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ABSTRACT Sexual reproduction in fungi allows genetic recombination and increases genetic diversity, allowing adaptation and survival. The velvet complex is a fungal-specific protein assembly that regulates development, pathogenesis, and secondary metabolism in response to environmental cues, such as light. In Neurospora crassa, this complex comprises VE-1, VE-2, and LAE-1. Deletion of ve-1 or ve-2, but not lae-1, leads to increased conidiation (asexual spore formation) and reduced sexual development. Mutants lacking ve-1 and/or ve-2 are female sterile and male fertile, indicating that a VE-1/VE-2 complex regulates the development of female structures. During sexual development, we observed differential regulation of 2,117 genes in dark and 4,364 genes in light between the wild type and the ∆ve-1 strain. The pheromone response and cell wall integrity pathways were downregulated in the ∆ve-1 mutant, especially in light. Additionally, we found reduced levels of both total and phosphorylated MAK-1 and MAK-2 kinases. In vitro experiments demonstrated the binding of VE-1 and VE-2 to the promoters of mak-1 and mak-2, suggesting a direct regulatory role of VE-1/VE-2 in the transcriptional control of MAPK genes to regulate sexual development. Deletion of the photosensor gene white-collar 1 prevented the light-dependent inhibition of sexual development in the ∆ve-1 mutant by increasing transcription of the pheromone response and cell wall integrity pathway genes to the levels in the dark. Our results support the proposal that the regulation of the MAP kinase pathways by the VE-1/VE-2 complex is a key element in transcriptional regulation that occurs during sexual development.IMPORTANCESexual reproduction generates new gene combinations and novel phenotypic traits and facilitates evolution. Induction of sexual development in fungi is often regulated by environmental conditions, such as the presence of light and nutrients. The velvet protein complex coordinates internal cues and environmental signals to regulate development. We have found that VE-1, a component of the velvet complex, regulates transcription during sexual development in the fungus Neurospora crassa. VE-1 regulates the transcription of many genes, including those involved in mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways that are essential in the regulation of sexual development, and regulates the activity of the MAPK pathway. Our findings provide valuable insights into how fungi respond to environmental signals and integrate them into their reproductive processes.

Ribosomes are not totally globular machines. Instead, they comprise prominent structural protrusions and a myriad of tentacle-like projections, which are frequently made up of ribosomal RNA expansion segments and N- or C-terminal extensions of ribosomal proteins. This is more evident in higher eukaryotic ribosomes. One of the most characteristic protrusions, present in small ribosomal subunits in all three domains of life, is the so-called beak, which is relevant for the function and regulation of the ribosome’s activities. During evolution, the beak has transitioned from an all ribosomal RNA structure (helix h33 in 16S rRNA) in bacteria, to an arrangement formed by three ribosomal proteins, eS10, eS12 and eS31, and a smaller h33 ribosomal RNA in eukaryotes. In this review, we describe the different structural and functional properties of the eukaryotic beak. We discuss the state-of-the-art concerning its composition and functional significance, including other processes apparently not related to translation, and the dynamics of its assembly in yeast and human cells. Moreover, we outline the current view about the relevance of the beak’s components in human diseases, especially in ribosomopathies and cancer.

The small ribosomal subunit protein Rps15/uS19 is involved in early nucleolar ribosome biogenesis and subsequent nuclear export of pre-40S particles to the cytoplasm. In addition, the C-terminal tail of Rps15 was suggested to play a role in mature ribosomes, namely during translation elongation. Here, we show that Rps15 not only functions in nucleolar ribosome assembly but also in cytoplasmic pre-40S maturation, which is indicated by a strong genetic interaction between Rps15 and the 40S assembly factor Ltv1. Specifically, mutations either in the globular or C-terminal domain of Rps15 when combined with the non-essential ltv1 null allele are lethal or display a strong growth defect. However, not only rps15 ltv1 double mutants but also single rps15 C-terminal deletion mutants exhibit an accumulation of the 20S pre-rRNA in the cytoplasm, indicative of a cytoplasmic pre-40S maturation defect. Since in pre-40S particles, the C-terminal tail of Rps15 is positioned between assembly factors Rio2 and Tsr1, we further tested whether Tsr1 is genetically linked to Rps15, which indeed could be demonstrated. Thus, the integrity of the Rps15 C-terminal tail plays an important role during late pre-40S maturation, perhaps in a quality control step to ensure that only 40S ribosomal subunits with functional Rps15 C-terminal tail can efficiently enter translation. As mutations in the C-terminal tail of human RPS15 have been observed in connection with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, it is possible that apart from defects in translation, an impaired late pre-40S maturation step in the cytoplasm could also be a reason for this disease.

In this study we assessed karyotype size and symmetry for a comprehensive taxonomic and geographic representation of Helianthemum and reconstructed chromosome number evolution in the genus. Using root tips, we photographed mitotic metaphase spreads to obtain chromosome number, total haploid (monoploid) length of the chromosome set (THL), karyotype formula, Stebbins’ classification of karyotype asymmetry, interchromosomal coefficient of variation of chromosome length (CVCL) and intrachromosomal mean centromeric asymmetry (MCA) using MATO (Measurement and Analysis Tools). We found that shifts in chromosome number are not a major driver in the evolution of Helianthemum, whose chromosome number evolved at a constant rate of single chromosome gain or loss. Karyotype asymmetry is very low and little variable in all taxonomic categories studied, with a predominance of metacentric and submetacentric small to medium-sized chromosomes about 3 μm at the genus level. However, total karyotype length varies from 16.91 μm to 47.84 μm at the species level, with a cytogenetic signature that is not conserved within subgenera and most sections. Overall, H. subg. Plectolobum shows both the longest and the most symmetrical karyotypes. We hypothesize that the variation in karyotype size in Helianthemum is likely a consequence of chromosome rearrangements that have occurred under selective pressures.

