Biochemical characterization of the self-sacrificing p-aminobenzoate synthase from Nitrosomonas europaea reveals key residues involved in selecting a Fe/Fe or Mn/Fe cofactor.

A noncanonical route for p-aminobenzoate (pABA) biosynthesis in select bacteria utilizes a novel self-sacrificing heme oxygenase-like domain-containing oxidase/oxygenase (HDO) superfamily member. The recently characterized self-sacrificing pABA synthase from Chlamydia trachomatis ("CADD") requires manganese and likely employs a heterobimetallic Mn/Fe cofactor. A conserved active site tyrosine residue is cleaved from the protein backbone to serve as the substrate for pABA synthesis and a lysine residue is the amino group donor.

Optimized communication during risk disclosure to reduce nocebo headache after lumbar puncture-a study protocol for a randomized controlled clinical trial.

Risk communication has been found to be a driver of nocebo effects in medical settings by enhancing negative expectations. In fact, merely disclosing the risk of side effects and complications of treatments or medical procedures increases reports of adverse events. Along these lines, it has been proposed that the occurrence of headache after lumbar puncture (LP), a routine diagnostic procedure in neurology, is caused to a large degree by the information delivered by the physician during the informed consent procedure.

Choosing for a Homebirth during COVID-19 Lockdown in The Netherlands, who and why: A national prospective questionnaire study.

Objective: During the first COVID-19 lockdown in the Netherlands (9 March-1 June 2020), the homebirth rate increased from 27 % to 37 % among women with low-risk pregnancies starting labour in primary midwife-led care (overall population: 15 % in 2020). We explored characteristics and motivations of women who change their preference from a hospital birth to a home birth.

Design: A nationwide prospective online questionnaire.

Osteochondrosis Manifesta in Three Related Free-Ranging Gray Wolves (Canis lupus lupus) in Switzerland.

Osteochondrosis is a common disease that has been described in several farm and pet species as well as in some wildlife species, including captive roan antelope (Hippotragus equinus), a giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata), snow leopard (Panthera uncia), and free-ranging wild boar (Sus scrofa ferus). It has not previously been confirmed in gray wolves (Canis lupus lupus). Postmortem radiographs of three free-ranging, juvenile sibling wolves revealed osteochondrosis in at least one of the glenohumeral joints (GHJs) in all individuals.

Early, very high-titre convalescent plasma therapy in clinically vulnerable individuals with mild COVID-19: an international, randomised, open-label trial.

Background: COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP) is a treatment option for COVID-19. This study investigated the safety and efficacy of early, very high-titre CCP in immunocompromised individuals with mild COVID-19.

Methods: This randomised, controlled, open-label trial assessed CCP in immunocompromised patients (n = 120) with mild COVID-19 in 10 clinical trial centres across Germany, France, and the Netherlands.