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Objective Shoulder pain, primarily due to rotator cuff tendinopathy, significantly impacts function and quality of life, with considerable socioeconomic implications. Physiotherapy myofascial trigger point therapy (MPT) is traditionally used, but therapeutic exercise (TE) has gained attention for its potential administrative and implementation benefits. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of TE compared with MPT in treating shoulder tendinopathies.Methods A single-blind randomised controlled trial was conducted comparing TE and MPT. Outcome measures included pain intensity with the Numerical Rating Scale, pressure pain threshold (PPT) and range of motion (ROM), assessed before and after 10 treatment sessions. A total number of 72 participants (TE group n=36 age 49.22±15.29/MTP group n=36 age 49.03±19.12) participated in the study.Interventions Participants in both groups were evaluated before treatment and after 10 sessions. A total of 10 sessions were conducted over 5 weeks of intervention.Results Both interventions showed improvements in pain intensity and ROM, with no significant differences between the groups in most measures except PPT, where TE demonstrated a greater decrease in pressure-induced pain.Conclusion TE could serve as an alternative to manual therapy, offering cost–benefit advantages, especially in administration via telecare and group sessions, highlighting its broader application in physiotherapy.Trial registration number NCT06241404.

Introduction: the muscular response on the main muscles of the propulsive phase of the upper limb in the crawl swimming style has been evaluated by means of tensiomyography (TMG), which was carried out through three parameters: activation time (Td), contraction time (Tc) and maximum deformation (Dm).The aim of this study is to evaluate the hypothesis of changes produced between lactic resistance training with passive rest and lactic resistance training with active rest. Material and methods: experimental study with ninety swimmers in the crawl stroke, with a mean age of 20 years. The session with passive recovery and the session with active recovery presented results with significant changes after the development of each of them in the Tc in the three muscles analysed, being in the Pectoralis Major (PM), p = 0.001, in the Latissimus Dorsi (LD), p = 0.01 and in the Tríceps Brachii (TB), p = 0.047. Conclusion: According to the results it can be deduced that lactic resistance training with passive rest and with active rest do not influence the muscle response if we compare both trainings. Only one of the Tc values changes, while the latissimus dorsi muscle also shows changes in Td.

Background In the context of COVID-19, respiratory training is vital for the care and recuperation of individuals. Both exercise-based and instrumental respiratory training have been employed as interventions to enhance respiratory function, providing relief from symptoms in those impacted by the virus. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of two different respiratory rehabilitation programs. Methods A total of 200 participants affected with COVID-19 respiratory sequels were recruited, with a block randomization regarding sex to ensure equal and appropriate applicability of the results. An experimental controlled and randomized study was conducted, with participants engaging in a 31 days respiratory rehabilitation program, (a) experimental group, inspiratory training device combined with aerobic exercise and (b) traditional respiratory exercises combined with aerobic exercise. Results Both groups improved in cardiorespiratory parameters, with a decrease in systolic and diastolic pressure, dyspnea and lower limbs fatigue, and increased oxygen saturation, 6 min walking distance, diaphragmatic thickness, forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume during the first second, peak expiratory flow rate, forced inspiratory vital capacity and maximal inspiratory pressure. Comparison between groups showed statistically significant differences in all variables except for oxygen saturation, 6 min walking distance and diaphragmatic thickness. The results of this study support the use of specific inspiration training devices for respiratory rehabilitation in COVID-19 sequels.

Motor imagery (MI) has been shown to be effective for the acquisition of motor skills; however, it is still unknown whether similar benefits can be achieved in neurological patients. Previous findings of differences in MI ability between people with Parkinson’s disease (PwPD) and healthy controls (HCs) are mixed. This study examined differences in the ability to both create and maintain MI as well as investigating the relationship between the ability to create and maintain MI and motor function, independence and quality of life (QoL). A case–control study was conducted (31 PwPD and 31 HCs), collecting gender, age, dominance, socio-demographic data, duration and impact of the disease. MI intensity (MIQ-RS and KVIQ-34) and temporal accuracy of MI (imagined box and block test [iBBT], imagined timed stand and walk test [iTUG]) were assessed. Functional and clinical assessments included upper limb motor function, balance, gait, independence in activities of daily living and quality of life measures. Statistically significant differences in temporal accuracy were observed and partial and weak relationships were revealed between MI measures and functioning, independence and QoL. PwPD retain the ability to create MI, indicating the suitability of MI in this population. Temporal accuracy might be altered as a reflection of bradykinesia on the mentally simulated actions.