ObjectivesThe dynamics of the memory B cell (MBC) repertoire after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination is crucial for assessing long-term immunity. We compare spike-specific MBC responses between SARS-CoV-2 unexposed and recovered individuals, and their impact on breakthrough infections during follow-up.MethodsSpike-specific MBC and T cells were quantified at inclusion and after two doses of mRNA vaccine in a longitudinal cohort of 85 naïve and 64 recovered participants (47 with positive serology and 17 with negative serology after infection).ResultsAt inclusion, there was minimal spike-specific MBC in naïve SARS-CoV-2 individuals. After the second vaccine dose, MBCs were significantly boosted in naïve individuals, but reached a significantly lower level than that observed even in unvaccinated SARS-CoV-2 convalescents (p

BackgroundApproximately 13.8% and 6.1% of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients require hospitalization and sometimes intensive care unit (ICU) admission, respectively. There is no biomarker to predict which of these patients will develop an aggressive stage that we could improve their quality of life and healthcare management. Our main goal is to include new markers for the classification of COVID-19 patients.MethodsTwo tubes of peripheral blood were collected from a total of 66 (n = 34 mild and n = 32 severe) samples (mean age 52 years). Cytometry analysis was performed using a 15-parameter panel included in the Maxpar® Human Monocyte/Macrophage Phenotyping Panel Kit. Cytometry by time-of-flight mass spectrometry (CyTOF) panel was performed in combination with genetic analysis using TaqMan® probes for ACE2 (rs2285666), MX1 (rs469390), and TMPRSS2 (rs2070788) variants. GemStone™ and OMIQ software were used for cytometry analysis.ResultsThe frequency of CD163+/CD206- population of transitional monocytes (T-Mo) was decreased in the mild group compared to that of the severe one, while T-Mo CD163-/CD206- were increased in the mild group compared to that of the severe one. In addition, we also found differences in CD11b expression in CD14dim monocytes in the severe group, with decreased levels in the female group (p = 0.0412). When comparing mild and severe disease, we also found that CD45- [p = 0.014; odds ratio (OR) = 0.286, 95% CI 0.104–0.787] and CD14dim/CD33+ (p = 0.014; OR = 0.286, 95% CI 0.104–0.787) monocytes were the best options as biomarkers to discriminate between these patient groups. CD33 was also indicated as a good biomarker for patient stratification by the analysis of GemStone™ software. Among genetic markers, we found that G carriers of TMPRSS2 (rs2070788) have an increased risk (p = 0.02; OR = 3.37, 95% CI 1.18–9.60) of severe COVID-19 compared to those with A/A genotype. This strength is further increased when combined with CD45-, T-Mo CD163+/CD206-, and C14dim/CD33+.ConclusionsHere, we report the interesting role of TMPRSS2, CD45-, CD163/CD206, and CD33 in COVID-19 aggressiveness. This strength is reinforced for aggressiveness biomarkers when TMPRSS2 and CD45-, TMPRSS2 and CD163/CD206, and TMPRSS2 and CD14dim/CD33+ are combined.

The molecular events underlying the assembly and maturation of the early pre-60S particles during eukaryotic ribosome synthesis are not well understood. Here, the authors combine yeast genetics and biochemical experiments to characterise the functions of two important players of eukaryotic ribosome biogenesis, the box C/D snoRNP snR190 and the helicase Dbp7, which both interact. They show that the snR190 snoRNA acts as a RNA chaperone that assists the structuring of the 25S rRNA during the maturation of early pre-60S particles and that Dbp7 is important for facilitating remodeling events in the peptidyl transferase center region of the 25S rRNAs during the maturation of early pre-60S particles.

Little is known about the factors associated with lack of T-cell response to mRNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2. In a prospective cohort of 61 health care workers (HCWs), 21% and 16% after the first dose of mRNA BNT162b vaccine, and 12% and 7% after the second dose, showed lack of CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell response, respectively. Pre-existing T-cell immunity, due to past infection (46%) or cross-reactive cellular response (26%), was significantly associated with T-cell response in frequency (CD4+ T-cell, 100% vs 82% after two doses; p = 0.049) and in the magnitude of T-cell response during follow up. Furthermore, baseline CD4+ T-cell correlated positively with the titer of specific IgG-antibodies after first and second vaccine dose. Our data demonstrate that cross-reactive T-cells correlate with a better cellular response as well as an enhanced humoral response, and we confirm the close correlation of humoral and cellular response after mRNA vaccination.

Apresentação do Dossiê Identidades e sexualidades hegemônicas e contra-hegemônicas. Feminidades e masculinidades em tempos autoritários

Entrevista con Iki Yos Piña Narváez

The aim of this paper is to analyse the process of awareness of the Workers Brotherhood of Female Catholic Action (WBFCA) during the first decades of Francoism. To this effect, a perspective is considered which establishes a dialogue and puts a strain on the notions of gender, class and religion within Catholic Spanish Action (CSA). This research shows the importance of Catholic workers’ identities in order to understand in depth the social participation modes “from below” developed in that period, as well as the conduct of Catholic workers therein. Drawing on female individual memories, this research displays some of the WBFCA subjectivities. Finally, the paper analyses some individual –and collective– tensions that arose between the workers and the CSA ladies, a point that allows for a better understanding of the communal narratives provided by the working class.

Molecular systematics requires the establishment of a robust phylogenetic framework including extensive geographical and taxonomic sampling. In this work, we proposed systematic changes in the genus Helianthemum based on phylogenetic trees obtained by both maximum likelihood and Bayesian analyses of GBS data. The implications of these phylogenetic results for the systematics of Helianthemum entail the establishment of a new subgenus and novel re-ascriptions of sections and species along with some nomenclatural novelties. The following new combinations are proposed: Helianthemum subg. Eriocarpum (Dunal) Martín-Hernanz, Velayos, Albaladejo & Aparicio; H. oelandicum subsp. conquense (Borja & Rivas Goday ex G.López) Martín-Hernanz, Velayos, Albaladejo & Aparicio; H. nummularium subsp. cantabricum (M.Laínz) Martín-Hernanz, Velayos, Albaladejo & Aparicio; H. nummularium subsp. tinetense (M.Mayor & Fern.Benito) Martín-Hernanz, Velayos, Albaladejo & Aparicio.

