Mutational Studies of Aldose Reductase to Trace a Transient Pocket Opening and to Explain Ligand Affinity Cliffs.

Human aldose reductase, a target for the development of inhibitors for preventing diabetic complications, displays a transient specificity pocket which opens upon binding with specific, potent inhibitors. We investigated the opening mechanism of this pocket by mutating leucine residues involved in the gate keeping mechanism to alanine. Two isostructural inhibitors distinguished only by a single nitro to carboxy group replacement, have a 1000-fold difference in their binding affinity to the wild type.

Coping strategies during legally enforced quarantine and their association to psychological distress level: a cross-sectional study.

Objectives: The non-pharmacological measures to contain the COVID-19 pandemic may lead to considerable psychological distress. The aim of the CoCo-Fakt study was to investigate possible coping strategies and their effects on psychological distress during legally enforced quarantine of infected persons (IPs) and their close contacts (CPs).

Study Design: This was a cross-sectional cohort study.

Changes in Alcohol Consumption, Eating Behaviors, and Body Weight during Quarantine Measures: Analysis of the CoCo-Fakt Study.

Introduction: Public health measures enacted to reduce COVID-19 transmission have affected individuals' lifestyles, mental health, and psychological well-being. To date, little is known how stay-at-home orders have influenced the eating behaviors, weight development, and alcohol consumption of quarantined persons. The CoCo-Fakt cohort study analyzed these parameters and their association with psychological distress and coping strategies.