Diazo ester insertion in N-H bonds of amino acid derivatives and insulin catalyzed by water-soluble iron and ruthenium porphyrin complexes (FeTSPPCl) as application of carbenoid transfer in aqueous media

International audienceThe metal complex FeTSPPCl (5,10,15,20-tetrakis)-(4-sulfonato-phenyl)-porphyrin-iron(III) chloride is an active catalyst for carbenoid insertion in N–H bonds of aminoacid derivatives in aqueous media. A variety of diazoacetates and methyl diazophosphonate were used as carbenoid precursors. The commercially available iron porphyrin complex can also selectively catalyze alkylation of the N-terminus of insulin (chain B

Estudio de Sistemas IoT Aplicados a la Agricultura Inteligente

Agricultural management process is essential in countries with a shortage quality of production food. The consequences of climate change and natural phenomena lead to consider the implementation of new measures applying emerging technologies benefiting food production and consumption. Over recent years, several studies aimed to optimize the smart agriculture concept. Commercial sensors for agricultural systems are very expensive, making it impossible for small farmers to implement this type of system. Due to recent advances in IoT technologies, allow to adapt to the producer's needs including automated systems developments. In this article we present the current state of the art in terms of intelligent systems, determining the parameters that can be monitored. In addition, a general description of the nodes and wireless technologies of the IoT system are depicted. Finally, a framework is presented including a test environment for the implementation of the system based on sensors, communication technologies and data processing.La gestión agrícola es fundamental en países con escasez de producción de alimentos de primera calidad. Las consecuencias del calentamiento global y fenómenos naturales llevan a considerar la implementación de nuevas medidas aplicando tecnologías emergentes beneficiando la producción y el consumo de alimentos. Los estudios encaminados a optimizar la agricultura inteligente se han incrementado a lo largo de los últimos años. Los sensores comerciales para sistemas agrícolas son muy costosos, lo que hace imposible que los pequeños agricultores implementen este tipo de sistema. Debido a los recientes avances en tecnologías IoT se pueden aplicar desarrollos de sistemas automatizados adaptados a la necesidad del productor. En este artículo presentamos el estado del arte actual en cuanto a sistemas inteligentes, determinando los parámetros que se pueden monitorear. Además, la descripción general de los nodos y tecnologías inalámbricas de tipo IoT que puede ser implementadas. Por último, se presenta un framework utilizado como entorno de prueba para la implementación del sistema basados en sensores, tecnologías de comunicación y procesamiento de datos

Estado actual del aprendizaje automatizado aplicado al internet de las cosas para automatizar procesos agrícolas

In these latest years, technological advances have been accompanied by the evolution of machine learning which is a branch of artificial intelligence. Its application to different areas of knowledge and day to day lead important advances in the use of automation techniques in agriculture. These advances have created a new concept called “smart agriculture”. One of the main objectives of smart agriculture is to keep crops protected by soil studies and monitor the climate change mitigation. This article contributes with the agricultural sector to face the challenges of sustainable development with the implementation of emerging technologies, allowing the development of new products by applying automatic learning algorithms.En los últimos años los avances tecnológicos han estado acompañados de la evolución del aprendizaje automático que es una rama de la inteligencia artificial. Su aplicación a diferentes áreas del conocimiento y del día a día, han producido importantes avances en el uso de técnicas de automatización en la agricultura. Estos avances han creado un nuevo concepto llamado “agricultura inteligente”. Uno de los objetivos principales de la agricultura inteligente es mantener los cultivos protegidos haciendo estudio de suelos y trazabilidad de los cultivos. El presente artículo trata de contribuir con el sector agrícola a afrontar los desafíos del desarrollo sostenible con la implementación de tecnologías emergentes, permitiendo el desarrollo de nuevos productos aplicando algoritmos de aprendizaje automático

Tecnologías aplicadas al sector agrícola.

El desperdicio de alimentos, la escasez de recursos naturales, el cambio climático y el crecimiento de la población son las cuatro piezas del rompecabezas que, cuando se juntan, nos dan una imagen general del papel que la agricultura juega y jugará en nuestras sociedades en el futuro (Figura 1). Los modelos demográficos predicen que en 2050 habrá que alimentar a casi 10,000 millones de personas en la Tierra. Los retos agrícolas y alimentarios son, por tanto, numerosos. Muchos empresarios famosos están invirtiendo fuertemente en la agricultura, con la esperanza de aprovechar estas oportunidades o con el deseo de perturbar los mercados. La agricultura inteligente es la nueva frontera del sector en respuesta a los retos que afronta nuestro planeta. Aunque todavía existe un verdadero escepticismo y una escasa inversión económica entre el mundo de los agricultores y el de la digitalización y la genómica, la agricultura de precisión (AP) está dando sus frutos en forma de técnicas optimizadas e innovadoras de producción de alimentos en muchas partes del mundo. En este libro, los autores buscaron facilitar las herramientas necesarias a la implementación de prácticas de AP. En el primer capítulo, se trató definir los conceptos claves de la AP y plantear sus contextos, características y aplicaciones. En el segundo capítulo, se desarrolló las particularidades de la inteligencia artificial y del machine learning, incluyendo un histórico, los diferentes tipos de aprendizaje y los aspectos de programación. El tercer capítulo se enfocó en la aplicación de estos métodos a la agricultura, particularmente detallando las especificaciones y diferencias entre la agricultura de precisión y la agricultura inteligente, el uso de las plataformas adecuadas de manera accesible a cualquier usuario interesado en desarrollar este tipo de tecnología. El cuarto capítulo expuso el caso particular de las enfermedades en plantas y de cómo la AP permite anticiparlas y/o detectarlas a tiempo. El quinto capítulo representa una apertura al mundo tecnológico de la AP, describiendo las evoluciones y las diferentes herramientas de la AP, sus usos y niveles de adopción a través de una amplia pero no exhaustiva presentación de casos internacionales

