Bulking agent in dry anaerobic digestion as a key factor for the enhancement of biogas production.

Dry anaerobic digestion (dry-AD) is an attractive process for solid wastes such as agri-food waste. However, some limitations mainly associated to lack of effective mixing, can hinder the methane production capacity of the systems. Bulking agent (BA) has been proposed as a solution to the compaction issues in systems without mechanical agitation, such as leaching bed reactors. However, effects of BA are still not clear, and, thus, the factors to consider for its dose has not been optimized yet. This work studies the effect of BA in dry-AD. Two substrates with different characteristics were proposed as models, bean peel as a lignocellulosic substrate and a mixture of food waste as a readily biodegradable substrate. Inert plastic rings were used as BA at different BA:S ratios. Assessed BA:S ratio did not affect the performance of methane production for the lignocellulosic waste, but it did significantly affect to the easily biodegradable substrate, showing up to a 28% of methane production increase. This result could be due to the presence of lignocellulosic compounds in the bean peel, behaving like a natural BA. In assays with an increased bed height, the compaction of the system was more severe, resulting in the rapid acidification of the processes. At these conditions, the positive effect of BA addition was more marked, allowing methane production and no acidification of the system. Thus, the addition of BA is a suitable strategy for improving methane production or stability in dry-AD systems without requiring the stirring of the systems.

Thermoplastic polymers as water substitutes.

Background. New applications of 3D printing have recently appeared in the fields of radiotherapy and radiology, but the knowledge of many radiological characteristics of the compounds involved is still limited. Therefore, studies are needed to improve our understanding about the transport and interaction of ionizing radiation in these materials.Purpose. The purpose of this study is to perform an analysis of the most important radiation interaction parameters in thermoplastic materials used in Fused Deposition Modeling 3D printing. Additionally, we propose improvements to bring their characteristics closer to those of water and use them as water substitutes in applications such as radiodiagnosis, external radiotherapy, and brachytherapy.Methods. We have calculated different magnitudes as mass linear attenuation, mass energy absorption coefficients, as well as stopping power and electronic density of several thermoplastic materials along with various compounds that have been used as water substitutes and in a new proposed blend. To perform these computations, we have used the XCOM and ESTAR databases from NIST and the EGSnrc code for Montecarlo simulations.Results. From the representation of the calculated interaction parameters, we have been able to establish relationships between their properties and the proportion of certain chemical elements. In addition, studying these same characteristics in different commercial solutions used as substitutes for water phantoms allows us to extrapolate improvements for these polymers.Conclusion. The radiological characteristics of the analyzed thermoplastic materials can be improved by adding some chemical elements with atomic numbers higher than oxygen and by using polyethylene in new blends.

Hotspots of biogeochemical activity linked to aridity and plant traits across global drylands.

Perennial plants create productive and biodiverse hotspots, known as fertile islands, beneath their canopies. These hotspots largely determine the structure and functioning of drylands worldwide. Despite their ubiquity, the factors controlling fertile islands under conditions of contrasting grazing by livestock, the most prevalent land use in drylands, remain virtually unknown. Here we evaluated the relative importance of grazing pressure and herbivore type, climate and plant functional traits on 24 soil physical and chemical attributes that represent proxies of key ecosystem services related to decomposition, soil fertility, and soil and water conservation. To do this, we conducted a standardized global survey of 288 plots at 88 sites in 25 countries worldwide. We show that aridity and plant traits are the major factors associated with the magnitude of plant effects on fertile islands in grazed drylands worldwide. Grazing pressure had little influence on the capacity of plants to support fertile islands. Taller and wider shrubs and grasses supported stronger island effects. Stable and functional soils tended to be linked to species-rich sites with taller plants. Together, our findings dispel the notion that grazing pressure or herbivore type are linked to the formation or intensification of fertile islands in drylands. Rather, our study suggests that changes in aridity, and processes that alter island identity and therefore plant traits, will have marked effects on how perennial plants support and maintain the functioning of drylands in a more arid and grazed world.