Abstract After a physical therapy treatment on the injured knee and a biomechanical study of the position on the bicycle, the symptomatology of the patient's injured knee has improved.

Background: Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a disease characterized by reversible airway obstruction. The clinical symptomatology involves recurrent episodes predominantly in subjects with asthma, those with cystic fibrosis, and subjects with bronchiectasis. Methods: A respiratory physiotherapy treatment plan of home training with The Acapella DH® provides the oscillatory positive expiratory pressure (OPEP) and POWERbreathe Plus® for two weeks, five days a week, twice a day (10 minutes in the morning and another 10 minutes in the afternoon) and to analyze the effectiveness of respiratory therapy using spirometry, as a treatment for a clinical case suffering from allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, bronchial asthma, and bronchiectasis. Results: The first spirometric assessment carried out on week zero revealed that after the home treatment plan in week one and week two assessments, a significant increase in all spirometric lung function values was assessed with % change, such as Vital Capacity (VC), resulting in week 1 (0.80%) week 2 (1.09%), Tidal Volume (VT) resulting in week 1 (0.91%) week 2 (1.04%), Expiratory Reserve Volume (ERV) resulting in week 1 (1.14%) week 2 (1.24%), Inspiratory Reserve Volume (IRV) resulting in week 1 (0.66%) week 2 (1.04%) and Inspiratory Capacity (IC) resulting in week 1 (0.69%) week 2 (0.71%), together with decreasing respiratory times; inspiratory time (Ti) resulting in week 1 (-0.31%) week 2 (-0.38%), expiratory time (Te) and total inspiratory and expiratory time (Tt) resulting in week 1 (-0.24%) week 2 (-0.31%). Conclusions: A home pulmonary treatment plan with OPEP and POWERbreathe Plus® shows a clear improvement in lung function in subjects with ABPA, bronchiectasis, and asthma, thus improving quality of life.

Background: temporomandibular dysfunctions (TMD) are considered a collection of pathologies that involve bitting muscles, temporomandibular articulation, and associated bone structures. Case Summary: 21-year-old female, suffering from temporomandibular joint pain and joint sounds during jaw movements. A 14-day treatment plan was carried out in which manual therapy was performed on day seven and day 14, together with a home training plan every day. When comparing the data obtained, significant results were found for joint range, increased muscle strength, and increased pain. At the same time, non-significant results were obtained in terms of decreased range in mandibular opening and protrusion movements. In addition, the increased pressure sensation at the joint in this case report. Outcome Measures: A tape measure was used in the joint assessment, together with a pressure algometer to quantify pain and the Daniels scale in the muscle assessment. Conclusion: Therefore, this study confirms that manual therapy and a home-training schedule reduce pain and increase movement control over temporomandibular articulation.

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Introducción: Las dislipidemias son un problema emergente en pediatría, por sus consecuencias a largo plazo; no se conocen cifras actuales de escolares y adolescentes sanos en nuestro medio. Objetivos: Estudiar las concentraciones de Iipidos séricos en escolares y adolescentes chilenos sanos. Pacientes y Métodos: En un estudio descriptivo transversal, entre 2010 y 2011. Se midieron 191 niños (5-16 años; niñas: 93; varones: 98), controlados en Clínica Las Condes y que corresponden a grupos socioeconómicos altos. Con un consentimiento escrito previo de padres y asentimiento de los niños, se registraron antecedentes, se tomó muestra de sangre y se les midió talla, peso y perímetro abdominal (PAb). Resultados: Un 29% reportó antecedentes familiares de enfermedad cardiovascular o diabetes. El IMC y PAb estaban en rangos normales. Entre 6 y 11 años, fueron comparables entre mujeres y varones: el colesterol total (CT) (169,1 ± 25,1 vs 165,2 ± 25,4 mg/dL(NS), LDL (101,1 ± 20,9 vs 96,5 ± 22,8 mg/dL (NS), triglicéridos (70,0 ± 26,4 vs 66,1± 31,8 g/dL; NS). El CT fue mayor en adolescentes (12-16 años) mujeres que en varones (179,1 ±23,7 vs 150,2 ± 28,5mg/dL; p 200 mg/dL) un 12% de mujeres y un 5% de varones (NS). Aquellos niños con lactancia materna (LM)

