Here, we report the 1.53-Å crystal structure of the enzyme 7-cyano-7-deazaguanine reductase (QueF) from Vibrio cholerae, which is responsible for the complete reduction of a nitrile (C≡N) bond to a primary amine (H2C–NH2). At present, this is the only example of a biological pathway that includes reduction of a nitrile bond, establishing QueF as particularly noteworthy. The structure of the QueF monomer resembles two connected ferrodoxin-like domains that assemble into dimers. Ligands identified in the crystal structure suggest the likely binding conformation of the native substrates NADPH and 7-cyano-7-deazaguanine. We also report on a series of numerical simulations that have shed light on the mechanism by which this enzyme affects the transfer of four protons (and electrons) to the 7-cyano-7-deazaguanine substrate. In particular, the simulations suggest that the initial step of the catalytic process is the formation of a covalent adduct with the residue Cys194, in agreement with previous studies. The crystal structure also suggests that two conserved residues (His233 and Asp102) play an important role in the delivery of a fourth proton to the substrate.

Objective: This study compares barriers to psychosocial services use between Latina and non Latina White survivors after receiving a diagnosis of breast cancer and examines the association of these barriers with use of psychosocial services. Methods:A sample of 265 Latina and non-Latina White survivors who received treatment in a comprehensive cancer center in New York City completed a mailed questionnaire. The questionnaire measured quality of life, interest in help for distress, psychosocial services use, and barriers to use of psychosocial services. Bivariate and adjusted logistic regression models were conducted analyze the data.Results: More than half of the sample reported preferring to return to their normal routine, felt that they could take care of their emotional problems themselves, and preferred to seek support from their family or friends. Latinas were more likely to seek counseling from a spiritual leader and report that there are no counselors who speak their language and understand their values or background and that mental health services are too expensive. Conclusions:It is crucial to study and address potential barriers that contribute to health disparities and discrepancies in patient's access and use of psychosocial healthcare.Findings highlight the need to educate providers about patients' psychosocial needs; patients need to receive information about the benefits of psychosocial and mental health services, to normalize mental health service use and diminish stigma. Finally, culturally and linguistic sensitive services for Latina patients are warranted.

Context: This study is a quanti-qualitative analysis of all contacts to a helpline service for hospital workers during the COVID-19 crisis. Our aim was to describe the nature of mental burden in hospital workers and factors subjectively associated to this burden from the workers' perspective.Methods: We included all 50 contacts from 25 different workers and 10 different professions over the course of 1 month. We described the corpus and reported the computerized qualitative analysis of summary of contacts. We performed a descendant hierarchical analysis and analyzed specificities of classes of age with a correspondence factor analysis.Results: The corpus was composed of three classes: (1) distress specific to the COVID-19 situation, (2) help provided, and (3) pre-existing psychological vulnerability. Factors subjectively responsible for mental distress were: (a) the contamination risk, (b) confinement, and (c) the rapidly evolving situation and changing instructions. Lack of “COVID-free time” seemed to increase negative emotions. Reassignment to a high viral density unit was a stressor, especially in older workers. Young workers mentioned pre-existing vulnerability more than others. Fear of death was shared by all classes of age, regardless of the objective risk of contamination.Discussion: Hospital workers experience mental distress factors both in common with the general population and specific to the hospital environment. Preserving and organizing support for the mental health of all hospital workers is a critical challenge, including those with poorly recognized professions. Leads for institutions to avoid additional stressors for hospital workers are presented. Young workers with pre-existing vulnerability seem particularly impacted.