A20, a modulator of smooth muscle cell proliferation and apoptosis, prevents and induces regression of neointimal hyperplasia

A20 is a NF‐κB‐dependent gene that has dual anti‐inflammatory and antiapoptotic functions in endothelial cells (EC). The function of A20 in smooth muscle cells (SMC) is unknown. We demonstrate that A20 is induced in SMC in response to inflammatory stimuli and serves an anti‐inflammatory function via blockade of NF‐κB and NF‐κB‐dependent proteins ICAM‐1 and MCP‐1. A20 inhibits SMC proliferation via increased expression of cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitors p21waf1 and p27kip1. Surprisingly, A20 sensitizes SMC to cytokine‐ and Fas‐mediated apoptosis through a novel NO‐dependent mechanism. In vivo, adenoviral delivery of A20 to medial rat carotid artery SMC after balloon angioplasty prevents neointimal hyperplasia by blocking SMC proliferation and accelerating re‐endothelialization, without causing apoptosis. However, expression of A20 in established neointimal lesions leads to their regression through increased apoptosis. This is the first demonstration that A20 exerts two levels of control of vascular remodeling and healing. A20 prevents neointimal hyperplasia through combined anti‐inflammatory and antiproliferative functions in medial SMC. If SMC evade this first barrier and neointima is formed, A20 has a therapeutic potential by uniquely sensitizing neointimal SMC to apoptosis. A20‐based therapies hold promise for the prevention and treatment of neointimal disease.—Patel, V. I., Daniel, S., Longo, C. R., Shrikhande, G. V., Scali, S. T., Czismadia, E., Groft, C. M., Shukri, T., Motley‐Dore, C., Ramsey, H. E., Fisher, M. D., Grey, S. T., Arvelo, M. B., Ferran, C. A20, a modulator of smooth muscle cell proliferation and apoptosis, prevents and induces regression of neointimal hyperplasia. FASEB J. 20, 1418–1430 (2006)Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/154452/1/fsb2fj054981com.pd

Interactions between microplastics and benthic biofilms in fluvial ecosystems: Knowledge gaps and future trends

Plastics, especially microplastics (<5 mm in length), are anthropogenic polymer particles that have been detected in almost all environments. Microplastics are extremely persistent pollutants and act as long-lasting reactive surfaces for additives, organic matter, and toxic substances. Biofilms are microbial assemblages that act as a sink for particulate matter, including microplastics. They are ubiquitous in freshwater ecosystems and provide key services that promote biodiversity and help sustain ecosystem function. Here, we provide a conceptual framework to describe the transient storage of microplastics in fluvial biofilm and develop hypotheses to help explain how microplastics and biofilms interact in fluvial ecosystems. We identify lines of future research that need to be addressed to better manage microplastics and biofilms, including how the sorption and desorption of environmental contaminants in microplastics affect biofilms and how microbial exchange between microplastics and the biofilm matrix affects biofilm characteristics like antibiotic resistance, speciation, biodiversity, species composition, and function. We also address the uptake mechanisms of microplastics by consumers and their propagation through the food web

Utilization of mechanical power and associations with clinical outcomes in brain injured patients: a secondary analysis of the extubation strategies in neuro-intensive care unit patients and associations with outcome (ENIO) trial

