The sodium-proton exchangers sNHE and NHE1 control plasma membrane hyperpolarization in mouse sperm.

Sperm capacitation, crucial for fertilization, occurs in the female reproductive tract and can be replicated using a medium rich in bicarbonate, calcium, and albumin. These components trigger the cAMP-PKA signaling cascade, proposed to promote hyperpolarization of the mouse sperm plasma membrane through activation of SLO3 K channel. Hyperpolarization is a hallmark of capacitation: proper membrane hyperpolarization renders higher fertilizing ability, while KO mice are infertile.

Structure guided development of potent piperazine-derived hydroxamic acid inhibitors targeting falcilysin.

The protozoan parasite Plasmodium falciparum causes the most severe form of human malaria and is estimated to kill 400,000 people a year. The parasite infects and replicates in host red blood cells (RBCs), where it expresses an array of proteases to carry out multiple essential processes. We are investigating the function of falcilysin (FLN), a protease known to be required for parasite development in the RBC.

The masked seducers: Lek courtship behavior in the wrinkle-faced bat Centurio senex (Phyllostomidae).

Centurio senex is an iconic bat characterized by a facial morphology deviating far from all other New World Leaf Nosed Bats (Phyllostomidae). The species has a bizarrely wrinkled face and lacks the characteristic nose leaf. Throughout its distribution from Mexico to Northern South America the species is most of the time rarely captured and only scarce information on its behavior and natural history is available.

Removal of Au and Ag from aqueous media with magnetic nanoparticles functionalized with squaramide derivatives.

New magnetic hybrid nanoparticles of FeO coated with organosulfur-squaramide compounds are prepared. The modified-nanoparticles show a good coordination for Ag and Hg cations in water, and present a high affinity for Au ions. The behaviour of the squaramide-coated nanoparticles differs significantly from that previously reported for nanoparticles used as Au scavengers.

Adsorption and Quantification of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) by using Hybrid Magnetic Nanoparticles.

The ability of Fe O magnetic nanoparticles decorated with perylene bisimides to adsorb aromatic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is reported. We have used DFT-D3 calculations to anticipate the strong ability of the electron-poor perylene bisimide to form noncovalent complexes with electron-rich aromatic rings belonging to the VOC family. Subsequently, we synthesized a hybrid magnetic nanomaterial based on bisimide perylene dopamine and iron oxide nanoparticles.

Exploring experiences of the food environment among immigrants living in the Region of Waterloo, Ontario.

Objectives: This exploratory study aimed to shed light on the role of the food environment in shaping food access among immigrants living in the Region of Waterloo, Ontario.

Methods: In this qualitative case study, in-depth interviews aided by photovoice were conducted with nine immigrants, and key informant (KI) interviews were conducted with nine community stakeholders (e.g.