Abstract Unraveling the relationships between ecological, functional traits and genetic diversity of narrow endemic plants provide opportunities for understanding how evolutionary processes operate over local spatial scales and ultimately how diversity is created and maintained. To explore these aspects in Sierra Nevada, the core of the Mediterranean Betic‐Rifean hotspot, we have analyzed nuclear DNA microsatellite diversity and a set of biological and environmental factors (physicochemical soil parameters, floral traits, and community composition) in two strictly endemic taxa from dolomite outcrops of Sierra Nevada (Helianthemum pannosum and H. apenninum subsp. estevei) and two congeneric widespread taxa (H. cinereum subsp. rotundifolium and H. apenninum subsp. apenninum) that further belong to two different lineages (subgenera) of Helianthemum. We obtained rather unexpected results contrasting with the theory: (a) The narrow endemic taxa showed higher values of genetic diversity as well as higher average values of pollen production per flower and pollen‐to‐ovule ratio than their widespread relatives; and (b) the two taxa of subg. Helianthemum, with larger corollas, approach herkogamy and higher pollen production than the two taxa of subg. Plectolobum, displayed lower genetic diversity and higher values of inbreeding. Altogether, these results disclose how genetic diversity may be affected simultaneously by a large number of intrinsic and extrinsic factors, especially in Pleistocene glacial refugia in mountains where the spatial context harbors a great ecological heterogeneity. On the other hand, differences in mating system and the significant effect of the substrate profile, both being highly diverse in the genus Helianthemum, in the genetic variability illustrate about the importance of these two factors in the diversification and species differentiation of this paradigmatic genus in the Mediterranean and open the field to formulate and test new hypotheses of local adaptation, trait evolution, and habitat diversification.

Este artículo analiza el papel del Sindicato de Costureras de Buenos Aires, ideado por la Acción Católica Argentina (ACA), en un periodo que abarca desde sus orígenes hasta la llegada del primer peronismo. A través de un ejercicio de historia social con perspectiva de género se presentan las estrategias de la Asociación de Mujeres de la Acción Católica (AMAC) en los ambientes laborales, y también el proselitismo que desarrollaron las católicas con las trabajadoras de la industria textil durante este periodo. En esta investigación se muestran los arquetipos de género y el ideal de feminidad de la cultura católica en Argentina, que atravesaban la pertenencia social de las católicas y de las costureras. Finalmente, se realiza una aproximación a la campaña por la defensa de la Ley de Trabajo a Domicilio que enarboló la ACA, concluyendo cómo los discursos proteccionistas se encontraron en perfecta consonancia con las representaciones de género del peronismo y del catolicismo social. Abstract This paper analyses the role of the Seamstresses Trade Union from Buenos Aires, conceived by the Argentinian Catholic Action (ACA) between its origins and the arrival of First Peronism. Through Social History and Gender Studies this article is focused on Female Catholic Action strategies over the working environments. Also, it researches the proselytism that Catholic women did against women workers from the textile industry among this period. Furthermore, the article presents gender archetypes and femininity ideal from the Catholic culture in Argentina, which outperform the social class of Catholics leaders and the seamstresses. Finally, this paper shows an approach to the campaign in defence of the «Ley de Trabajo a Domicilio», led by the ACA. Conclusions shows that these speeches where in perfect accordance with Peronism and Social Catholicism gender representations.

Resumen: Introducción: La prevalencia del embarazo múltiple está experimentando un ascenso en los últimos años, lo que conlleva un aumento de la morbimortalidad fetal y de la morbilidad materna. El objetivo de este estudio es analizar la evolución de los partos múltiples en Castilla y León durante 13 años y sus implicaciones maternas y fetales. Material y métodos: Estudio de asociación cruzada, sobre el conjunto mínimo básico de datos (CMBD), de altas hospitalarias de la red Sanidad de Castilla y León (SACYL) entre 2001 y 2013. Se realizó un análisis de tendencias mediante regresión lineal de joinpoint, un análisis ritmométrico y un análisis multivariante mediante regresión logística binaria. Resultados: A lo largo de los 13 años de estudio se observa una tendencia creciente en la proporción de partos múltiples, en contraste con los únicos, con un porcentaje anual de cambio del 3,4% (IC del 95%: 2,5-4,4%). Se encontró asociación estadística entre la edad materna, la tolerancia anormal a la glucosa, el parto operatorio, la macrosomía fetal, el parto prematuro, la muerte fetal, las malposiciones fetales, la fecundación in vitro y los estados hipertensivos maternos y el parto gemelar, destacando que la fecundación in vitro se asocia con un exceso de riesgo de 9,3 veces de parto múltiple (IC del 95%: 7,4-11,5), así como la edad de la madre se asocia con un exceso de riesgo del 5% por cada año de edad (OR: 1,05; IC 95%: 1,04-1,05). No se evidenció estacionalidad en los partos múltiples en contraposición con los únicos. Conclusiones: Los partos múltiples experimentaron un continuo ascenso, sin seguir un ritmo estacional, asociados a la extensión del uso de las técnicas de reproducción asistida y al retraso en la edad de la maternidad, lo que conlleva mayor morbimortalidad fetal y materna. Abstract: Introduction: Multiple pregnancy has increased in prevalence in the last few years, which could lead to more foetal and maternal morbidity issues. The aim of this study is to describe the trend of multiple pregnancy deliveries in Castilla y León during the last 13 years and the subsequent impact on foetal and maternal health. Material and methods: Data was collected from the hospital discharge reports registered in the Regional Health-care database (SACYL: Health care in Castilla y León) between 2001 and 2013. A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted, including trend analysis with log-linear joint point model, a rhythm metric study, as well as a risk assessment with multivariate analysis. Results: A pronounced upward trend was observed in the proportion of multiple deliveries in this time period, compared to single ones, with an annual percentage change of 3.4% (95% CI: 2.5-4.4). Multiple pregnancy was significantly correlated with advanced maternal age, abnormal glucose tolerance, dystocia and caesarean section delivery, premature birth, foetal malposition, foetal macrosomia, stillbirth, in vitro fertilisation, and hypertensive episodes of pregnancy. In vitro fertilization showed a 9.3 fold increased risk in multiple pregnancy (95% CI: 7.4-11.5), with maternal age increasing the risk up to 5% per year of age (OR: 1.05: 95% CI: 1.04-1.05). No seasonal rhythm was observed in multiple deliveries compared with single ones. Conclusion: Multiple pregnancy has experienced a continuous increase, with no seasonal trend, and is associated with the increase in assisted reproductive technology and advanced maternal age. This involves more problems regarding foetal and maternal morbidity and mortality.

