Cell entry of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is mediated by its surface glycoprotein, Spike. The S1 subunit of Spike contains the N-terminal domain (NTD) and the receptor-binding domain (RBD), which mediates recognition of the host cell receptor angiotensinconverting enzyme 2 (ACE2). The S2 subunit drives fusion

Conflicting data on the role of total virus- and protein-specific cytotoxic-T-lymphocyte (CTL) responses in the control of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease progression exist. We present data generated from a Peruvian cohort of untreated, clade B-infected subjects, demonstrating that the proportion of Gag-specific, and in particular p24-reactive, CTL responses among the total virus-specific CTL activity is associated with individuals' CD4 counts and viral loads. Analyses in a second cohort in the United States confirm these findings and point towards a dominant role of Gag-specific immunity in effective control of HIV infection, providing important guidance for HIV vaccine development.

No abstract

Background Sulodexide has pleiotropic properties within the vascular endothelium that can prove beneficial for the treatment of patients with COVID-19. We aimed to evaluate the effect of sulodexide when used in the early clinical stages of COVID-19. Methods In an outpatient setting, we conducted a randomized controlled trial with a parallel-group design. Including patients within three days of clinical onset, who were at a high risk of severe clinical progression due to chronic comorbidities. Participants were randomly assigned to receive an oral dose of sulodexide (500 LRU twice a day) or placebo for 21 days. Primary outcomes were need-length of hospitalization and need-length of oxygen support. Results Between June 5 and August 30, 2020, 243 patients were included in the per-protocol analysis. 124 of them received sulodexide, while 119 received placeboes. At 21 days follow-up, 17.7% patients required hospitalization in the sulodexide group compared to 29.4% in the placebo group, p=0.03. 29.8% required oxygen support in the sulodexide group vs 42% in the placebo group, p=0.05 and for fewer days [9 (7.2 SD) in the sulodexide group vs. 11.5 (9.6 SD) in the placebo group; p=0.02]. There was no between-group difference concerning the length of hospital stay. Interpretation Early intervention in COVID-19 patients with sulodexide reduced hospital admissions and oxygen support requirements. This has beneficial implications in the patient's well-being, making sulodexide a favorable medication until an effective vaccine or an antiviral becomes available. Funding Researcher independently initiated, partially funded by Alfasigma, Mexico. ISRCTN registry listed under ID ISRCTN59048638.

The current adult population of the Canaries presents a high prevalence of exposure to risk factors for cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer, among which overweight, obesity and lack of exercise stand out particularly.

Aims:The serum resistin level is associated with the incidence of ischemic heart disease in the general population. We analyzed the associations between serum resistin and fat intake, serum lipid concentrations and adiposity in the general population. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 6,637 randomly recruited adults was conducted. The resistin levels were measured in thawed aliquots of serum using an enzyme immunoanalysis technique. Conclusions:In the general population, the serum resistin level is associated with fat intake: positively with saturated fat intake and inversely with monounsaturated fat intake. As a consequence, the resistin level is also inversely associated with adherence to the Mediterranean diet. In addition, the resistin level is inversely associated with the serum cholesterol level and adiposity.

No abstract

Resistin may be a risk marker for ischemic heart disease in the general population. The serum resistin concentration is higher in women, and the associated increase in the risk of AMI based on the resistin level is also higher in women than in men.