Thermostable WW-Domain Scaffold to Design Functional β-Sheet Miniproteins.

There has been a recent surge in the design of miniproteins for medicinal chemistry, biomaterial design, or synthetic biology. In particular, there is an interest in peptide scaffolds that fold reliably, predictably, and with solid stability. In this article, we present the design of a highly thermostable WW domain, a three-stranded β-sheet motif, with a superior melting temperature of about 90 °C to serve as a core scaffold onto which receptor-like properties can be grafted.

Spin Dynamics of Flavoproteins.

This short review reports the surprising phenomenon of nuclear hyperpolarization occurring in chemical reactions, which is called CIDNP (chemically induced dynamic nuclear polarization) or photo-CIDNP if the chemical reaction is light-driven. The phenomenon occurs in both liquid and solid-state, and electron transfer systems, often carrying flavins as electron acceptors, are involved. Here, we explain the physical and chemical properties of flavins, their occurrence in spin-correlated radical pairs (SCRP) and the possible involvement of flavin-carrying SCRPs in animal magneto-reception at earth's magnetic field.

Cardiovascular Risk Profiles and Pre-Existing Health Conditions of Trekkers in the Solu-Khumbu Region, Nepal.

Background: High-altitude tourist trekking continues to grow in popularity on the Everest Trek in Nepal. We examined which pre-existing cardiovascular and health conditions these global trekkers had and what health issues they encountered during the trek, be it exacerbations of pre-existing conditions, or new acute ones.

Method: Trekkers ( = 350) were recruited from guesthouses along the Everest Trek, mostly at Tengboche (3860 m).

Companion Rescue and Risk Management of Trekkers on the Everest Trek, Solo Khumbu Region, Nepal.

Background: Trekking to high-altitude locations presents inherent health-related hazards, many of which can managed with specific first aid (FA) training. This study evaluates the trip preparation, FA knowledge, and FA self-assessment of trekkers (organized by tour operators vs. individually planned tours).

Variables Influencing the Pressure and Volume of the Pulmonary Circulation as Risk Factors for Developing High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE).

Background: At altitudes above 2500 m, the risk of developing high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) grows with the increases in pulmonary arterial pressure. HAPE is characterized by severe pulmonary hypertension, though the incidence and relevance of individual risk factors are not yet predictable. However, the systolic pulmonary pressure (SPAP) and peak in tricuspid regurgitation velocity (TVR) are crucial factors when diagnosing pulmonary hypertension by echocardiography.

Analysis of local drinking water for fecal contamination in Solu-Khumbu / Mt. Everest region, Nepal.

Background: To evaluate the drinking water quality in the popular trekking area of Solu-Khumbu Mt. Everest region as a possible source for the high incidence of diarrhea.

Material And Methods: Drinking water samples (n = 80) were collected from whatever primary source the locals/tourists used at altitudes 2,608 to 5,180m; and where possible, also from inside households.

Inpatient treatment of trekkers and Nepalese workers in the high-altitude environment of Mt. Everest Region 1996-2011: A retrospective analysis.

Background: The study investigates the diagnoses of inpatients (tourists and Nepali workers) of Kunde Hospital (Mt.Everest region) over 15 years.

Methods: Records from January 1996 to September 2011 were analyzed concerning date, gender, age group, nationality, purpose of visit, diagnosis, length of treatment, and condition at discharge.

Drinking water treatment with ultraviolet light for travelers -- Evaluation of a mobile lightweight system.

Background: The SteriPEN(®) is a handheld device for disinfecting water with ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The manufacturer claims a reduction of at least 99.9% of bacteria, viruses, and protozoa.