Background: Escherichia coli (E. coli) is one of the main bacteria associated with preterm premature rupture of membranes by increasing pro-matrix metalloproteinase 9 (proMMP-9) and degradation of type IV collagen in human feto-maternal interface (HFMi). proMMP-9 is regulated by progesterone (P4) but it is unclear whether P4 inhibits proMMP in human maternal decidual (MDec). This study aimed to determine a role of P4 on proMMP-2 and - 9 and type IV collagen induced by E. coli infection in MDec., Methods: Nine HFMi were mounted in a Transwell system. MDec was stimulated with P4 or E. coli for 3-, 6-, or 24-hours. proMMP-2, -9 and type IV collagen were assessed., Results: Gelatin zymography revealed an increase in proMMP-9 after 3, 6, and 24 h of stimulating MDec with E. coli. Using immunofluorescence, it was confirmed the increase in the HFMi tissue and a reduction on the amount of type IV collagen leading to the separation of fetal amniochorion and MDEc. The degradative activity of proMMP-9 was reduced by 20% by coincubation with P4., Conclusions: P4 modulates the activity of proMMP-9 induced by E. coli stimulation but it was unable to completely reverse the degradation of type IV collagen in human MDec tissue., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease caused by mutations in the gene encoding the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) channel. Currently, more than 2100 variants have been identified in the gene, with a large number being very rare. The approval of modulators that act on mutant CFTR protein, correcting its molecular defect and thus alleviating the burden of the disease, revolutionized the field of CF. However, these drugs do not apply to all patients with CF, especially those with rare mutations-for which there is a lack of knowledge on the molecular mechanisms of the disease and the response to modulators. In this work, we evaluated the impact of several rare putative class II mutations on the expression, processing, and response of CFTR to modulators. Novel cell models consisting of bronchial epithelial cell lines expressing CFTR with 14 rare variants were created. The variants studied are localized at Transmembrane Domain 1 (TMD1) or very close to the signature motif of Nucleotide Binding Domain 1 (NBD1). Our data show that all mutations analyzed significantly decrease CFTR processing and while TMD1 mutations respond to modulators, those localized in NBD1 do not. Molecular modeling calculations confirm that the mutations in NBD1 induce greater destabilization of CFTR structure than those in TMD1. Furthermore, the structural proximity of TMD1 mutants to the reported binding site of CFTR modulators such as VX-809 and VX-661, make them more efficient in stabilizing the CFTR mutants analyzed. Overall, our data suggest a pattern for mutation location and impact in response to modulators that correlates with the global effect of the mutations on CFTR structure.

The performance of heterogeneous catalysts for electrocatalytic CO 2 reduction suffers from unwanted side reactions and kinetic inefficiencies at the required large overpotential. However, immobilized CO 2 reduction enzymes-such as formate dehydrogenase-can operate with high turnover and selectivity at a minimal overpotential and are therefore 'ideal' model catalysts. Here, through the co-immobilization of carbonic anhydrase, we study the effect of CO 2 hydration on the local environment and performance of a range of disparate CO 2 reduction systems from enzymatic (formate dehydrogenase) to heterogeneous systems. We show that the co-immobilization of carbonic anhydrase increases the kinetics of CO 2 hydration at the electrode. This benefits enzymatic CO 2 reduction-despite the decrease in CO 2 concentration-due to a reduction in local pH change, whereas it is detrimental to heterogeneous catalysis (on Au) because the system is unable to suppress the H 2 evolution side reaction. Understanding the role of CO 2 hydration kinetics within the local environment on the performance of electrocatalyst systems provides important insights for the development of next-generation synthetic CO 2 reduction catalysts., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Limited.)