Introduction: Multiple pregnancy has increased in prevalence in the last few years, which could lead to more foetal and maternal morbidity issues. The aim of this study is to describe the trend of multiple pregnancy deliveries in Castilla y León during the last 13 years and the subsequent impact on foetal and maternal health. Material and methods: Data was collected from the hospital discharge reports registered in the Regional Health-care database (SACYL: Health care in Castilla y León) between 2001 and 2013. A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted, including trend analysis with log-linear joint point model, a rhythm metric study, as well as a risk assessment with multivariate analysis. Results: A pronounced upward trend was observed in the proportion of multiple deliveries in this time period, compared to single ones, with an annual percentage change of 3.4% (95% CI: 2.5–4.4). Multiple pregnancy was significantly correlated with advanced maternal age, abnormal glucose tolerance, dystocia and caesarean section delivery, premature birth, foetal malposition, foetal macrosomia, stillbirth, in vitro fertilisation, and hypertensive episodes of pregnancy. In vitro fertilisation showed a 9.3 fold increased risk in multiple pregnancy (95% CI: 7.4–11.5), with maternal age increasing the risk up to 5% per year of age (OR: 1.05: 95% CI: 1.04–1.05). No seasonal rhythm was observed in multiple deliveries compared with single ones. Conclusion: Multiple pregnancy has experienced a continuous increase, with no seasonal trend, and is associated with the increase in assisted reproductive technology and advanced maternal age. This involves more problems regarding foetal and maternal morbidity and mortality. Resumen: Introducción: La prevalencia del embarazo múltiple está experimentando un ascenso en los últimos años, lo que conlleva un aumento de la morbimortalidad fetal y de la morbilidad materna. El objetivo de este estudio es analizar la evolución de los partos múltiples en Castilla y León durante 13 años y sus implicaciones maternas y fetales. Material y métodos: Estudio de asociación cruzada, sobre el conjunto mínimo básico de datos (CMBD), de altas hospitalarias de la red Sanidad de Castilla y León (SACYL) entre 2001 y 2013. Se realizó un análisis de tendencias mediante regresión lineal de joinpoint, un análisis ritmométrico y un análisis multivariante mediante regresión logística binaria. Resultados: A lo largo de los 13 años de estudio se observa una tendencia creciente en la proporción de partos múltiples, en contraste con los únicos, con un porcentaje anual de cambio del 3,4% (IC del 95%: 2,5-4,4%). Se encontró asociación estadística entre la edad materna, la tolerancia anormal a la glucosa, el parto operatorio, la macrosomía fetal, el parto prematuro, la muerte fetal, las malposiciones fetales, la fecundación in vitro y los estados hipertensivos maternos y el parto gemelar, destacando que la fecundación in vitro se asocia con un exceso de riesgo de 9,3 veces de parto múltiple (IC del 95%: 7,4-11,5), así como la edad de la madre se asocia con un exceso de riesgo del 5% por cada año de edad (OR: 1,05; IC 95%: 1,04-1,05). No se evidenció estacionalidad en los partos múltiples en contraposición con los únicos. Conclusiones: Los partos múltiples experimentaron un continuo ascenso, sin seguir un ritmo estacional, asociados a la extensión del uso de las técnicas de reproducción asistida y al retraso en la edad de la maternidad, lo que conlleva mayor morbimortalidad fetal y materna.

En el presente trabajo se abordan cuestiones relacionadas con el modelo económico predominante en la actualidad y se reflexiona sobre sus efectos en los sistemas ambientales. En primer término, se realiza una descripción de los grandes componentes que lo sustentan, así como de su funcionamiento. A continuación se ofrece una visión crítica del modelo, detectando las imperfecciones e irracionalidades y resaltando la importancia del ciclo de producción y consumo como bucle de retroalimentación positiva promovido por la publicidad, el crédito y la caducidad. Todas las críticas se apoyan en la existencia de los límites medioambientales planetarios, razón definitiva para replantearse la viabilidad a medio y largo plazo del sistema económico. Para mostrar la gravedad en la que está sumido el planeta Tierra, se describe la huella ecológica como indicador cuantitativo del impacto que ejerce el hombre sobre el medio. Por último, se desarrolla la parte del trabajo centrada en la propuesta de decrecimiento como la alternativa más factible para mantener el equilibrio dinámico natural del globo terráqueo.