Diagnostic support in pediatric craniopharyngioma using deep learning.

PURPOSE: We studied a pediatric group of patients with sellar-suprasellar tumors, aiming to develop a convolutional deep learning algorithm for radiological assistance to classify them into their respective cohort. METHODS: T1w and T2w preoperative magnetic resonance images of 226 Chilean patients were collected at the Institute of Neurosurgery Dr. Alfonso Asenjo (INCA), which were divided into three classes: healthy control (68 subjects), craniopharyngioma (58 subjects) and differential sellar/suprasellar tumors (100 subjects). RESULTS: The PPV among classes was 0.828±0.039, and the NPV was 0.919±0.063. Also explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) was used, finding that structures that are relevant during diagnosis and radiological evaluation highly influence the decision-making process of the machine. CONCLUSION: This is the first experience of this kind of study in our institution, and it led to promising results on the task of radiological diagnostic support based on explainable artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning models.

Establishing a green biodesulfurization process for iron ore concentrates in stirred tank and leaching column bioreactors using Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans.

The presence of sulfur impurities in complex iron ores represents a significant challenge for the iron mining and steel-making industries as their removal often necessitates the use of hazardous chemicals and energy-intensive processes. Here, we examined the microbial and mineralogical composition of both primary and secondary iron concentrates, identifying the presence of Sulfobacillus spp. and Leptospirillum spp., while sulfur-oxidizing bacteria were absent. We also observed that these concentrates displayed up to 85% exposed pyrrhotite. These observations led us to explore the capacity of Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans to remove pyrrhotite-sulfur impurities from iron concentrates. Employing stirred tank bioreactors operating at 30°C and inoculated with 5·106 (At. thiooxidans cells mL-1), we achieved 45.6% sulfur removal over 16 days. Then, we evaluated packed leaching columns operated at 30°C, where the At. thiooxidans enriched system reached 43.5% desulfurization over 60 days. Remarkably, sulfur removal increased to 80% within 21 days under potassium limitation. We then compared the At. thiooxidans-mediated desulfurization process, with and without air supply, under potassium limitation, varying the initial biomass concentration in 1-m columns. Aerated systems facilitated approximately 70% sulfur removal across the entire column with minimal iron loss. In contrast, non-aerated leaching columns achieved desulfurization levels of only 6% and 26% in the lower and middle sections of the column, respectively. Collectively, we have developed an efficient, scalable biological sulfur-removal technology for processing complex iron ores, aligning with the burgeoning demand for sustainable practices in the mining industry.

New insights into the pathogenesis and transmission of Brucella pinnipedialis: systemic infection in two bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus).

IMPORTANCE: Brucella spp. are zoonotic pathogens that can affect both terrestrial and marine mammals. Brucella ceti has been identified in various cetacean species, but only one sequence type (ST27) has been reported in humans. However, it is important to conduct surveillance studies to better understand the impact of marine Brucella species on marine mammals, a typically understudied host group. Here, we describe a systemic infection by two related strains of Brucella pinnipedialis (ST25) in a couple of live-stranded bottlenose dolphins, with more severe lesions in the younger animal. Furthermore, B. pinnipedialis was first detected in milk from a female cetacean that stranded with its offspring. Our study reveals novel insights into the epidemiology and pathological consequences of B. pinnipedialis infections in cetaceans, emphasizing the crucial importance of ongoing surveillance and accurate diagnosis to understand the impact of this pathogen on marine mammal populations.

Epidemiological and genetic analysis of Cetacean Morbillivirus circulating on the Italian coast between 2018 and 2021.