The immobilization of redox enzymes on electrodes enables the efficient and selective electrocatalysis of useful reactions such as the reversible interconversion of dihydrogen (H 2 ) to protons (H + ) and formate to carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) with hydrogenase (H 2 ase) and formate dehydrogenase (FDH), respectively. However, their immobilization on electrodes to produce electroactive protein films for direct electron transfer (DET) at the protein-electrode interface is not well understood, and the reasons for their activity loss remain vague, limiting their performance often to hour timescales. Here, we report the immobilization of [NiFeSe]-H 2 ase and [W]-FDH from Desulfovibrio vulgaris Hildenborough on a range of charged and neutral self-assembled monolayer (SAM)-modified gold electrodes with varying hydrogen bond (H-bond) donor capabilities. The key factors dominating the activity and stability of the immobilized enzymes are determined using protein film voltammetry (PFV), chronoamperometry (CA), and electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (E-QCM) analysis. Electrostatic and H-bonding interactions are resolved, with electrostatic interactions responsible for enzyme orientation while enzyme desorption is strongly limited when H-bonding is present at the enzyme-electrode interface. Conversely, enzyme stability is drastically reduced in the absence of H-bonding, and desorptive enzyme loss is confirmed as the main reason for activity decay by E-QCM during CA. This study provides insights into the possible reasons for the reduced activity of immobilized redox enzymes and the role of film loss, particularly H-bonding, in stabilizing bioelectrode performance, promoting avenues for future improvements in bioelectrocatalysis., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing financial interest., (© 2022 American Chemical Society.)

Well-defined assemblies of photosynthetic protein complexes are required for an optimal performance of semi-artificial energy conversion devices, capable of providing unidirectional electron flow when light-harvesting proteins are interfaced with electrode surfaces. We present mixed photosystem I (PSI) monolayers constituted of native cyanobacterial PSI trimers in combination with isolated PSI monomers from the same organism. The resulting compact arrangement ensures a high density of photoactive protein complexes per unit area, providing the basis to effectively minimize short-circuiting processes that typically limit the performance of PSI-based bioelectrodes. The PSI film is further interfaced with redox polymers for optimal electron transfer, enabling highly efficient light-induced photocurrent generation. Coupling of the photocathode with a [NiFeSe]-hydrogenase confirms the possibility to realize light-induced H 2 evolution., (© 2020 The Authors. Angewandte Chemie International Edition published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Hydrogenases are metalloenzymes that catalyse both H 2 evolution and uptake. They are gas-processing enzymes with deeply buried active sites, so the gases diffuse through channels that connect the active site to the protein surface. The [NiFeSe] hydrogenases are a special class of hydrogenases containing a selenocysteine as a nickel ligand; they are more catalytically active and less O 2 -sensitive than standard [NiFe] hydrogenases. Characterisation of the channel system of hydrogenases is important to understand how the inhibitor oxygen reaches the active site to cause oxidative damage. To this end, crystals of Desulfovibrio vulgaris Hildenborough [NiFeSe] hydrogenase were pressurized with krypton and oxygen, and a method for tracking labile O 2 molecules was developed, for mapping a hydrophobic channel system similar to that of the [NiFe] enzymes as the major route for gas diffusion.