Abstract Background Telomeres are nucleoprotein structures present at the terminal region of the chromosomes. Mutations in genes coding for proteins involved in telomere maintenance are causative of a number of disorders known as telomeropathies. The genetic origin of these diseases is heterogeneous and has not been determined for a significant proportion of patients. Methods This article describes the genetic characterization of a cohort of patients. Telomere length was determined by Southern blot and quantitative PCR. Nucleotide variants were analyzed either by high-resolution melting analysis and Sanger sequencing of selected exons or by massive sequencing of a panel of genes. Results Forty-seven patients with telomere length below the 10% of normal population, affected with three telomeropathies: dyskeratosis congenita (4), aplastic anemia (22) or pulmonary fibrosis (21) were analyzed. Eighteen of these patients presented known pathogenic or novel possibly pathogenic variants in the telomere-related genes TERT, TERC, RTEL1, CTC1 and ACD. In addition, the analyses of a panel of 188 genes related to haematological disorders indicated that a relevant proportion of the patients (up to 35%) presented rare variants in genes related to DNA repair or in genes coding for proteins involved in the resolution of complex DNA structures, that participate in telomere replication. Mutations in some of these genes are causative of several syndromes previously associated to telomere shortening. Conclusion Novel variants in telomere, DNA repair and replication genes are described that might indicate the contribution of variants in these genes to the development of telomeropathies. Patients carrying variants in telomere-related genes presented worse evolution after diagnosis than the rest of patients analyzed.

Microbial contamination in shopping trolleys (eighty five) by considering different supermarkets (seven) from three major food companies in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (Spain) was determined. The two sampled areas were trolley handles and food trolley baskets-child seats. Samples were analyzed by selective and differential microbiological culture media. E. coli four (2.4%) indicative of faecal contamination, Klebsiella pneumoniae twelve (6.5%) and Citrobacter freundii, six (5.1%), which have been isolated from human faecal samples, were isolated from trolleys; Pseudomonas rhodesiae, five (4.25%), and Pseudomonas fluorescens, three (2.55%), which both evidenced environmental contamination. Significant differences among the companies were found for the Enterobacteriaceae and coliforms. Regarding location, these differences (p

Gynecological cancer accounts for an elevated incidence worldwide requiring responsiveness regarding its care. The comprehensive genomic approach agrees with the classification of certain tumor types. We evaluated 49 patients with gynecological tumors undergoing high-throughput sequencing to explore whether identifying alterations in cancer-associated genes could characterize concrete histological subtypes. We performed immune examination and analyzed subsequent clinical impact. We found 220 genomic aberrations mostly distributed as single nucleotide variants (SNV, 77%). Only 3% were classified as variants of strong clinical significance in BRCA1 and BRCA2 of ovarian high-grade serous (HGSC) and uterine endometrioid carcinoma. TP53 and BRCA1 occurred in 72% and 28% of HGSC. Cervical squamous cell carcinoma was entirely HPV-associated and mutations occurred in PIK3CA (60%), as well as in uterine serous carcinoma (80%). Alterations were seen in PTEN (71%) and PIK3CA (60%) of uterine endometrioid carcinoma. Elevated programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) was associated with high TILs. Either PD-L1 augmented in deficient mis-matched repair (MMR) proteins or POLE mutated cases when compared to a proficient MMR state. An 18% received genotype-guided therapy and a 4% immunotherapy. The description of tumor subtypes is plausible through high-throughput sequencing by recognizing clinically relevant alterations. Additional concomitant assessment of immune biomarkers identifies candidates for immunotherapy.

We retrospectively evaluated 2879 hospitalized COVID-19 patients from four hospitals to evaluate the ability of demographic data, medical history, and on-admission laboratory parameters to predict in-hospital mortality. Association of previously published risk factors (age, gender, arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking habit, obesity, renal failure, cardiovascular/ pulmonary diseases, serum ferritin, lymphocyte count, APTT, PT, fibrinogen, D-dimer, and platelet count) with death was tested by a multivariate logistic regression, and a predictive model was created, with further validation in an independent sample. A total of 2070 hospitalized COVID-19 patients were finally included in the multivariable analysis. Age 61-70 years (p80 years (p2 ULN (p = 0.003; OR: 1.79; 95%CI: 1.22 to 2.62), and prolonged PT (p

Djan Seriy Anaplian is, possibly, the most accomplished female character created by Iain M. Banks for the Culture series (1987-2013). In Matter (2008) she shares protagonism with her step-brothers Ferbin and Oramen but she is the real hero. As a woman, Djan Seriy is a pariah in her patriarchal homeland, and eventually becomes a defector to Banks’s utopia, the Culture. Born a princess in the backward kingdom of her father King Hausk, Djan is raised to be used in matrimonial alliance at her father’s convenience. The Culture rescues Anaplian to transform her into a free posthuman citizen and, later, into a Special Circumstances secret agent (thus, a sort of inner pariah). Anaplian’s singular trajectory, her personal empowerment, and conflicted attitude towards the Culture have, however, been overlooked by scholarship on Banks’ work, despite being the most positive example of the author’s own anti-patriarchal stance. The article seeks to fill this gap by examining the latter.

En este artículo se aborda la protesta de las trabajadoras católicas de la hoacf en el franquismo. Desde la mirada interseccional y con la incorporación de las fuentes orales se exploran las identidades que pervivieron al interior de la hoacf, así como su agencia en diferentes eventos de la sociabilidad obrera. Para ello se indagan en los factores que desencadenaron la participación de las obreras en las huelgas de Asturias de 1962 y en la festividad del Primero de Mayo. Este trabajo aborda la agencia comparativa de los actores y actrices del catolicismo social en los procesos de movilización del movimiento obrero en España. Finalmente, analiza también cómo la acción de las trabajadoras estuvo atravesada por una fuerte identidad de clase y por el ideal de «dignidad obrera» difundido en la Acción Católica Obrera.

Extramedullary involvement of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is infrequent, and ascitic infiltration is even more unusual. We present a case of a 48-year-old woman diagnosed with NPM1-mutated AML that debuted with ascites, for which morphological studies of the ascitic fluid did not detect leukemic infiltration, maybe due to technical problems in the sample preparation. Multiparameter flow cytometry (MFC) detected a blast population compatible with AML, and allele-specific PCR detected NPM1-mutated transcripts. Body fluid infiltrations are an infrequent initial manifestation or sign of progression in AML. As far as we know, this is the first reported case of an NPM1-mutated AML that debuted with ascites, and also the first description of the utilization of molecular techniques to detect the leukemic origin of the ascites. This case highlights that, given that allele-specific PCR and MFC increase the sensitivity of morphological studies, these techniques should be routinely applied in the study of any kind of effusion detected in an AML patient.