Cetacean morbillivirus (CeMV) has caused several outbreaks, unusual mortality events, and interepidemic single-lethal disease episodes in the Mediterranean Sea. Since 2012, a new strain with a northeast (NE) Atlantic origin has been circulating among Mediterranean cetaceans, causing numerous deaths. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of CeMV in cetaceans stranded in Italy between 2018 and 2021 and characterize the strain of CeMV circulating. Out of the 354 stranded cetaceans along the Italian coastlines, 113 were CeMV-positive. This prevalence (31.9%) is one of the highest reported without an associated outbreak. All marine sectors along the Italian coastlines, except for the northern Adriatic coast, reported a positive molecular diagnosis of CeMV. In one-third of the CeMV-positive cetaceans submitted to a histological evaluation, a chronic form of the infection (detectable viral antigen, the absence of associated lesions, and concomitant coinfections) was suspected. Tissues from 24 animals were used to characterize the strain, obtaining 57 sequences from phosphoprotein, nucleocapsid, and fusion protein genes, which were submitted to GenBank. Our sequences showed the highest identity with NE-Atlantic strain sequences, and in the phylogenetic study, they clustered together with them. Regarding age and species, most of these individuals were adults (17/24, 70.83%) and striped dolphins (19/24, 79.16%). This study improves our understanding on the NE-Atlantic CeMV strain in the Italian waters, supporting the hypothesis of an endemic circulation of the virus in this area; however, additional studies are necessary to deeply comprehend the epidemiology of this strain in the Mediterranean Sea.

First description of a lesion in the upper digestive mucosa associated with a novel gammaherpesvirus in a striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) stranded in the Western Mediterranean Sea.

BACKGROUND: A wide variety of lesions have been associated with herpesvirus in cetaceans. However, descriptions of herpesvirus infections in the digestive system of cetaceans are scarce. CASE REPORT: A young female striped dolphin stranded in the Valencian Community (Spain) on the 6th August 2021. The animal showed external macroscopic lesions suggestive of an aggressive interaction with bottlenose dolphins (rake marks in the epidermis). Internally, the main findings included congestion of the central nervous system and multiple, well-defined, whitish, irregularly shaped, proliferative lesions on the oropharyngeal and laryngopharyngeal mucosa. Histopathology revealed lymphoplasmacytic and histiocytic meningoencephalitis, consistent with neuro brucellosis. The oropharyngeal and laryngopharyngeal plaques were comprised histologically of focally extensive epithelial hyperplasia. As part of the health surveillance program tissue samples were tested for cetacean morbillivirus using a real-time reverse transcription-PCR, for Brucella spp. using a real-time PCR, and for herpesvirus using a conventional nested PCR. All samples were negative for cetacean morbillivirus; molecular positivity for Brucella spp. was obtained in pharyngeal tonsils and cerebrospinal fluid; herpesvirus was detected in a proliferative lesion in the upper digestive mucosa. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the herpesvirus sequence was included in the Gammaherpesvirinae subfamily. This novel sequence showed the greatest identity with other Herpesvirus sequences detected in skin, pharyngeal and genital lesions in five different species. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of a proliferative lesion in the upper digestive mucosa associated with gammaherpesvirus posititvity in a striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba).

Opportunities and obstacles in microbial synthesis of metal nanoparticles.

Metallic nanoparticles (MeNPs) are widely used in many areas such as biomedicine, packaging, cosmetics, colourants, agriculture, antimicrobial agents, cleaning products, as components of electronic devices and nutritional supplements. In addition, some MeNPs exhibit quantum properties, making them suitable materials in the photonics, electronic and energy industries. Through the lens of technology, microbes can be considered nanofactories capable of producing enzymes, metabolites and capping materials involved in the synthesis, assembly and stabilization of MeNPs. This bioprocess is considered more ecofriendly and less energy intensive than the current chemical synthesis routes. However, microbial synthesis of MeNPs as an alternative method to the chemical synthesis of nanomaterials still faces some challenges that need to be solved. Some of these challenges are described in this Editorial.

Redox sensitive human mitochondrial aconitase and its interaction with frataxin: In vitro and in silico studies confirm that it takes two to tango.

