Structural and kinetic insights into tRNA promoter engagement by yeast general transcription factor TFIIIC.

Transcription of transfer RNA (tRNA) genes by RNA polymerase (Pol) III requires the general transcription factor IIIC (TFIIIC), which recognizes intragenic A-box and B-box DNA motifs of type II gene promoters. However, the underlying mechanism has remained elusive, in part due to missing structural information for A-box recognition. In this study, we use single-particle cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer (smFRET) to reveal structural and real-time kinetic insights into how the 520-kDa yeast TFIIIC complex engages A-box and B-box DNA motifs in the context of a tRNA gene promoter.

Frequent transitions in self-assembly across the evolution of a central metabolic enzyme.

Many enzymes assemble into homomeric protein complexes comprising multiple copies of one protein. Because structural form is usually assumed to follow function in biochemistry, these assemblies are thought to evolve because they provide some functional advantage. In many cases, however, no specific advantage is known and, in some cases, quaternary structure varies among orthologs.

The emergence of Sox and POU transcription factors predates the origins of animal stem cells.

Stem cells are a hallmark of animal multicellularity. Sox and POU transcription factors are associated with stemness and were believed to be animal innovations, reported absent in their unicellular relatives. Here we describe unicellular Sox and POU factors.

Frequent transitions in self-assembly across the evolution of a central metabolic enzyme.

Many enzymes assemble into homomeric protein complexes comprising multiple copies of one protein. Because structural form is usually assumed to follow function in biochemistry, these assemblies are thought to evolve because they provide some functional advantage. In many cases, however, no specific advantage is known and, in some cases, quaternary structure varies among orthologs.

[The Role of Specific Study-Related Demands and Resources to Student Health and Life Satisfaction].

Background: Studies report an association between study conditions and student health outcomes. The aim was to investigate the influence of specific study-related demands and resources on self-assessed health.

Method: Students of the Technical University of Dresden were surveyed online about their health and their studies.

Structural insights into human TFIIIC promoter recognition.

Transcription factor (TF) IIIC recruits RNA polymerase (Pol) III to most of its target genes. Recognition of intragenic A- and B-box motifs in transfer RNA (tRNA) genes by TFIIIC modules τA and τB is the first critical step for tRNA synthesis but is mechanistically poorly understood. Here, we report cryo-electron microscopy structures of the six-subunit human TFIIIC complex unbound and bound to a tRNA gene.

CAT HPPR: a critical appraisal tool to assess the quality of systematic, rapid, and scoping reviews investigating interventions in health promotion and prevention.

Background: For over three decades researchers have developed critical appraisal tools (CATs) for assessing the scientific quality of research overviews. Most established CATs for reviews in evidence-based medicine and evidence-based public health (EBPH) focus on systematic reviews (SRs) with studies on experimental interventions or exposure included. EBPH- and implementation-oriented organisations and decision-makers, however, often seek access to rapid reviews (RRs) or scoping reviews (ScRs) for rapid evidence synthesis and research field exploration.

Conformational transitions of the Spindly adaptor underlie its interaction with Dynein and Dynactin.

Cytoplasmic Dynein 1, or Dynein, is a microtubule minus end-directed motor. Dynein motility requires Dynactin and a family of activating adaptors that stabilize the Dynein-Dynactin complex and promote regulated interactions with cargo in space and time. How activating adaptors limit Dynein activation to specialized subcellular locales is unclear.

Architecture of the yeast Pol III pre-termination complex and pausing mechanism on poly(dT) termination signals.

RNA polymerase (Pol) III is specialized to transcribe short, abundant RNAs, for which it terminates transcription on polythymine (dT) stretches on the non-template (NT) strand. When Pol III reaches the termination signal, it pauses and forms the pre-termination complex (PTC). Here, we report cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of the yeast Pol III PTC and complementary functional states at resolutions of 2.

Structural insights into nuclear transcription by eukaryotic DNA-dependent RNA polymerases.

The eukaryotic transcription apparatus synthesizes a staggering diversity of RNA molecules. The labour of nuclear gene transcription is, therefore, divided among multiple DNA-dependent RNA polymerases. RNA polymerase I (Pol I) transcribes ribosomal RNA, Pol II synthesizes messenger RNAs and various non-coding RNAs (including long non-coding RNAs, microRNAs and small nuclear RNAs) and Pol III produces transfer RNAs and other short RNA molecules.

[Experiences of Stigmatization Among Professional Caregivers in the Context of Covid-19 - a Qualitative Study].

Objective: Healthcare workers seem to be more affected by stigma due to the Covid-19 pandemic compared to other occupational groups. However, there is very little research on this topic. The aims of the present study were to investigate pandemic-related stigmatization experiences among nursing and medical staff in Germany and determine the type and effects of stigmatization as well as appropriate prevention and intervention measures.

Cryo-EM structures of human RNA polymerase I.

RNA polymerase I (Pol I) specifically synthesizes ribosomal RNA. Pol I upregulation is linked to cancer, while mutations in the Pol I machinery lead to developmental disorders. Here we report the cryo-EM structure of elongating human Pol I at 2.

