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We present here a draft genome sequence of the red jungle fowl, Gallus gallus. Because the chicken is a modern descendant of the dinosaurs and the first non-mammalian amniote to have its genome sequenced, the draft sequence of its genome—composed of approximately one billion base pairs of sequence and an estimated 20,000–23,000 genes—provides a new perspective on vertebrate genome evolution, while also improving the annotation of mammalian genomes. For example, the evolutionary distance between chicken and human provides high specificity in detecting functional elements, both non-coding and coding. Notably, many conserved non-coding sequences are far from genes and cannot be assigned to defined functional classes. In coding regions the evolutionary dynamics of protein domains and orthologous groups illustrate processes that distinguish the lineages leading to birds and mammals. The distinctive properties of avian microchromosomes, together with the inferred patterns of conserved synteny, provide additional insights into vertebrate chromosome architecture.

In the general population with COVID-19, the male sex is an established risk factor for mortality, in part due to a more robust immune response to COVID-19 in women. Because patients on kidney function replacement therapy (KFRT) have an impaired immune response, especially kidney transplant recipients due to their use of immunosuppressants, we examined whether the male sex is still a risk factor for mortality among patients on KFRT with COVID-19. From the European Renal Association COVID-19 Database (ERACODA), we examined patients on KFRT with COVID-19 who presented between February 1st, 2020, and April 30th, 2021. 1204 kidney transplant recipients (male 62.0%, mean age 56.4 years) and 3206 dialysis patients (male 61.8%, mean age 67.7 years) were examined. Three-month mortality in kidney transplant recipients was 16.9% in males and 18.6% in females (p = 0.31) and in dialysis patients 27.1% in males and 21.9% in females (p = 0.001). The adjusted HR for the risk of 3-month mortality in males (vs females) was 0.89 (95% CI 65, 1.23, p = 0.49) in kidney transplant recipients and 1.33 (95% CI 1.13, 1.56, p = 0.001) in dialysis patients (p interaction  = 0.02). In a fully adjusted model, the aHR for the risk of 3-month mortality in kidney transplant recipients (vs. dialysis patients) was 1.39 (95% CI 1.02, 1.89, p = 0.04) in males and 2.04 (95% CI 1.40, 2.97, p < 0.001) in females (p interaction  = 0.02). In patients on KFRT with COVID-19, the male sex is not a risk factor for mortality among kidney transplant recipients but remains a risk factor among dialysis patients. The use of immunosuppressants in kidney transplant recipients, among other factors, may have narrowed the difference in the immune response to COVID-19 between men and women, and therefore reduced the sex difference in COVID-19 mortality risk.

Background Early reports on the pandemic nature of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) directed the nephrology community to develop infection prevention and control (IPC) guidance. We aimed to make an inventory of strategies that dialysis centres followed to prevent infection with COVID-19 in the first pandemic wave. Methods We analyzed IPC measures taken by hemodialysis centres treating patients presenting with COVID-19 between 1 March 2020 and 31 July 2020 and that completed the European Renal Association COVID-19 Database centre questionnaire. Additionally, we made an inventory of guidelines published in European countries to prevent spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in dialysis centres. Results Data from 73 dialysis units located in and bordering Europe were analyzed. All participating centres implemented IPC measures to mitigate the impact of SARS-CoV-2 during the first pandemic wave. Measures mentioned most often included triage with questions before entering the dialysis ward, measuring body temperature, hand disinfection, masking for all patients and staff, and personal protective equipment for staff members. These measures were also recommended in most of the 14 guidelines that were identified in the inventory of national guidelines and were also scored as being among the most important measures by the authors of this paper. Heterogeneity existed between centres and national guidelines regarding the minimal distance between dialysis chairs and recommendations regarding isolation and cohorting. Conclusions Although variation existed, measures to prevent transmission of SARS-CoV-2 were relatively similar across centres and national guidelines. Further research is needed to assess causal relationships between measures taken and spread of SARS-CoV-2.

ABSTRACT Background In the general population with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), obesity is associated with an increased risk of mortality. Given the typically observed obesity paradox among patients on kidney function replacement therapy (KFRT), especially dialysis patients, we examined the association of obesity with mortality among dialysis patients or living with a kidney transplant with COVID-19. Methods Data from the European Renal Association COVID-19 Database (ERACODA) were used. KFRT patients diagnosed with COVID-19 between 1 February 2020 and 31 January 2021 were included. The association of Quetelet's body mass index (BMI) (kg/m2), divided into: <18.5 (lean), 18.5–24.9 (normal weight), 25–29.9 (overweight), 30–34.9 (obese I) and ≥35 (obese II/III), with 3-month mortality was investigated using Cox proportional-hazards regression analyses. Results In 3160 patients on KFRT (mean age: 65 years, male: 61%), 99 patients were lean, 1151 normal weight (reference), 1160 overweight, 525 obese I and 225 obese II/III. During follow-up of 3 months, 28, 20, 21, 23 and 27% of patients died in these categories, respectively. In the fully adjusted model, the hazard ratios (HRs) for 3-month mortality were 1.65 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.10, 2.47], 1 (ref.), 1.07 (95% CI: 0.89, 1.28), 1.17 (95% CI: 0.93, 1.46) and 1.71 (95% CI: 1.27, 2.30), respectively. Results were similar among dialysis patients (N = 2343) and among those living with a kidney transplant (N = 817) (Pinteraction = 0.99), but differed by sex (Pinteraction = 0.019). In males, the HRs for the association of aforementioned BMI categories with 3-month mortality were 2.07 (95% CI: 1.22, 3.52), 1 (ref.), 0.97 (95% CI: 0.78. 1.21), 0.99 (95% CI: 0.74, 1.33) and 1.22 (95% CI: 0.78, 1.91), respectively, and in females corresponding HRs were 1.34 (95% CI: 0.70, 2.57), 1 (ref.), 1.31 (95% CI: 0.94, 1.85), 1.54 (95% CI: 1.05, 2.26) and 2.49 (95% CI: 1.62, 3.84), respectively. Conclusion In KFRT patients with COVID-19, on dialysis or a kidney transplant, obesity is associated with an increased risk of mortality at 3 months. This is in contrast to the obesity paradox generally observed in dialysis patients. Additional studies are required to corroborate the sex difference in the association of obesity with mortality.