Variants of the highly active [NiFeSe] hydrogenase from D. vulgaris Hildenborough that exhibit enhanced O 2 tolerance were used as H 2 -oxidation catalysts in H 2 /O 2 biofuel cells. Two [NiFeSe] variants were electrically wired by means of low-potential viologen-modified redox polymers and evaluated with respect to H 2 -oxidation and stability against O 2 in the immobilized state. The two variants showed maximum current densities of (450±84) μA cm -2 for G491A and (476±172) μA cm -2 for variant G941S on glassy carbon electrodes and a higher O 2 tolerance than the wild type. In addition, the polymer protected the enzyme from O 2 damage and high-potential inactivation, establishing a triple protection for the bioanode. The use of gas-diffusion bioanodes provided current densities for H 2 -oxidation of up to 6.3 mA cm -2 . Combination of the gas-diffusion bioanode with a bilirubin oxidase-based gas-diffusion O 2 -reducing biocathode in a membrane-free biofuel cell under anode-limiting conditions showed unprecedented benchmark power densities of 4.4 mW cm -2 at 0.7 V and an open-circuit voltage of 1.14 V even at moderate catalyst loadings, outperforming the previously reported system obtained with the [NiFeSe] wild type and the [NiFe] hydrogenase from D. vulgaris Miyazaki F., (© 2020 The Authors. Published by Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.)

Lead halide perovskite solar cells are notoriously moisture-sensitive, but recent encapsulation strategies have demonstrated their potential application as photoelectrodes in aqueous solution. However, perovskite photoelectrodes rely on precious metal co-catalysts, and their combination with biological materials remains elusive in integrated devices. Here, we interface [NiFeSe] hydrogenase from Desulfovibrio vulgaris Hildenborough, a highly active enzyme for H 2 generation, with a triple cation mixed halide perovskite. The perovskite-hydrogenase photoelectrode produces a photocurrent of -5 mA cm -2 at 0 V vs RHE during AM1.5G irradiation, is stable for 12 h and the hydrogenase exhibits a turnover number of 1.9 × 10 6 . The positive onset potential of +0.8 V vs RHE allows its combination with a BiVO 4 water oxidation photoanode to give a self-sustaining, bias-free photoelectrochemical tandem system for overall water splitting (solar-to-hydrogen efficiency of 1.1%). This work demonstrates the compatibility of immersed perovskite elements with biological catalysts to produce hybrid photoelectrodes with benchmark performance, which establishes their utility in semiartificial photosynthesis., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing financial interest., (Copyright © 2019 American Chemical Society.)

The biological formate hydrogenlyase (FHL) complex links a formate dehydrogenase (FDH) to a hydrogenase (H 2 ase) and produces H 2 and CO 2 from formate via mixed-acid fermentation in Escherichia coli . Here, we describe an electrochemical and a colloidal semiartificial FHL system that consists of an FDH and a H 2 ase immobilized on conductive indium tin oxide (ITO) as an electron relay. These in vitro systems benefit from the efficient wiring of a highly active enzyme pair and allow for the reversible conversion of formate to H 2 and CO 2 under ambient temperature and pressure. The hybrid systems provide a template for the design of synthetic catalysts and surpass the FHL complex in vivo by storing and releasing H 2 on demand by interconverting CO 2 /H 2 and formate with minimal bias in either direction.

Hydrogen is one of the most promising alternatives for fossil fuels. However, the power output of hydrogen/oxygen fuel cells is often restricted by mass transport limitations of the substrate. Here, we present a dual-gas breathing H 2 /air biofuel cell that overcomes these limitations. The cell is equipped with a hydrogen-oxidizing redox polymer/hydrogenase gas-breathing bioanode and an oxygen-reducing bilirubin oxidase gas-breathing biocathode (operated in a direct electron transfer regime). The bioanode consists of a two layer system with a redox polymer-based adhesion layer and an active, redox polymer/hydrogenase top layer. The redox polymers protect the biocatalyst from high potentials and oxygen damage. The bioanodes show remarkable current densities of up to 8 mA cm -2 . A maximum power density of 3.6 mW cm -2 at 0.7 V and an open circuit voltage of up to 1.13 V were achieved in biofuel cell tests, representing outstanding values for a device that is based on a redox polymer-based hydrogenase bioanode.

