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Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on students' financial situation as well as on their mental health. Aim: To examine the reported change in the financial situation of German university students before and across two time points of the COVID-19 pandemic and to evaluate its associations with anxiety and depressive symptoms. Methods: We used data from the cross-sectional COVID-19 German Student Well-being Study conducted at five German universities (N = 7203). Linear regression models were used to analyze associations between a reported change in financial situation and anxiety and depressive symptoms. Results: Twenty-eight percent of the participants reported to have a worsened financial situation at the time of the survey compared to the time prior to the pandemic. A worsened financial situation at the time of the survey as compared to prior to the pandemic was associated with higher levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms reported in all three depression and anxiety scales [a 1.46 point increase on the CES-D 8 scale (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.19; 1.73), a 0.37-point increase in PHQ-2 (95% CI: 0.28; 0.46), and a 0.45-point increase in GAD-2 (95% CI: 0.35; 0.55)]. An improved financial situation, on the other hand, was associated with lower levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms. As for the second change, comparing the current financial situation with the situation during the first wave of the pandemic, the associations with anxiety and depressive symptoms were broadly similar. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that students are a vulnerable population in need of mental and financial support during times of crisis. Future research is needed to obtain insights into potential long-term effects of the pandemic on students' mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brazil is one of the countries that experienced an epidemic of microcephaly and other congenital manifestations related to maternal Zika virus infection which can result in Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS). Since the Zika virus can modulate the immune system, studying mothers' and children's immune profiles become essential to better understanding CZS development. Therefore, we investigated the lymphocyte population profile of children who developed CZS and their mothers' immune response in this study. The study groups were formed from the Plaque Reduction Neutralization Test (PRNT) (CZS+ group) result. To evaluate the lymphocyte population profile, we performed phenotyping of peripheral lymphocytes and quantification of serum cytokine levels. The immunophenotyping and cytokine profile was correlated between CSZ+ children and their mothers. Both groups exhibited increased interleukin-17 levels and a reduction in the subpopulation of CD4+ T lymphocytes. In contrast, the maternal group showed a reduction in the population of B lymphocytes. Thus, the development of CZS is related to the presence of an inflammatory immune profile in children and their mothers characterized by Th17 activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider a continuous system of classical particles confined in a cubic box Λ interacting through a stable and finite range pair potential with an attractive tail. We study the Mayer series of the grand canonical pressure of the system p Λ ω (β , λ) at inverse temperature β and fugacity λ in the presence of boundary conditions ω belonging to a very large class of locally finite particle configurations. This class of allowed boundary conditions is the basis for any probability measure on the space of locally finite particle configurations satisfying the Ruelle estimates. We show that the p Λ ω (β , λ) can be written as the sum of two terms. The first term, which is analytic and bounded as the fugacity λ varies in a Λ-independent and ω-independent disk, coincides with the free-boundary-condition pressure in the thermodynamic limit. The second term, analytic in a ω-dependent convergence radius, goes to zero in the thermodynamic limit. As far as we know, this is the first rigorous analysis of the behavior of the Mayer series of a non-ideal gas subjected to non-free and non-periodic boundary conditions in the low-density/high-temperature regime when particles interact through a non-purely repulsive pair potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Burkholderia cenocepacia is a multi-drug-resistant lung pathogen. This species synthesizes various virulence factors, among which cell-surface components (adhesins) are critical for establishing the contact with host cells. This work in the first part focuses on the current knowledge about the adhesion molecules described in this species. In the second part, through in silico approaches, we perform a comprehensive analysis of a group of unique bacterial proteins possessing collagen-like domains (CLDs) that are strikingly overrepresented in the Burkholderia species, representing a new putative class of adhesins. We identified 75 CLD-containing proteins in Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) members (Bcc-CLPs). The phylogenetic analysis of Bcc-CLPs revealed the evolution of the core domain denominated "Bacterial collagen-like, middle region". Our analysis remarkably shows that these proteins are formed by extensive sets of compositionally biased residues located within intrinsically disordered regions (IDR). Here, we discuss how IDR functions may increase their efficiency as adhesion factors. Finally, we provided an analysis of a set of five homologs identified in B. cenocepacia J2315. Thus, we propose the existence in Bcc of a new type of adhesion factors distinct from the described collagen-like proteins (CLPs) found in Gram-positive bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective was to understand the opinion of the military police in the state of Ceará who participated in the Officer Training Course about the professional training experienced, as well as the possible emerging gaps to ensure public safety. The research, a qualitative case study, was carried out through a semi-structured interview with three military police officers. The collected data were treated using the content analysis technique, which allowed the formulation of four categories for the discussion of the results: 1) Perceptions of the military police about the training course; 2) Meanings of the reformulations of the formation of the military police in Ceará; and 3) Persistent impasses. It was found that the military police evaluated the organization of the training course in which they participated as positive, highlighting