These lines present some patchworks from the correspondence of Elena Fortún and Carmen Laforet between 1947 and 1952 though a gender approach. The proposal is to analyse part of their personal history, hidden, through their trajectories from an intimate and a subjective point of view. The main sources uses in this research are the letters they sent to each other, published in a production edited by Cristina Cerezales, Carmen Laforet’s daughter. During the post-war turbulent times in Spain, Carmen Laforet and Elena Fortún expressed their deep mutual admiration, in personal and professional spheres. Besides this, they shared their wishes, their links with family, some writing avatars and the difficulties of being women’s. Against gender policies under Francoism and Peronism, the female writers articulated their freedom and emancipation requests. In the article it is highlighted the contradictions more prominent that these female writers lived in those years according to their maternal experience, their difficulties on literature world as women’s and their intimate perceptions on religion and death.

The post-apocalyptic novel by Catalan writer Manuel de Pedrolo, Typescript of the Second Origin (1974, English 2017) celebrates Alba as humankind’s new mother. Alba’s mission, however, clearly depends on the help of a man willing to father her children, a role for which Pedrolo made an extremely singular choice: whereas Alba is already 14 when Typescript begins, Dídac is just a 9-year-old boy. Because of the exceptional situation (the catastrophic extraterrestrial devastation of Earth), Pedrolo forces Dídac to mature very fast, to the point that he is only 12 when Alba gives birth to their baby. Additionally, Dídac’s mixed-raced genetic legacy also contributes to ending racism for ever. The name ‘Dídac’ (from Greek ‘Didachos’, Latinized as ‘Didacus’) means ‘educated’–hence ‘didactic’. I examine here how Alba educates Dídac to be her ideal companion; also, the expectations and misgivings which Pedrolo expresses in his novel regarding the future of masculinity. As I argue, Alba’s teaching succeeds only because Pedrolo characterizes the child Dídac as an apt pupil. This enables Alba to control his education and, thus, to end patriarchy with the boy’s full complicity.

Abstract: Melvyn Bragg’s autobiographical novels The Soldier’s Return (1999) and A Son of War (2001) narrate the return home of a working-class English WWII veteran mainly from the point of view of his son Joe (Bragg’s alter ego). By reading this new Odysseus’ return in the light of the analysis of hegemonic patriarchal masculinity carried out in Men’s Studies, this article shows that the experience of the veteran’s return to peace is central for the re-articulation not only of his individuality as a man but also for the continuation of the patriarchal model in Western societies, even at the expense of class loyalties and, indeed, at the expense of women’s liberation. Keywords: Masculinity, patriarchy, fatherhood, hegemony, social class. Resumen: Las novelas autobiográficas de Melvyn Bragg The Soldier’s Return (1999) y A Son of War (2001) narran el regreso al hogar de un veterano inglés de clase obrera tras la Segunda Guerra Mundial, principalmente desde el punto de vista de su hijo Joe (alter ego de Bragg). Gracias a la lectura del regreso de este nuevo Ulises, iluminada por el análisis de la masculinidad hegemónica patriarcal realizado por los Estudios de la Masculinidad, este artículo demuestra que la experiencia del retorno del veterano a la paz es crucial no sólo para la regeneración de su individualidad como hombre sino también para la continuidad del modelo patriarcal en Occidente, a costa incluso de lealtades de clase y, sin duda, de la liberación de la mujer. Palabras clave: Masculinidad, patriarcado, paternidad, hegemonía, clase social.

A robust phylogenetic framework, in terms of extensive geographical and taxonomic sampling, well-resolved species relationships and high certainty of tree topologies and branch length estimations, is critical in the study of macroevolutionary patterns. Whereas Sanger sequencing-based methods usually recover insufficient phylogenetic signal, especially in recently diversified lineages, reduced-representation sequencing methods tend to provide well-supported phylogenetic relationships, but usually entail remarkable bioinformatic challenges due to the inherent trade-off between the number of SNPs and the magnitude of associated error rates. The genus Helianthemum (Cistaceae) is a species-rich and taxonomically complex Palearctic group of plants that diversified mainly since the Upper Miocene. It is a challenging case study since previous attempts using Sanger sequencing were unable to resolve the intrageneric phylogenetic relationships. Aiming to obtain a robust phylogenetic reconstruction based on genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS), we established a rigorous methodological workflow in which we i) explored how variable settings during dataset assembly have an impact on error rates and on the degree of resolution under concatenation and coalescent approaches, ii) assessed the effect of two extreme parameter configurations (minimizing error rates vs. maximizing phylogenetic resolution) on tree topology and branch lengths, and iii) evaluated the effects of these two configurations on estimates of divergence times and diversification rates. Our analyses produced highly supported topologically congruent phylogenetic trees for both configurations. However, minimizing error rates did produce more reliable branch lengths, critically affecting the accuracy of downstream analyses (i.e. divergence times and diversification rates). In addition to recommending a revision of intrageneric systematics, our results enabled us to identify three highly diversified lineages in Helianthemum in contrasting geographical areas and ecological conditions, which started radiating in the Upper Miocene.

The aim of this article is to trace what Rosi Braidotti calls an ‘accurate cartography’ as regards the limited space that science-fiction occupies in the Spanish university. SF has not yet overcome in Spain what Brian Baker has called its ‘crisis of legitimation’. Teaching this genre and doing research on it is, hence, still conditioned within our national borders by boundaries broken in the Anglo-American university many decades ago. Here I examine these boundaries, paying special attention to the institutional limitations preventing scholars from introducing innovations in teaching and research. Another main barrier, as I argue here, is the lack of scholarly communication among specialists working in different language areas, both nationally within Spain and internationally. Without the necessary collective effort to promote the work of local Spanish sf authors and the inclusion in university of sf courses in a variety of languages, this genre cannot break the boundaries limiting its growth in Spain.

