Comparative 3D ultrastructure of Plasmodium falciparum gametocytes.

Despite the enormous significance of malaria parasites for global health, some basic features of their ultrastructure remain obscure. Here, we apply high-resolution volumetric electron microscopy to examine and compare the ultrastructure of the transmissible male and female sexual blood stages of Plasmodium falciparum as well as the more intensively studied asexual blood stages revisiting previously described phenomena in 3D. In doing so, we challenge the widely accepted notion of a single mitochondrion by demonstrating the presence of multiple mitochondria in gametocytes.

Genomic Instability of G-Quadruplex Sequences in : Roles of DinG, RecG, and RecQ Helicases.

Guanine-rich DNA can fold into highly stable four-stranded DNA structures called G-quadruplexes (G4). Originally identified in sequences from telomeres and oncogene promoters, they can alter DNA metabolism. Indeed, G4-forming sequences represent obstacles for the DNA polymerase, with important consequences for cell life as they may lead to genomic instability.

Radial spoke protein 9 is necessary for axoneme assembly in Plasmodium but not in trypanosomatid parasites.

Flagella are important for eukaryote cell motility, including in sperm, and are vital for life cycle progression of many unicellular eukaryotic pathogens. The '9+2' axoneme in most motile flagella comprises nine outer doublet and two central-pair singlet microtubules. T-shaped radial spokes protrude from the outer doublets towards the central pair and are necessary for effective beating.

NACDDB: Nucleic Acid Circular Dichroism Database.

The Nucleic Acid Circular Dichroism Database (NACDDB) is a public repository that archives and freely distributes circular dichroism (CD) and synchrotron radiation CD (SRCD) spectral data about nucleic acids, and the associated experimental metadata, structural models, and links to literature. NACDDB covers CD data for various nucleic acid molecules, including DNA, RNA, DNA/RNA hybrids, and various nucleic acid derivatives. The entries are linked to primary sequence and experimental structural data, as well as to the literature.

Continuous subcutaneous infusion: is community anticipatory prescribing and administration safe?

Objective: The anticipatory prescribing of pro re nata medications and continuous subcutaneous infusion (CSCI) medication is essential for the timely management of symptomatic patients at the end of life. There is no evidence to support the safety or appropriateness of anticipatory CSCIs. In 2013, in response to safety concerns about end of life prescribing in the community, we designed an educational intervention to improve prescribing practices among non-specialist prescribers in this area.