aspects such as the association between theory and practice and the broad panorama of disciplines as advances in this area. The reformulation of the course was considered positive, however difficulties persist that compromise the professional practice of this class, such as the lack of harmony with other public security organs of the state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prebiotic origins of ribose, nucleosides, and eventually RNA are enduring questions whose answers are central to the RNA world hypothesis. The abiotic synthesis of sugars was first demonstrated over a century ago, but no known prebiotic reaction produces ribose (an aldose sugar) selectively and in good yield. In contrast, ribulose, and fructose (ketose sugars) and other monosaccharides are formed in high yield by several robust abiotic reactions. It is reported here that ketose sugars ‐ both ketopentoses and ketohexoes ‐ serve as precursors for the formation of ribosides and other aldosides, as demonstrated by glycoside‐forming reactions involving barbituric acid, a plausibly prebiotic nucleobase. Moreover, a one‐pot reaction of glyceraldehyde and barbituric acid was discovered which under mild conditions, and without special minerals or other catalysts, results in the formation of glycosides. These results reveal that an exclusive or high‐yielding generation of free ribose was not required for its incorporation into processes that provided the foundations for life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The immunological mechanisms involved in the development of congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) have yet to be fully clarified. This study aims to assess the immuno-inflammatory profile of mothers and their children who have been diagnosed with CZS. Blood samples, which were confirmed clinically using the plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT), were collected from children with CZS and their mothers (CZS+ group). Samples were also collected from children who did not develop CZS and had a negative PRNT result and from their mothers (CZS- group). The data demonstrated a correlation between the leukocyte profile of CZS+ children and their mothers, more evident in monocytes. Monocytes from mothers of CZS+ children showed low expression of HLA and elevated hydrogen peroxide production. CZS+ children presented standard HLA expression and a higher hydrogen peroxide concentration than CZS- children. Monocyte superoxide dismutase activity remained functional. Moreover, when assessing the monocyte polarization, it was observed that there was no difference in nitrite concentrations; however, there was a decrease in arginase activity in CZS+ children. These data suggest that ZIKV infection induces a maternal immuno-inflammatory background related to the child's inflammatory response after birth, possibly affecting the development and progression of congenital Zika syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine microbiomes are prolific sources of bioactive natural products of potential pharmaceutical value. This study inspected two culture collections comprising 919 host-associated marine bacteria belonging to 55 genera and several thus-far unclassified lineages to identify isolates with potentially rich secondary metabolism and antimicrobial activities. Seventy representative isolates had their genomes mined for secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters (SM-BGCs) and were screened for antimicrobial activities against four pathogenic bacteria and five pathogenic Candida strains. In total, 466 SM-BGCs were identified, with antimicrobial peptide- and polyketide synthase-related SM-BGCs being frequently detected. Only 38 SM-BGCs had similarities greater than 70% to SM-BGCs encoding known compounds, highlighting the potential biosynthetic novelty encoded by these genomes. Cross-streak assays showed that 33 of the 70 genome-sequenced isolates were active against at least one Candida species, while 44 isolates showed activity against at least one bacterial pathogen. Taxon-specific differences in antimicrobial activity among isolates suggested distinct molecules involved in antagonism against bacterial versus Candida pathogens. The here reported culture collections and genome-sequenced isolates constitute a valuable resource of understudied marine bacteria displaying antimicrobial activities and potential for the biosynthesis of novel secondary metabolites, holding promise for a future sustainable production of marine drug leads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Members of the Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) are respiratory pathogens in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Close repetitive DNA sequences often associate with surface antigens to promote genetic variability in pathogenic bacteria. The genome of Burkholderia cenocepacia J2315, a CF isolate belonging to the epidemic lineage Edinburgh-Toronto (ET-12), was analysed for the presence of close repetitive DNA sequences. Among the 422 DNA close repeats, 45 genes potentially involved in virulence were identified and grouped into 12 classes; of these, 13 genes were included in the antigens class. Two trimeric autotransporter adhesins (TAA) among the 13 putative antigens are absent from the other Burkholderia genomes and are clustered downstream of the cci island that is a marker for transmissible B. cenocepacia strains. This cluster contains four adhesins, one outer-membrane protein, one sensor histidine kinase and two transcriptional regulators. By using PCR, we analysed three genes among 47 Bcc isolates to determine whether the cluster was conserved. These three genes were present in the isolates of the ET-12 lineage but absent in all the other members. Furthermore, the BCAM0224 gene was exclusively detected in this epidemic lineage and may serve as a valuable new addition to the field of Bcc diagnostics. The BCAM0224 gene encodes a putative TAA that demonstrates adhesive properties to the extracellular matrix protein collagen type I. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis indicated that BCAM0224 gene expression occurred preferentially for cells grown under high osmolarity, oxygen-limited conditions and oxidative stress. Inactivation of BCAM0224 in B. cenocepacia attenuates the ability of the mutant to promote cell adherence in vitro and impairs the overall bacterial virulence against Galleria mellonella as a model of infection. Together, our data show that BCAM0224 from B. cenocepacia J2315 represents a new collagen-binding TAA with no bacterial orthologues which has an important role in cellular adhesion and virulence. DOI 10.1099/mic.0.032623-0