Mitochondrial aconitase (ACO2) has been postulated as a redox sensor in the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Its high sensitivity towards reactive oxygen and nitrogen species is due to its particularly labile [4Fe-4S]2+ prosthetic group which yields an inactive [3Fe-4S]+ cluster upon oxidation. Moreover, ACO2 was found as a main oxidant target during aging and in pathologies where mitochondrial dysfunction is implied. Herein, we report the expression and characterization of recombinant human ACO2 and its interaction with frataxin (FXN), a protein that participates in the de novo biosynthesis of Fe-S clusters. A high yield of pure ACO2 (≥99%, 22 ± 2 U/mg) was obtained and kinetic parameters for citrate, isocitrate, and cis-aconitate were determined. Superoxide, carbonate radical, peroxynitrite, and hydrogen peroxide reacted with ACO2 with second-order rate constants of 108, 108, 105, and 102 M-1 s-1, respectively. Temperature-induced unfolding assessed by tryptophan fluorescence of ACO2 resulted in apparent melting temperatures of 51.1 ± 0.5 and 43.6 ± 0.2 °C for [4Fe-4S]2+ and [3Fe-4S]+ states of ACO2, sustaining lower thermal stability upon cluster oxidation. Differences in protein dynamics produced by the Fe-S cluster redox state were addressed by molecular dynamics simulations. Reactivation of [3Fe-4S]+-ACO2 by FXN was verified by activation assays and direct iron-dependent interaction was confirmed by protein-protein interaction ELISA and fluorescence spectroscopic assays. Multimer modeling and protein-protein docking predicted an ACO2-FXN complex where the metal ion binding region of FXN approaches the [3Fe-4S]+ cluster, supporting that FXN is a partner for reactivation of ACO2 upon oxidative cluster inactivation.

Continuous bioreactors enable high-level bioremediation of diesel-contaminated seawater at low and mesophilic temperatures using Antarctic bacterial consortia: Pollutant analysis and microbial community composition.

In 2020, more than 21,000 tons of diesel oil were released accidently into the environment with most of it contaminating water bodies. There is an urgent need for sustainable technologies to clean up rivers and oceans to protect wildlife and human health. One solution is harnessing the power of bacterial consortia; however isolated microbes from different environments have shown low diesel bioremediation rates in seawater thus far. An outstanding question is whether Antarctic microorganisms that thrive in environments polluted with hydrocarbons exhibit better diesel degrading activities when propagated at higher temperatures than those encountered in their natural ecosystems. Here, we isolated bacterial consortia, LR-30 (30 °C) and LR-10 (10 °C), from the Antarctic rhizosphere soil of Deschampsia antarctica (Livingston Island), that used diesel oil as the only carbon substrate. We found that LR-30 and LR-10 batch bioreactors metabolized nearly the entire diesel content when the initial concentration was 10 (g/L) in seawater. Increasing the initial diesel concentration to 50 gDiesel/L, LR-30 and LR-10 bioconverted 33.4 and 31.2 gDiesel/L in 7 days, respectively. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing profiles revealed that the dominant bacterial genera of the inoculated LR-30 community were Achromobacter (50.6%), Pseudomonas (25%) and Rhodanobacter (14.9%), whereas for LR-10 were Pseudomonas (58%), Candidimonas (10.3%) and Renibacterium (7.8%). We also established continuous bioreactors for diesel biodegradation where LR-30 bioremediated diesel at an unprecedent rate of (34.4 g/L per day), while LR-10 achieved (24.5 g/L per day) at 10 °C for one month. The abundance of each bacterial genera present significantly fluctuated at some point during the diesel bioremediation process, yet Achromobacter and Pseudomonas were the most abundant member at the end of the batch and continuous bioreactors for LR-30 and LR-10, respectively.

Open-label phase II clinical trial of ketoconazole as CYP17 inhibitor in metastatic or advanced non-resectable granulosa cell ovarian tumors: the GREKO (GRanulosa Et KetOconazole) trial, GETHI 2011-03.

