Conformational coupling of redox-driven Na-translocation in Vibrio cholerae NADH:quinone oxidoreductase.

In the respiratory chain, NADH oxidation is coupled to ion translocation across the membrane to build up an electrochemical gradient. In the human pathogen Vibrio cholerae, the sodium-pumping NADH:quinone oxidoreductase (Na-NQR) generates a sodium gradient by a so far unknown mechanism. Here we show that ion pumping in Na-NQR is driven by large conformational changes coupling electron transfer to ion translocation.

A Diketopyrrolopyrrole-Based Dimer as a Blue Pigment.

1,4-Diketopyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrroles (DPPs) constitute a class of hydrogen-bonded pigments covering a color range from yellow-orange to dark violet. We report facile dimerization of a Boc-substituted 3,6-dithienyl-DPP. The formed dimer shows brilliantly blue color as a result of the expansion of the chromophore.

Comparison of two different coagulation algorithms on the use of allogenic blood products and coagulation factors in severely injured trauma patients: a retrospective, multicentre, observational study.

Background: At the University Hospital Zurich (USZ) and the Cantonal Hospital of Lucerne (LUKS) an individualized goal-directed coagulation and transfusion algorithm was introduced and implemented before 2012 (Coagulation algorithm of the USZ: USZ-Alg; of the LUKS: LUKS-Alg). Main differences between both algorithms are: 1) A target haematocrit-range of 0.21-0.

Ultrasound-guided carotid sheath block for carotid endarterectomy: a case series of the spread of injectate.

Introduction: We aimed to show the spread of local anesthetic following an ultrasound-guided, double-injection technique of a carotid sheath block before carotid endarterectomy.

Methods: The study included 15 patients scheduled for elective carotid endarterectomy. The carotid sheath block was performed after ultrasound-guided localization of the carotid bifurcation (level C4-C6) at the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle.

Structure of the V. cholerae Na+-pumping NADH:quinone oxidoreductase.

NADH oxidation in the respiratory chain is coupled to ion translocation across the membrane to build up an electrochemical gradient. The sodium-translocating NADH:quinone oxidoreductase (Na(+)-NQR), a membrane protein complex widespread among pathogenic bacteria, consists of six subunits, NqrA, B, C, D, E and F. To our knowledge, no structural information on the Na(+)-NQR complex has been available until now.