This article analyzes the meaning of “gender” as a category of analysis in public policy. The concept has been transferred from the feminist theories and this has meant that the United Nations and European Union have incorporated the inequality as a structural inequality and an issue justice. So, the feminist demands enter the political agenda as an integral project which is characterized by the adoption of the gender perspective and its application from a transversal methodology (“gender mainstreaming”). In this sense, the "gender ideology" is a new paradigm against the “patriarchal ideology”. Now, political actions should be articulated in a double movement of correction and promotion to achieve real equality in societies more democratic and ultimately more just.

En este artículo se presenta, a través del binomio categórico género y religión, un análisis de tres revistas femeninas editadas por la Acción Católica Española (ACE) en las décadas de 1940 y 1950: Volad. Revista de las Muchachas Inteligentes, dirigida a las jóvenes católicas; Para Nosotras. Revista para Obreras, destinada a las trabajadoras; y Ecclesia, orientada a un público más amplio, a mujeres y hombres católicos. El propósito de este trabajo es establecer una conexión entre los discursos difundidos desde el catolicismo, en especial, desde su organización más destacada, la ACE, y la consolidación de un modelo de género que asumió el franquismo como propio. Pero, por otra parte, se pretende señalar el rol de las católicas en la difusión de esos discursos de género y en el cuestionamiento de la supuesta separación establecida históricamente entre lo público y lo privado. Esta investigación se llevó a cabo por medio del análisis de documentos procedentes del Archivo de la Acción Católica Española y de la Biblioteca Nacional de España.

Ifedinma Dimbo was born in Nkwelle-Ezunaka, in the Igbo-speaking region of eastern Nigeria. She studied Sociology and Anthropology at the University of Nigeria Nsukka. She first went to Ireland as a graduate student in 1995 to obtain an MA in Sociology of Development from University College Cork, and during that period in Ireland her son was born. They went back to Nigeria in 1998, but the Dimbo family decided to return to Ireland in 2002, thinking that being parents of an Irish-born child gave both Ifedinma and her husband residency rights. However, they had to experience the Irish Direct Provision system first-hand while theymaintained a legal battle with immigrationfor three years. It was during her experience as an asylum seeker that she had her literary calling. One of her stories appeared in the 2008 publication Takinga the Wise Man, a book published by SPIRASI, an Irish organization set up by the Congregation of the Holy Spirit that works with asylum seekers, refugees and other disadvantaged migrant groups, with special concern for survivors of torture. In 2010, her short story “Grafton Street of Dublin” appeared in the Irish Writers Exchange’s compilation titled Dublin: Ten Journeys, One Destination. This anthology includes ten short stories, the common factor ofwhich is that they revolve around the city of Dublin and they are written by writers who live in Ireland. Some of the authors are Irish-born, like the critically acclaimed writer Nuala ní Chonchúir, while others were born in places as diverse as Sweden, Germany, the US or, as in the present case, Nigeria. In her short story, Dimbo tackles the issue of deprivation while in Direct Provision, with a walk through one of the most commercial streets in Dublin, Grafton Street, as seen through the eyes of a Nigerian female asylum seeker who has to live on the institutionally granted allowance of 19.10 euros per week. In 2012, the Irish Writers Exchange published Ifedinma Dimbo’s first novel, She Was Foolish? Once again, the protagonist, named Gift, is a Nigerian woman who seeks asylum in Ireland. However, the length of the novel allows the author to delve in Gift’s past and how she got to her current situation as an asylum seeker, including an abusive partner who led her to become a prostitute in Italy, all of which takes its toll in the protagonist’s emotional and psychological well-being. Ifedinma Dimbo currently lives in Dublin, where she works and researches for her PhD in Medical Sociology. The Nigerian-born, Irish-based writer was kind enough to answer my questions via e-mail between the months of August and October 2014, with some final elaboration in January 2015. Ifedinma Dimbo’s writing, as well as her answers in this interview, are an invaluable testimony to a reality that is currently taking place in Ireland and has often been silenced. Now that Irish society is beginning to be aware of the unfair treatment that refugees and asylum seekers receive at the hands of the Irish system, it is high time to let people who, like Ifedinma Dimbo, have made Ireland their home, have their voices heard in the field of Irish Studies. In this interview, Ifedinma Dimbo very sharply shares her views on writing, immigration, religion and Irish society.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0159484.].

Ubiquitin is a highly conserved small eukaryotic protein. It is generated by proteolytic cleavage of precursor proteins in which it is fused either to itself, constituting a polyubiquitin precursor of head-to-tail monomers, or as a single N-terminal moiety to ribosomal proteins. Understanding the role of the ubiquitin fused to ribosomal proteins becomes relevant, as these proteins are practically invariably eS31 and eL40 in the different eukaryotes. Herein, we used the amenable yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae to study whether ubiquitin facilitates the expression of the fused eL40 (Ubi1 and Ubi2 precursors) and eS31 (Ubi3 precursor) ribosomal proteins. We have analyzed the phenotypic effects of a genomic ubi1∆ub-HA ubi2∆ mutant, which expresses a ubiquitin-free HA-tagged eL40A protein as the sole source of cellular eL40. This mutant shows a severe slow-growth phenotype, which could be fully suppressed by increased dosage of the ubi1∆ub-HA allele, or partially by the replacement of ubiquitin by the ubiquitin-like Smt3 protein. While expression levels of eL40A-HA from ubi1∆ub-HA are low, eL40A is produced practically at normal levels from the Smt3-S-eL40A-HA precursor. Finally, we observed enhanced aggregation of eS31-HA when derived from a Ubi3∆ub-HA precursor and reduced aggregation of eL40A-HA when expressed from a Smt3-S-eL40A-HA precursor. We conclude that ubiquitin might serve as a cis-acting molecular chaperone that assists in the folding and synthesis of the fused eL40 and eS31 ribosomal proteins.