BACKGROUND: Granulosa cell ovarian tumor (GCT) is characterized by a pathognomonic mutation in the FOXL2 gene (402 C > G) that leads to an overactivation of steroidogenesis. CYP17 is a key enzyme in such process and can be inhibited by ketoconazole. METHODS: We designed a phase II clinical trial to assess the efficacy of ketoconazole in advanced GCT and conducted several in vitro studies to support the clinical findings. RESULTS: From October 1st 2012 to January 31st 2014, six evaluable patients were recruited in ten hospitals of the Spanish Group for Transversal Oncology and Research in Orphan and Infrequent Tumors" (GETTHI). FOXL2 (402C > G) mutation was confirmed in three; two cases were wild type and it could not be assessed in one. No objective response by RECIST was observed, but five cases achieved stable disease longer than 12 months. Median progression-free survival was 14.06 months (CI 95% 5.43-22.69) for the whole study population (3.38 and 13.47 months for wild-type cases and 14.06, 20.67 and 26.51 for those with confirmed FOXL2 mutation). Median overall survival was 22·99 months (CI 95% 8.99-36.99). In vitro assays confirmed the activity of ketoconazole in this tumor and suggested potential synergisms with other hormone therapies. CONCLUSION: Ketoconazole has shown activity in advanced GCT in clinical and in vitro studies. Based on these data, an orphan designation was granted by the European Medicines Agency for ketoconazole in GCT (EU/3/17/1857). GOV IDENTIFIER: NCT01584297.

Antimicrobial activity of some macroalgae of the Veracruzano Reef System (SAV), Mexico.

The study of macroalgae antimicrobial agents is limited to Mexico and scarce in the Veracruzano Reef System (SAV). It is necessary to devote efforts towards this field of applied phycology. The aim was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of some phyla of Rhodophyta, Chlorophyta and Ochrophyta from SAV. Methanolic extracts from 23 marine macroalgae species (7 Chlorophyta, 4 Phaeophyta and 12 Rhodophyta) from the Veracruzano Reef System (SAV) (Mexico) were evaluated for antimicrobial activity. Antibacterial and antifungal activity were assessed by agar diffusion and agar dilution methods. The differences between mean values obtained for experimental groups was done by analysis of variance (ANOVA multifactorial model), p-values of 0.001 or less were considered statistically significant. Two new records are recognized for SAV (Laurencia gracilis and Sebdenia flabellata) and Compsothamnion thuioides for the Gulf of Mexico coasts. 16 species showed antibacterial activity, of which Caulerpa sertularioides, Ulva lactuca and Laurencia obtuse had significant activity on Gram-positive bacteria. 43.7% belong to the phyla Chlorophyta (7 species), 50% Rhodophyta (8 species) and 6.25% Ochrophyta (1 species). This indicates that the extracts of the algae of the Rhodophyta and Chlorophyta are the ones that showed the greatest activity. Regarding the yeasts, 16.6% of the total algae collected were active in the different yeast strains. 43.7% belongs to Chlorophyta species and for Rhodophyta were 60%. The macroalgae with the highest antifungal activity were: Cymopolia barbata, Ulva lactuca and Laurencia gracilis. The macroalgae of the Veracruzano Reef System present antimicrobial activity. This study is the first investigation of macroalgae's bioactive components from SAV, where they could be sources for future medical applications.

Study of dose dependence on density in planar 3D-printed applicators for HDR Ir192 surface brachytherapy.

