin was at least as effective clinically and bacteriologically, and as well tolerated, as cefuroxime axetil in the treatment of acute sinusitis.

The holding strength of the external components is equivalent to partially implantable hearing aids and cochlea implants and the hearing improvement is similar to other bone conduction hearing aids. We have found the comfort and safety of this system is significantly improved compared to conventional or percutaneous bone conduction hearing aids.

This technique appears to provide a completely new dimension for the audiologic rehabilitation of patients with severe malformation of the middle ear.