Bacterial infections of the lungs of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients cause major complications in the treatment of this common genetic disease. Burkholderia cenocepacia infection is particularly problematic since this organism has high levels of antibiotic resistance, making it difficult to eradicate; the resulting chronic infections are associated with severe declines in lung function and increased mortality rates. B. cenocepacia strain J2315 was isolated from a CF patient and is a member of the epidemic ET12 lineage that originated in Canada or the United Kingdom and spread to Europe. The 8.06-Mb genome of this highly transmissible pathogen comprises three circular chromosomes and a plasmid and encodes a broad array of functions typical of this metabolically versatile genus, as well as numerous virulence and drug resistance functions. Although B. cenocepacia strains can be isolated from soil and can be pathogenic to both plants and man, J2315 is representative of a lineage of B. cenocepacia rarely isolated from the environment and which spreads between CF patients. Comparative analysis revealed that ca. 21% of the genome is unique in comparison to other strains of B. cenocepacia, highlighting the genomic plasticity of this species. Pseudogenes in virulence determinants suggest that the pathogenic response of J2315 may have been recently selected to promote persistence in the CF lung. The J2315 genome contains evidence that its unique and highly adapted genetic content has played a significant role in its success as an epidemic CF pathogen.

The prebiotic origins of biopolymers and metabolic co‐factors are key questions in Origins of Life studies. In a simple warm‐little‐pond model, using a drying phase to produce a urea‐enriched solution, we present a prebiotic synthetic path for the simultaneous formation of neopterins and tetrahydroneopterins, along with purine nucleosides. We show that, in the presence of ribose and in a formylating environment consisting of urea, ammonium formate, and water (UAFW), the formation of neopterins from pyrimidine precursors is robust, while the simultaneous formation of guanosine requires a significantly higher ribose concentration. Furthermore, these reactions provide a tetrahydropterin–pterin redox pair. This model suggests a prebiotic link in the origin of purine nucleosides and pterin cofactors that provides a possible deep prebiotic temporal connection for the emergence of nucleic acids and metabolic cofactors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the context-dependent role of race as a predictor of non-electoral political participation. Prior country-level studies have documented group-level differences in a variety of forms of participation in South Africa and the United States, but have found few to no differences in Brazil. Why are members of one group more engaged in certain political activities than members of other groups only in specific contexts? Why do members of socioeconomically deprived groups, such as non-Whites, participate more than better-off groups in acts that require group mobilization in South Africa and the United States but not in Brazil? Results from the World Values Survey and the International Social Survey Programme show that Blacks and Coloureds in South Africa and Blacks in the United States participate more than Whites in activities that demand prior organization and mobilization, whereas group differences are negligible in Brazil. I argue that (1) race as a driver of political mobilization is conditional on the existence of politicized racial identities; (2) members of groups that share a strong collective identity participate in direct political action more than predicted by their socioeconomic background; (3) politicization of identities is the product of racial projects that deploy the state apparatus to enforce group boundaries for the implementation of segregationist policies as well as the reactions against them; and (4) by enforcing group boundaries, those systems unintentionally create the conditions for the formation of politicized group identities. In the absence of such requisites, political mobilization along racial lines would be weak or nonexistent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We establish a connection between the entropy compression method and the Moser-- Tardos algorithmic version of the Lovász local lemma through the cluster expansion of the subset gas. We also show that the Moser--Tardos resampling algorithm and the entropy compression bactracking algorithm produce identical bounds [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gellan gum is a widely used commercial material, available in many different forms. Its economic importance has led to studies into the biosynthesis of exopolysaceharide gellan gum, which is industrially prepared in high yields using Sphingomonas elodea ATCC 31461. Glucose-l-phosphate uridylyltransferase mediates the reversible conversion of glucose-l-phosphate and UTP into UDP-glucose and pyrophosphate, which is a key step in the biosynthetic pathway of gellan gums. Here we present the X-ray crystal structure of the glucose1-phosphate uridylyltransferase from S. elodea. The S. elodea enzyme shares strong monomeric similarity with glucose-l-phosphate thymidylyltransferase, several structures of which are known, although the quaternary structures of the active enzymes are rather different. A detailed comparison between S. elodea glucose-l-phosphate uridylyltransferase and available thymidylyltransferases is described and shows remarkable structural similarities, despite the low sequence identities between the two divergent groups of proteins.

