Ion Mobility Mass Spectrometry to Probe Sequences in Supramolecular Copolymers.

The analysis of the microstructure of supramolecular copolymers is difficult because of their dynamic character. Here, benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxamide (BTA) co-assemblies are analysed by ion mobility - mass spectrometry (IM-MS) to reveal the presence of various sequences. For example, the IM-MS mobilogram for hexamers composed of 4 units from a first monomer and 2 units from a second monomer is a broad distribution due to the presence of 9 possible isomeric sequences, which can be sorted out based on calculated collision cross-sections.

Genome sequences of four Ixodes species expands understanding of tick evolution.

Background: Ticks, hematophagous Acari, pose a significant threat by transmitting various pathogens to their vertebrate hosts during feeding. Despite advances in tick genomics, high-quality genomes were lacking until recently, particularly in the genus Ixodes, which includes the main vectors of Lyme disease.

Results: Here, we present the genome sequences of four tick species, derived from a single female individual, with a particular focus on the European species Ixodes ricinus, achieving a chromosome-level assembly.

Tracking solid electrolyte interphase dynamics using operando fibre-optic infra-red spectroscopy and multivariate curve regression.

As batteries drive the transition to electrified transportation and energy systems, ensuring their quality, reliability, lifetime, and safety is crucial. While the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) is known to govern these performance characteristics, its dynamic nature makes understanding its nucleation, growth, and composition an ambitious, yet elusive aspiration. This work employs chalcogenide fibres embedded in negative electrode materials for operando Infra-red Fibre-optic Evanescent Wave Spectroscopy (IR-FEWS), combined with Multivariate Curve Resolution by Alternating Least Squares (MCR-ALS) algorithms for spectra analysis.

Embedding a ribonuclease in the spore crust couples gene expression to spore development in Bacillus subtilis.

Faced with nutritional stress, some bacteria form endospores capable of enduring extreme conditions for long periods of time; yet the function of many proteins expressed during sporulation remains a mystery. We identify one such protein, KapD, as a 3'-exoribonuclease expressed under control of the mother cell-specific transcription factors SigE and SigK in Bacillus subtilis. KapD dynamically assembles over the spore surface through a direct interaction with the major crust protein CotY.

A one health approach for integrated vector management monitoring and evaluation.

The French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (Anses) has set up a multidisciplinary working group (WG) to develop an innovative One Health approach for the monitoring and evaluation of an integrated vector management system (IVMS) on a territorial scale. Four existing evaluation guidelines and methods have been combined into a semi-quantitative evaluation approach that takes into account all the dimensions of an integrated process. We propose a set of 34 criteria divided into three sections (objectives and management, implementation, integration) that correspond to the main functional components of an IVMS.

Kinetics of reformation of the S state capable of progressing to the S state after the O release by photosystem II.

The active site for water oxidation in photosystem II (PSII) comprises a MnCaO cluster adjacent to a redox-active tyrosine residue (Tyr). During the water-splitting process, the enzyme transitions through five sequential oxidation states (S to S), with O evolution occurring during the STyr· to STyr transition. Chloride also plays a role in this mechanism.

Ion pairing in aqueous tetramethylammonium-acetate solutions by neutron scattering and molecular dynamics simulations.

Tetramethylammonium (TMA) is a ubiquitous cationic motif in biochemistry, found in the charged choline headgroup of membrane phospholipids and in tri-methylated lysine residues, which modulates histone-DNA interactions and impacts epigenetic mechanisms. TMA interactions with anionic species, particularly carboxylate groups of amino acid residues and extracellular sugars, are of substantial biological relevance, as these interactions mediate a wide range of cellular processes. This study investigates the molecular interactions between TMA and acetate, representing carboxylate-containing groups, using neutron scattering experiments complemented by force fields and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations.

Innovative Blown Multi-Micro-Nano-Layer Coextrusion: Insights into Rheology and Process Stability.

The present study introduces an innovative blown coextrusion die technology designed to address a critical gap in the production of multilayer films. Unlike conventional systems, this novel die allows for the creation of films with a high number of layers, ensuring layer integrity even in the micro-nano scale. A key advancement of this die is its ability to increase the number of layers without extending the residence time since it does not require an additional multiplier element.

The accurate determination of Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) removal efficiency by integrated-sonochemical system.

Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) is one of the most investigated Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) for being the strongest compound to eliminate and having adverse health concerns. In this work, we have conducted the sonochemical treatment of PFOS simulated water under high (500 kHz) and low (22 kHz) frequencies while monitoring the operational parameters via an integrated sonochemical system. The integrated advanced sonochemical system includes software to monitor treatment power, solution temperature and frequency while allowing distinctive control of the reaction conditions.

Fluid flow and amyloid transport and aggregation in the brain interstitial space.

The driving mechanisms at the base of the clearance of biological wastes in the brain interstitial space (ISS) are still poorly understood and an actively debated subject. A complete comprehension of the processes that lead to the aggregation of amyloid proteins in such environment, hallmark of the onset and progression of Alzheimer's disease, is of crucial relevance. Here we employ combined computational fluid dynamics and molecular dynamics techniques to uncover the role of fluid flow and proteins transport in the brain ISS.

Stable Convergent Polyneuronal Innervation and Altered Synapse Elimination in Muscles from Patients with Blepharospasm Responding Poorly to Recurrent Botulinum Type-A Neurotoxin Injections.

