Solid-state vibrational circular dichroism for pharmaceutical applications: Polymorphs and cocrystal of sofosbuvir.

X-ray diffraction is a commonly used technique in the pharmaceutical industry for the determination of the atomic and molecular structure of crystals. However, it is costly, sometimes time-consuming, and it requires a considerable degree of expertise. Vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) spectroscopy resolves these limitations, while also exhibiting substantial sensitivity to subtle modifications in the conformation and molecular packaging in the solid state.

Genome-wide mapping of G-quadruplex DNA: a step-by-step guide to select the most effective method.

The development of methods that enabled genome-wide mapping of DNA G-quadruplex structures in chromatin has played a critical role in providing evidence to support the formation of these structures in living cells. Over the past decade, a variety of methods aimed at mapping G-quadruplexes have been reported in the literature. In this critical review, we have sought to provide a technical overview on the relative strengths and weaknesses of the genomics approaches currently available, offering step-by-step guidance to assessing experimental needs and selecting the most appropriate method to achieve effective genome-wide mapping of DNA G-quadruplexes.

Recolonization of bat roost by bat bugs (Cimex pipistrelli): could parasite load be a cause of bat roost switching?

Roost ectoparasites are believed to have a negative impact on fitness of their hosts as birds or mammals. Previous studies were mostly focussed on the synchronization between reproduction cycles of ectoparasites and hosts living in infested roosts. However, to date, it has not been examined how fast ectoparasites colonize new, non-infested roosts and thus increasing the impact on the local populations of hosts.

Bat bugs (Cimex pipistrelli) and their impact on non-dwelling bats.

Bat bugs are often roost ectoparasites of bats. Previous studies have shown that bats shifting roosts within the growing season prevent the massive reproduction of these parasites. We postulated that there could be other antiparasitic strategies of philopatric bats roosting in non-dwelling spacious roosts.