Megías Quirós, I., & Rodríguez San Julián, E. (2014). Jóvenes y comunicación. La impronta de lo virtual. Madrid, Centro de Reina Sofía sobre Adolescencia y Juventud, Fundación de Ayuda contra la Drogadicción. ISBN 978-84-92454-24-2 (224 páginas)

Megías Quirós, I., & Rodríguez San Julián, E. (2014). Jóvenes y comunicación. La impronta de lo virtual. Madrid, Centro de Reina Sofía sobre Adolescencia y Juventud, Fundación de Ayuda contra la Drogadicción. ISBN 978-84-92454-24-2 (224 páginas)

CD36 is a membrane receptor that participates in the cellular uptake of fatty acids and lipid metabolism. CD36 overexpression favors progression of different pathologies, such as atherosclerosis and cancer. Thus, CD36 targeting has medicinal relevance. Herein, we aimed to identify human anti-CD36 single-chain variable fragment (scFv) with therapeutic potential. The semisynthetic ALTHEA Gold Plus Libraries™ were panned using recombinant human CD36. Clone selection was performed by ELISA. Analysis of scFv binding and blocking function was evaluated by flow cytometry in macrophage-like THP-1 cells and hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells. The phenotypic changes induced by CD36 ligands were assessed by: i) oil red staining, ii) tumorsphere assays, and iii) RT-qPCR. We identified an anti-CD36 scFv, called D11, that competes with a commercial anti-CD36 antibody with proven efficacy in disease models. D11 binds to CD36 expressed in the membrane of the cellular models employed and reduces the uptake of CD36 ligands. In macrophage-like THP-1 cells, D11 impaired the acquisition of foam cell phenotype induced by oxLDL, decreasing lipid droplet content and the expression of lipid metabolism genes. Treatment of HepG2 cells with D11 reduced lipid accumulation and the enhanced clonogenicity stimulated by palmitate. We discovered a new fully human scFv that is an effective blocker of CD36. Since D11 reduces the acquisition of pathogenic features induced by CD36 ligands, it could support the generation of therapeutic proteins targeting CD36.

Interferon-y Release Assays (IGRA) reversions have been reported in different clinical scenarios for the diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) infection. This study aimed to determine the rate of QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus) reversions during contact investigation as a potential strategy to reduce the number of preventive treatments. We included 415 contacts, of whom 96 (23.1%) had an initial positive test (QFT-i). Following this, 10 had negative QFT-1 results and 4 (4.2%) of these persisted with a negative result in the QFT-2 (sustained reversions). All four sustained reversions occurred in contacts with IFN-[gamma] concentrations between [greater than or equal to]0.35 and [less than or equal to]0.99 IU*mL.sup.-1 in one or both QFT-i tubes. In this study, TB contact investigations rarely reveal QFT-Plus reversion. These results do not support retesting cases with an initial positive result to reduce the number of preventive treatments.

It was in the 1800s when the first public publications about the infection and treatment of gonorrhoea were released. However, the first prevention programmes were only published a hundred years later. In the 1940s, the concept of vaccination was introduced into clinical prevention programmes to address early sulphonamide resistance. Since then, tons of publications on Neisseria gonorrhoeae are undisputed, around 30,000 publications today. Currently, the situation seems to be just as it was in the last century, nothing has changed or improved. So, what are we doing wrong? And more importantly, what might we do? The review presented here aims to review the current situation regarding the resistance mechanisms, prevention programmes, treatments, and vaccines, with the challenge of better understanding this special pathogen. The authors have reviewed the last five years of advancements, knowledge, and perspectives for addressing the Neisseria gonorrhoeae issue, focusing on new therapeutic alternatives.

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women and accounts for 25% of all cancers worldwide. The mechanisms by which it develops include germline (generally inherited) and somatic mutations. There are six mutations with the highest incidence in the Colombian population, called the Colombia profile, which is associated with the and genes. The aim of this study is to identify germline mutations in individuals with breast cancer, such as BRCA and other genes. This study describes the frequency and type of variants in hereditary cancer genes associated with breast cancer detected by the next-generation sequencing of a panel of 111 hereditary cancer genes, including and . This analysis allowed the identification of variants associated with breast cancer in 307 patients from a population in southwestern Colombia, of which 19% had pathogenic and probably pathogenic mutations associated with hereditary cancer. According to the variant classification, it was found that the mutation frequency in BRCA1 was 17%, in BRCA2 was 14% and in the gene was 12%; nevertheless, 57% of mutations were attributed to other genes such as and . Four patients were found to have the mutation c.3450delCAAG in the gene, which is included in the Colombia profile. In summary, in the Colombian population, there is a great diversity of germline mutations in genes other than and that are associated with breast cancer. Studying mutations and variants of uncertain significance in could improve understanding of how mutations in these genes contribute to cancer and whether should be considered as .