Botulinum neurotoxin type-A (BoNT/A), which blocks quantal acetylcholine (ACh) release at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), has demonstrated its efficacy in the symptomatic treatment of blepharospasm. In 3.89% of patients treated for blepharospasm at Tenon Hospital, BoNT/A was no longer effective in relieving the patient's symptoms, and a partial upper myectomy of the muscle was performed.

Binding mechanism of oligopeptides on solid surface: assessing the significance of single-molecule approach.

This paper addresses the complementarity and potential disparities between single-molecule and ensemble-average approaches to probe the binding mechanism of oligopeptides on inorganic solids. Specifically, we explore the peptide/gold interface owing to its significance in various topics and its suitability to perform experiments both in model and real conditions. Experimental results show that the studied peptide adopts a lying configuration upon adsorption on the gold surface and interacts through its peptidic links and deprotonated thiolate extremities, in agreement with theoretical predictions.

Mechanical induction in metazoan development and evolution: from earliest multi-cellular organisms to modern animal embryos.

The development and origin of animal body forms have long been intensely explored, from the analysis of morphological traits during antiquity to Newtonian mechanical conceptions of morphogenesis. Advent of molecular biology then focused most interests on the biochemical patterning and genetic regulation of embryonic development. Today, a view is arising of development of multicellular living forms as a phenomenon emerging from non-hierarchical, reciprocal mechanical and mechanotransductive interactions between biochemical patterning and biomechanical morphogenesis.

A Quantitative Risk Assessment Model for in Ready-to-Eat Smoked and Gravad Fish.

This study introduces a quantitative risk assessment (QRA) model aimed at evaluating the risk of invasive listeriosis linked to the consumption of ready-to-eat (RTE) smoked and gravad fish. The QRA model, based on published data, simulates the production process from fish harvest through to consumer intake, specifically focusing on smoked brine-injected, smoked dry-salted, and gravad fish. In a reference scenario, model predictions reveal substantial probabilities of lot and pack contamination at the end of processing (38.

Water-Pore Flow Permeation through Multivalent H-Bonding Pyridine-2,6-dicarboxamide-histamine/Histidine Water Channels.

Aquaporins (AQPs) are natural proteins that can selectively transport water across cell membranes. Heterogeneous H-bonding of water with the inner wall of the pores of AQPs is of maximal importance regarding the optimal stabilization of water clusters within channels, leading to selective pore flow water transport against ions. To gain deeper insight into the water permeation mechanisms, simpler artificial water channels (AWCs) have been developed.

Melamine regulatory assessment for endocrine disruption.

Melamine has several domestic and industrial uses as a flame retardant or in the manufacture of melamine-formaldehyde resins. Based on available scientific literature data, the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES) included this substance in the list of "chemicals that may present endocrine disruptor (ED) properties", and the substance was prioritized to assess whether it should be classified as an ED in European Union (EU) regulations for hazard identification. This review reports the assessment of melamine based on relevant studies from the registration dossier under REACH, and peer-reviewed literature.

Lung ultrasound score and diaphragm ultrasound in weaning from mechanical ventilation: are they different in patients with and without COVID-19?

Objective: To compare pre-extubation physiological characteristics and ultrasound variables between patients intubated for COVID-19 compared to a clinical population and those intubated for other reasons.

Methods: This was a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study of patients undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) for more than 48 h. Patients were divided into two groups: those intubated for COVID-19-induced ARDS and those intubated for other clinical reasons.

Guanidinium Substitution Improves Self-Healing and Photodamage Resilience of MAPbI.

Self-healing materials can become game changers for developing sustainable (opto)electronics. APbX halide (=X) perovskites, HaPs, have shown a remarkable ability to self-heal damage. While we demonstrated self-healing in pure HaP compounds, in single crystals, and in polycrystalline thin films (as used in most devices), HaP compositions with multiple A (and X) constituents are preferred for solar cells.

High-resolution Molecular Dynamics Simulations of the Pyruvate Kinase Muscle Isoform 1 and 2 (PKM1/2).

Glucose metabolism plays a pivotal role in physiological processes and cancer growth. The final stage of glycolysis, converting phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) into pyruvate, is catalyzed by the pyruvate kinase (PK) enzyme. Whereas PKM1 is mainly expressed in cells with high energy requirements, PKM2 is preferentially expressed in proliferating cells, including tumor cells.

A Quantitative Risk Assessment Model for in Non-Ready-to-Eat Frozen Vegetables.

A quantitative risk assessment (QRA) model was developed to evaluate the risk of invasive listeriosis from the consumption of non-ready-to-eat (non-RTE) frozen vegetables. On a lot basis, the QRA model simulates concentration and prevalence in a "Processing module" that comprises blanching, potential recontamination and packaging, any post-packaging inactivation treatment, and within-lot end-product testing and in a subsequent "Consumer's handling module" that encompasses portioning of frozen vegetables, defrosting, and cooking. Based on available published data, the model was coded in nine sequential R functions designed to assess the effectiveness of blanching, the improvement in processing environment hygiene, the implementation of sampling schemes at the end of processing, and improved consumer instructions on the product's package.

Monoclonal antibodies that block Roundabout 1 and 2 signaling target pathological ocular neovascularization through myeloid cells.

Roundabout (ROBO) 1 and 2 are transmembrane receptors that bind secreted SLIT ligands through their extracellular domains (ECDs) and signal through their cytoplasmic domains to modulate the cytoskeleton and regulate cell migration, adhesion, and proliferation. SLIT-ROBO signaling regulates pathological ocular neovascularization, which is a major cause of vision loss worldwide, but pharmacological tools to prevent SLIT-ROBO signaling are lacking. Here, we developed human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against the ROBO1 and ROBO2 ECDs.