Stigmatization from Work-Related COVID-19 Exposure: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.

Stigmatization from work-related COVID-19 exposure has not been investigated in detail yet. Therefore, we systematically searched three databases: Medline, Embase, and PsychInfo (until October 2020), and performed a grey literature search (until February 2021). We identified 46 suitable articles from 24 quantitative and 11 qualitative studies, 6 systematic reviews, 3 study protocols and 1 intervention.

Are Healthcare Workers at an Increased Risk for Obstructive Respiratory Diseases Due to Cleaning and Disinfection Agents? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Several reviews have reported an increased risk of obstructive respiratory diseases in workers exposed to cleaning or disinfection agents, but they have focused mainly on professional cleaners. Cleaning and disinfecting are frequently performed activities by healthcare workers. We conducted a systematic review with meta-analysis to quantify the risk of obstructive respiratory diseases in healthcare workers exposed to cleaning and disinfection agents.

Effects of a Brief Web-Based "Social Norms"-Intervention on Alcohol, Tobacco and Cannabis Use Among German University Students: Results of a Cluster-Controlled Trial Conducted at Eight Universities.

"Social norms" (SN)-interventions are aimed at changing existing misperceptions regarding peer substance use by providing feedback on actual norms, thereby affecting personal substance use. It is unknown whether SN-intervention effects previously demonstrated in US students can be replicated in German students. The aim of the INSIST-study was to examine the effects of a web-based SN-intervention on substance use.

Cryo-EM structures of human RNA polymerase III in its unbound and transcribing states.

RNA polymerase III (Pol III) synthesizes transfer RNAs and other short, essential RNAs. Human Pol III misregulation is linked to tumor transformation, neurodegenerative and developmental disorders, and increased sensitivity to viral infections. Here, we present cryo-electron microscopy structures at 2.

Musculoskeletal Complaints in Occupational Therapists Compared to the General Population: A Cross-Sectional Study in Germany.

Occupational therapists (OTs) are exposed to physical factors at work, which can lead to an increased risk of musculoskeletal disorders. Most studies examining musculoskeletal complaints in OT report that the neck, shoulders, and lower back are most often afflicted. The aim of the present study was to examine the impact of work as an OT (focusing on specific work tasks) on specific musculoskeletal complaints compared to the general working population.

MRSA Point Prevalence among Health Care Workers in German Rehabilitation Centers: A Multi-Center, Cross-Sectional Study in a Non-Outbreak Setting.

People working in health care services have an increased risk of being infected with methicillin-resistant (MRSA), though little is known about the prevalence in rehabilitation centers. This cross-sectional study investigated the MRSA prevalence in employees from different rehabilitation centers and aimed to identify risk factors for MRSA transmission. We invited all staff (i.

Activation of the Endonuclease that Defines mRNA 3' Ends Requires Incorporation into an 8-Subunit Core Cleavage and Polyadenylation Factor Complex.

Cleavage and polyadenylation factor (CPF/CPSF) is a multi-protein complex essential for formation of eukaryotic mRNA 3' ends. CPF cleaves pre-mRNAs at a specific site and adds a poly(A) tail. The cleavage reaction defines the 3' end of the mature mRNA, and thus the activity of the endonuclease is highly regulated.

Health effects of wind turbines on humans in residential settings: Results of a scoping review.

Introduction: As the global number of wind turbines has increased steadily in recent years, as has the number of studies about putative health effects in residential settings, it is the review purpose to give an overview of the characteristics and methodologies of the scientific literature around the topic in order to identify research gaps and to derive implications for research and practice. Additionally, study findings from higher-quality observational studies as well as results that seem to be of interest for the scientific and political debate are presented.

Methods: The scoping review was conducted following systematic review methods.

Do Technical Aids for Patient Handling Prevent Musculoskeletal Complaints in Health Care Workers?-A Systematic Review of Intervention Studies.

The physical load ensuing from the repositioning and moving of patients puts health care workers at risk of musculoskeletal complaints. Technical equipment developed to aid with patient handling should reduce physical strain and workload; however, the efficacy of these aids in preventing musculoskeletal disorders and complaints is still unclear. A systematic review of controlled intervention studies was conducted to examine if the risk of musculoskeletal complaints and disorders is reduced by technical patient handling equipment.

Health effects of wind turbines in working environments - a scoping review.

Objectives The wind industry is a growing economic sector, yet there is no overview summarizing all exposures emanating from wind turbines throughout their life cycle that may pose a risk for workers` health. The aim of this scoping review was to survey and outline the body of evidence around the health effects of wind turbines in working environments in order to identify research gaps and to highlight the need for further research. Methods A scoping review with a transparent and systematic procedure was conducted using a comprehensive search strategy.

Licit and illicit substance use patterns among university students in Germany using cluster analysis.

Background: The use of multiple licit and illicit substances plays an important role in many university students' lives. Previous research on multiple substance use patterns of university students, however, often fails to examine use of different illicit substances and/or hookah. Our objective was to complement and advance the current knowledge about common consumption patterns regarding illicit substances and hookah use in this group.