Whether or not evolution by natural selection is predictable depends on the existence of general patterns shaping the way mutations interact with the genetic background. This interaction, also known as epistasis, has been observed during adaptation (macroscopic epistasis) and in individual mutations (microscopic epistasis). Interestingly, a consistent negative correlation between the fitness effect of beneficial mutations and background fitness (known as diminishing returns epistasis) has been observed across different species and conditions. We tested whether the adaptation pattern of an additional species, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, followed the same trend. We used strains that differed by the presence of large karyotype differences and observed the same pattern of fitness convergence. Using these data along with published datasets, we measured the ability of different models to describe adaptation rates. We found that a phenotype-fitness landscape shaped like a power law is able to correctly predict adaptation dynamics in a variety of species and conditions. Furthermore we show that this model can provide a link between the observed macroscopic and microscopic epistasis. It may be very useful in the development of algorithms able to predict the adaptation of microorganisms from measures of the current phenotypes. Overall, our results suggest that even though adaptation quickly slows down, populations adapting to lab conditions may be quite far from a fitness peak.

Hydrogenases with Ni- and/or Fe-based active sites are highly active hydrogen oxidation catalysts with activities similar to those of noble metal catalysts. However, the activity is connected to a sensitivity towards high-potential deactivation and oxygen damage. Here we report a fully protected polymer multilayer/hydrogenase-based bioanode in which the sensitive hydrogen oxidation catalyst is protected from high-potential deactivation and from oxygen damage by using a polymer multilayer architecture. The active catalyst is embedded in a low-potential polymer (protection from high-potential deactivation) and covered with a polymer-supported bienzymatic oxygen removal system. In contrast to previously reported polymer-based protection systems, the proposed strategy fully decouples the hydrogenase reaction form the protection process. Incorporation of the bioanode into a hydrogen/glucose biofuel cell provides a benchmark open circuit voltage of 1.15 V and power densities of up to 530 µW cm -2 at 0.85 V.

The [NiFeSe] hydrogenases are a subgroup of the well-characterized family of [NiFe] hydrogenases, in which a selenocysteine is a ligand to the nickel atom in the binuclear NiFe active site instead of cysteine. These enzymes display very interesting catalytic properties for biological hydrogen production and bioelectrochemical applications: high H 2 production activity, bias for H 2 evolution, low H 2 inhibition, and some degree of O 2 tolerance. Here we describe the methodologies employed to study the [NiFeSe] hydrogenase isolated from the sulfate-reducing bacteria D. vulgaris Hildenborough and the creation of a homologous expression system for production of variant forms of the enzyme., (© 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The United Nation's sustainable development goal for 2030 is to eradicate the global malaria epidemic, primarily as the disease continues to be one of the major concerns for public health in sub-Saharan Africa. In 2015, the region accounted for 90% of malaria deaths. Mozambique recorded a malaria mortality rate of 42.75 (per 100,000). In Chimoio, Mozambique's fifth largest city, malaria is the fourth leading cause of death (9.4%). Few data on malaria mortality exists in Mozambique, particularly in relation to Chimoio. The objective of this study was to characterize malaria mortality trends and its spatial distribution in Chimoio., Methods: Malaria mortality data and climate data were extracted from the Chimoio Civil Registration records, and the Regional Weather station, from 2010 to 2014. The malaria crude mortality rate was calculated. ANOVA, Tukey's, Chi square, and time series were carried out and an intervention analysis ARIMA model developed., Results: A total of 944 malaria death cases were registered in Chimoio, 729 of these among Chimoio residents (77%). The average malaria mortality by gender was 44.9% for females and 55.1% for males. The age of death varied from 0 to 96 years, with an average age of 25.9 (SE = 0.79) years old. January presented the highest average of malaria deaths, and urban areas presented a lower crude malaria mortality rate. Rural neighbourhoods with good accessibility present the highest malaria crude mortality rate, over 85 per 100,000. Seasonal ARMA (2,0)(1,0) 12 fitted the data although it was not able to capture malaria mortality peaks occurring during malaria outbreaks. Intervention effect properly fit the mortality peaks and reduced ARMA's root mean square error by almost 25%., Conclusion: Malaria mortality is increasing in Chimoio; children between 1 and 4 years old represent 13% of Chimoio population, but account for 25% of malaria mortality. Malaria mortality shows seasonal and spatial characteristics. More studies should be carried out for malaria eradication in the municipality.