Lichens are poikilohydrous symbiotic associations between a fungus, photosynthetic partners, and bacteria. They are tolerant to repeated desiccation/rehydration cycles and adapted to anhydrobiosis. Nitric oxide (NO) is a keystone for stress tolerance of lichens; during lichen rehydration, NO limits free radicals and lipid peroxidation but no data on the mechanisms of its synthesis exist. The aim of this work is to characterize the synthesis of NO in the lichen Ramalina farinacea using inhibitors of nitrate reductase (NR) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS), tungstate, and NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), respectively. Tungstate suppressed the NO level in the lichen and caused an increase in malondialdehyde during rehydration in the hyphae of cortex and in phycobionts, suggesting that a plant-like NR is involved in the NO production. Specific activity of NR in R. farinacea was 91 μU/mg protein, a level comparable to those in the bryophyte Physcomitrella patens and Arabidopsis thaliana. L-NAME treatment did not suppress the NO level in the lichens. On the other hand, NADPH-diaphorase activity cytochemistry showed a possible presence of a NOS-like activity in the microalgae where it is associated with cytoplasmatic vesicles. These data provide initial evidence that NO synthesis in R. farinacea involves NR.

Integration of unexpected discoveries about charismatic species can disrupt their well-established recovery plans, particularly when this requires coordinate actions among the different governments responsible. The Critically Endangered Coronopus navasii (Brassicaceae) was considered a restricted endemism to a few Mediterranean temporary ponds in a high mountain range of Southeast Spain, until a new group of populations were discovered 500 km North in 2006. Ten years after this finding, its management has not been accommodated due to limited information of the new populations and administrative inertia. In this study, DNA sequences and species distribution models are used to analyse the origin of the C. navasii disjunction as a preliminary step to reassess its recovery plan. Molecular results placed the disjunction during Miocene-Pleistocene (6.30-0.49 Mya, plastid DNA; 1.45-0.03 Mya, ribosomal DNA), which discards a putative human-mediated origin. In fact, the haplotype network and the low gene flow estimated between disjunct areas suggest long-term isolation. Dispersal is the most likely explanation for the disjunction as interpreted from the highly fragmented distribution projected to the past. Particularly, a northward dispersal from Southeast is proposed since C. navasii haplotype network is connected to the sister-group through the southern haplotype. Although the reassessment of C. navasii conservation status is more optimistic under the new extent of occurrence, its long-term survival may be compromised due to the: (1) natural fragmentation and rarity of the species habitat, (2) genetic isolation between the two disjunct areas, and (3) northward shift of suitable areas under future climate change scenarios. Several ex-situ and in-situ conservation measures are proposed for integrating Central East Spanish populations into the on-going recovery plan, which still only contemplates Southeast populations and therefore does not preserve the genetic structure and diversity of the species.

La cuestión del trato moral a los animales no humanos ha pasado de ser una cuestión más de la ética aplicada, asumida por algunos intelectuales, a ser una demanda social que reclama ser resuelta con urgencia. Como respuesta a este requerimiento, Martha Nussbaum ofrece -frente a las propuestas planteadas por Peter Singer, Richard M. Hare o Tom Regan- una nueva perspectiva para abordar la problemática especista: el enfoque de las capacidades. En este artículo expondremos las ideas principales de la iniciativa de Nussbaum, y cuestionaremos, a modo de discusión, algunos aspectos de su enfoque de las capacidades .

BackgroundAmong extremophiles, halophiles are defined as microorganisms adapted to live and thrive in diverse extreme saline environments. These extremophilic microorganisms constitute the source of a number of hydrolases with great biotechnological applications. The interest to use extremozymes from halophiles in industrial applications is their resistance to organic solvents and extreme temperatures. Marinobacter lipolyticus SM19 is a moderately halophilic bacterium, isolated previously from a saline habitat in South Spain, showing lipolytic activity.Methods and findingsA lipolytic enzyme from the halophilic bacterium Marinobacter lipolyticus SM19 was isolated. This enzyme, designated LipBL, was expressed in Escherichia coli. LipBL is a protein of 404 amino acids with a molecular mass of 45.3 kDa and high identity to class C β-lactamases. LipBL was purified and biochemically characterized. The temperature for its maximal activity was 80°C and the pH optimum determined at 25°C was 7.0, showing optimal activity without sodium chloride, while maintaining 20% activity in a wide range of NaCl concentrations. This enzyme exhibited high activity against short-medium length acyl chain substrates, although it also hydrolyzes olive oil and fish oil. The fish oil hydrolysis using LipBL results in an enrichment of free eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), but not docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), relative to its levels present in fish oil. For improving the stability and to be used in industrial processes LipBL was immobilized in different supports. The immobilized derivatives CNBr-activated Sepharose were highly selective towards the release of EPA versus DHA. The enzyme is also active towards different chiral and prochiral esters. Exposure of LipBL to buffer-solvent mixtures showed that the enzyme had remarkable activity and stability in all organic solvents tested.ConclusionsIn this study we isolated, purified, biochemically characterized and immobilized a lipolytic enzyme from a halophilic bacterium M. lipolyticus, which constitutes an enzyme with excellent properties to be used in the food industry, in the enrichment in omega-3 PUFAs.

The popular heroine Dana Scully, protagonist of the TV series The XFiles (1993-2002), is a clear example of the contradictory status of all heroines created by men that are nonetheless attractive to female audiences. On the one hand, female spectators admire her as an example of personal and professional honesty but feel frustrated by her weak points, which are emotional. They don’t know whether to read them as realistic features –women are like that- or as plain misogyny: the male creators of the character force her to go in direction no woman in her place would go. After considering her origins, characterisation and development, especially in the last two seasons in which she becomes a mother, I conclude that the ambiguous feminine response she generates is inevitable. Feminist textual criticism reaches thus a dead end: we should give up deploring the absence of a clear feminist stance in men’s texts to vindicate the presence of women in the positions they monopolise in the film and TV industries. Only thus can we really learn what kind of popular heroine we women really want.