The research mainly deals with azurin, a metalloprotein called cupredoxins that along with being involved in the electron transfer, also enters cancer cells and induces apoptosis in them and is very much similar to the ligand called cphrinB2. The binding of azurin with the cognate receptor tyrosine kinase EphB2 initiates Eph/ephrin signaling and highly interferes with the tyrosine phosphorylation, thus facilitating the cancer cell growth inhibition.

Research demonstrates that phosphoglucasamine mutase gene of Pseudomonas aeruginosa complements Escherichia coli cells deficient in this gene. Results point out that the protein encoded by the gene exhibits phosphoglucosamine mutase activity.

The gellan gum-producing strain Sphingomonas paucimobilis ATCC 31461 and its genetic aspects have been studied. Phosphomannomutase activities were of interest. Identification of the pgmG gene, which encodes a bifunctional protein with phosphoglucomutase and phosphomannomutase activities, has been successful. It was seen that PgmG protein can convert mannose-6-phosphate into M1P in the first steps of alginate biosynthesis. It appears that PgmG may convert glucose-6-phosphate into G1P in the gellan pathway.

Polysaccharide biosynthesis by Sphingomonas paucimobilis ATCC 31461 in media containing glucose, lactose and sweet cheese whey was investigated. Findings indicate that altering the growth medium can markedly affect the polysaccharide yield, acyl substitution level, polymer rheological properties and susceptibility to degradation. The lactose-derived biopolymer had the highest total acyl content, while the glucose- and whey-derived gellans differed markedly in their acetate and glycerate levels.

Trimeric Autotransporter Adhesins (TAA) found in Gram‐negative bacteria play a key role in virulence. This is the case of Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc), a group of related bacteria able to cause infections in patients with cystic fibrosis. These bacteria use TAAs, among other virulence factors, to bind to host protein receptors and their carbohydrate ligands. Blocking such contacts is an attractive approach to inhibit Bcc infections. In this study, using an antibody produced against the TAA BCAM2418 from the epidemic strain Burkholderia cenocepacia K56‐2, we were able to uncover its roles as an adhesin and the type of host glycan structures that serve as recognition targets. The neutralisation of BCAM2418 was found to cause a reduction in the adhesion of the bacteria to bronchial cells and mucins. Moreover, in vivo studies have shown that the anti‐BCAM2418 antibody exerted an inhibitory effect during infection in Galleria mellonella. Finally, inferred by glycan arrays, we were able to predict for the first time, host glycan epitopes for a TAA. We show that BCAM2418 favoured binding to 3′sialyl‐3‐fucosyllactose, histo‐blood group A, α‐(1,2)‐linked Fuc‐containing structures, Lewis structures and GM1 gangliosides. In addition, the glycan microarrays demonstrated similar specificities of Burkholderia species for their most intensely binding carbohydrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]