Background: There is insufficient evidence to guide ventilatory targets in acute brain injury (ABI). Recent studies have shown associations between mechanical power (MP) and mortality in critical care populations. We aimed to describe MP in ventilated patients with ABI, and evaluate associations between MP and clinical outcomes. Methods: In this preplanned, secondary analysis of a prospective, multi-center, observational cohort study (ENIO, NCT03400904), we included adult patients with ABI (Glasgow Coma Scale ≤ 12 before intubation) who required mechanical ventilation (MV) ≥ 24&nbsp;h. Using multivariable log binomial regressions, we separately assessed associations between MP on hospital day (HD)1, HD3, HD7 and clinical outcomes: hospital mortality, need for reintubation, tracheostomy placement, and development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Results: We included 1217 patients (mean age 51.2&nbsp;years [SD 18.1], 66% male, mean body mass index [BMI] 26.3 [SD 5.18]) hospitalized at 62 intensive care units in 18 countries. Hospital mortality was 11% (n = 139), 44% (n = 536) were extubated by HD7 of which 20% (107/536) required reintubation, 28% (n = 340) underwent tracheostomy placement, and 9% (n = 114) developed ARDS. The median MP on HD1, HD3, and HD7 was 11.9&nbsp;J/min [IQR 9.2-15.1], 13&nbsp;J/min [IQR 10-17], and 14&nbsp;J/min [IQR 11-20], respectively. MP was overall higher in patients with ARDS, especially those with higher ARDS severity. After controlling for same-day pressure of arterial oxygen/fraction of inspired oxygen (P/F ratio), BMI, and neurological severity, MP at HD1, HD3, and HD7 was independently associated with hospital mortality, reintubation and tracheostomy placement. The adjusted relative risk (aRR) was greater at higher MP, and strongest for: mortality on HD1 (compared to the HD1 median MP 11.9&nbsp;J/min, aRR at 17&nbsp;J/min was 1.22, 95% CI 1.14-1.30) and HD3 (1.38, 95% CI 1.23-1.53), reintubation on HD1 (1.64; 95% CI 1.57-1.72), and tracheostomy on HD7 (1.53; 95%CI 1.18-1.99). MP was associated with the development of moderate-severe ARDS on HD1 (2.07; 95% CI 1.56-2.78) and HD3 (1.76; 95% CI 1.41-2.22). Conclusions: Exposure to high MP during the first week of MV is associated with poor clinical outcomes in ABI, independent of P/F ratio and neurological severity. Potential benefits of optimizing ventilator settings to limit MP warrant further investigation

Vaccine breakthrough hypoxemic COVID-19 pneumonia in patients with auto-Abs neutralizing type I IFNs

Life-threatening `breakthrough' cases of critical COVID-19 are attributed to poor or waning antibody response to the SARS- CoV-2 vaccine in individuals already at risk. Pre-existing autoantibodies (auto-Abs) neutralizing type I IFNs underlie at least 15% of critical COVID-19 pneumonia cases in unvaccinated individuals; however, their contribution to hypoxemic breakthrough cases in vaccinated people remains unknown. Here, we studied a cohort of 48 individuals ( age 20-86 years) who received 2 doses of an mRNA vaccine and developed a breakthrough infection with hypoxemic COVID-19 pneumonia 2 weeks to 4 months later. Antibody levels to the vaccine, neutralization of the virus, and auto- Abs to type I IFNs were measured in the plasma. Forty-two individuals had no known deficiency of B cell immunity and a normal antibody response to the vaccine. Among them, ten (24%) had auto-Abs neutralizing type I IFNs (aged 43-86 years). Eight of these ten patients had auto-Abs neutralizing both IFN-a2 and IFN-., while two neutralized IFN-omega only. No patient neutralized IFN-ss. Seven neutralized 10 ng/mL of type I IFNs, and three 100 pg/mL only. Seven patients neutralized SARS-CoV-2 D614G and the Delta variant (B.1.617.2) efficiently, while one patient neutralized Delta slightly less efficiently. Two of the three patients neutralizing only 100 pg/mL of type I IFNs neutralized both D61G and Delta less efficiently. Despite two mRNA vaccine inoculations and the presence of circulating antibodies capable of neutralizing SARS-CoV-2, auto-Abs neutralizing type I IFNs may underlie a significant proportion of hypoxemic COVID-19 pneumonia cases, highlighting the importance of this particularly vulnerable population

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome associated with COVID-19: An Emulated Target Trial Analysis.

RATIONALE: Whether COVID patients may benefit from extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) compared with conventional invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) remains unknown. OBJECTIVES: To estimate the effect of ECMO on 90-Day mortality vs IMV only Methods: Among 4,244 critically ill adult patients with COVID-19 included in a multicenter cohort study, we emulated a target trial comparing the treatment strategies of initiating ECMO vs. no ECMO within 7 days of IMV in patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (PaO2/FiO2 <80 or PaCO2 ≥60 mmHg). We controlled for confounding using a multivariable Cox model based on predefined variables. MAIN RESULTS: 1,235 patients met the full eligibility criteria for the emulated trial, among whom 164 patients initiated ECMO. The ECMO strategy had a higher survival probability at Day-7 from the onset of eligibility criteria (87% vs 83%, risk difference: 4%, 95% CI 0;9%) which decreased during follow-up (survival at Day-90: 63% vs 65%, risk difference: -2%, 95% CI -10;5%). However, ECMO was associated with higher survival when performed in high-volume ECMO centers or in regions where a specific ECMO network organization was set up to handle high demand, and when initiated within the first 4 days of MV and in profoundly hypoxemic patients. CONCLUSIONS: In an emulated trial based on a nationwide COVID-19 cohort, we found differential survival over time of an ECMO compared with a no-ECMO strategy. However, ECMO was consistently associated with better outcomes when performed in high-volume centers and in regions with ECMO capacities specifically organized to handle high demand. This article is open access and distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial No Derivatives License 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)