We report on the fabrication of bioanodes for H 2 oxidation based on [NiFeSe] hydrogenase. The enzyme was electrically wired by means of a specifically designed low-potential viologen-modified polymer, which delivers benchmark H 2 oxidizing currents even under deactivating conditions owing to efficient protection against O 2 combined with a viologen-induced reactivation of the O 2 inhibited enzyme. Moreover, the viologen-modified polymer allows for electrochemical co-deposition of polymer and biocatalyst and, by this, for control of the film thickness. Protection and reactivation of the enzyme was demonstrated in thick and thin reaction layers., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing financial interest., (Copyright © 2017 American Chemical Society.)

Sound is an abundant cue in the marine environment, yet we know little regarding the frequency range and levels which induce behavioral responses in ecologically key marine invertebrates. Here we address the range of sounds that elicit unconditioned behavioral responses in squid Doryteuthis pealeii, the types of responses generated, and how responses change over multiple sound exposures. A variety of response types were evoked, from inking and jetting to body pattern changes and fin movements. Squid responded to sounds from 80 to 1000 Hz, with response rates diminishing at the higher and lower ends of this frequency range. Animals responded to the lowest sound levels in the 200-400 Hz range. Inking, an escape response, was confined to the lower frequencies and highest sound levels; jetting was more widespread. Response latencies were variable but typically occurred after 0.36 s (mean) for jetting and 0.14 s for body pattern changes; pattern changes occurred significantly faster. These results demonstrate that squid can exhibit a range of behavioral responses to sound include fleeing, deimatic and protean behaviors, all of which are associated with predator evasion. Response types were frequency and sound level dependent, reflecting a relative loudness concept to sound perception in squid.

ATP, the molecule used by living organisms to supply energy to many different metabolic processes, is synthesized mostly by the ATPase synthase using a proton or sodium gradient generated across a lipid membrane. We present evidence that a modified electrode surface integrating a NiFeSe hydrogenase and a F1 F0 -ATPase in a lipid membrane can couple the electrochemical oxidation of H2 to the synthesis of ATP. This electrode-assisted conversion of H2 gas into ATP could serve to generate this biochemical fuel locally when required in biomedical devices or enzymatic synthesis of valuable products., (© 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

Energy-transduction mechanisms in living organisms, such as photosynthesis and respiration, store light and chemical energy in the form of an electrochemical gradient created across a lipid bilayer. Herein we show that the proton concentration at an electrode/phospholipid-bilayer interface can be controlled and monitored electrochemically by immobilizing a membrane-bound hydrogenase. Thus, the energy derived from the electroenzymatic oxidation of H2 can be used to generate a proton gradient across the supported biomimetic membrane., (© 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

The RNA-dependent protein kinase PKR plays a central role in the antiviral defense of vertebrates by shutting down protein translation upon detection of viral dsRNA in the cytoplasm. In some teleost fish, PKZ, a homolog of PKR, performs the same function, but surprisingly, instead of dsRNA binding domains, it harbors two Z-DNA/Z-RNA-binding domains belonging to the Zalpha domain family. Zalpha domains have also been found in other proteins, which have key roles in the regulation of interferon responses such as ADAR1 and DNA-dependent activator of IFN-regulatory factors (DAI) and in viral proteins involved in immune response evasion such as the poxviral E3L and the Cyprinid Herpesvirus 3 ORF112. The underlying mechanism of nucleic acids binding and stabilization by Zalpha domains is still unclear. Here, we present two crystal structures of the zebrafish PKZ Zalpha domain (DrZalpha(PKZ)) in alternatively organized complexes with a (CG)6 DNA oligonucleotide at 2 and 1.8 Å resolution. These structures reveal novel aspects of the Zalpha interaction with DNA, and they give insights on the arrangement of multiple Zalpha domains on DNA helices longer than the minimal binding site.