PURPOSE: This paper describes a method to evaluate the influence of 3D printed plesiotherapy applicators densities in the most clinically relevant dosimetric planes of these brachytherapy treatments. Studied densities range goes from that of water to that of air including the intermediate applicators densities made of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and polylactic acid, materials used as Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) filaments. METHODS AND MATERIALS: All applicators were manufactured by means of FDM 3D printing and a special empty applicator of ABS walls was designed to be filled with water or air. In each of these applicators, the values of the dose and gamma index at the surface and at the prescription depth were measured in clinical conditions, using EBT films. RESULTS: Analysis of results allow us to conclude that the influence of the applicators density on the dose value in the studied materials depends on the distance at which the dose is measured. Thus, at the prescription depth no influence is observed, however this influence becomes noticeable near the surface of the applicators with dose differences of more than 10% for densities close to 0.4 g/cm3. CONCLUSION: Therefore, the density of FDM manufactured applicators should be taken into account when calculating surface dose for low density applicators, as variations caused by density can have clinical implications because is the surface dose that is associated with the toxicity of brachytherapy skin treatments.

Rational engineering of natural polyhydroxyalkanoates producing microorganisms for improved synthesis and recovery.

Microbial production of biopolymers derived from renewable substrates and waste streams reduces our heavy reliance on petrochemical plastics. One of the most important biodegradable polymers is the family of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), naturally occurring intracellular polyoxoesters produced for decades by bacterial fermentation of sugars and fatty acids at the industrial scale. Despite the advances, PHA production still suffers from heavy costs associated with carbon substrates and downstream processing to recover the intracellular product, thus restricting market positioning. In recent years, model-aided metabolic engineering and novel synthetic biology approaches have spurred our understanding of carbon flux partitioning through competing pathways and cellular resource allocation during PHA synthesis, enabling the rational design of superior biopolymer producers and programmable cellular lytic systems. This review describes these attempts to rationally engineering the cellular operation of several microbes to elevate PHA production on specific substrates and waste products. We also delve into genome reduction, morphology, and redox cofactor engineering to boost PHA biosynthesis. Besides, we critically evaluate engineered bacterial strains in various fermentation modes in terms of PHA productivity and the period required for product recovery.

Mitochondrial RNA methyltransferase TRMT61B is a new, potential biomarker and therapeutic target for highly aneuploid cancers.

Despite being frequently observed in cancer cells, chromosomal instability (CIN) and its immediate consequence, aneuploidy, trigger adverse effects on cellular homeostasis that need to be overcome by anti-stress mechanisms. As such, these safeguard responses represent a tumor-specific Achilles heel, since CIN and aneuploidy are rarely observed in normal cells. Recent data have revealed that epitranscriptomic marks catalyzed by RNA-modifying enzymes change under various stress insults. However, whether aneuploidy is associated with such RNA modifying pathways remains to be determined. Through an in silico search for aneuploidy biomarkers in cancer cells, we found TRMT61B, a mitochondrial RNA methyltransferase enzyme, to be associated with high levels of aneuploidy. Accordingly, TRMT61B protein levels are increased in tumor cell lines with an imbalanced karyotype as well as in different tumor types when compared to control tissues. Interestingly, while TRMT61B depletion induces senescence in melanoma cell lines with low levels of aneuploidy, it leads to apoptosis in cells with high levels. The therapeutic potential of these results was further validated by targeting TRMT61B in transwell and xenografts assays. We show that TRM61B depletion reduces the expression of several mitochondrial encoded proteins and limits mitochondrial function. Taken together, these results identify a new biomarker of aneuploidy in cancer cells that could potentially be used to selectively target highly aneuploid tumors.

Análisis de la experiencia del uso de cánula nasal de alto flujo como terapéutica en neumonía por SARS-CoV-2 / Analysis of the experience of the use of high-flow nasal cannula as therapeutics in SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia

RESUMEN Introducción: Durante la pandemia por SARS-CoV-2, la cánula nasal de alto flujo (CNAF) se usó como soporte en espera de Unidad de terapia intensiva (UTI) o como alternativa a la ventilación invasiva. Objetivos: Primario: Determinar si la cánula nasal de alto flujo evita la intubación oro traqueal. Secundarios: Analizar predictores de éxito al inicio de la cánula nasal de alto flujo y análisis descriptivo de la muestra. Materiales y métodos: Estudio observacional descriptivo retrospectivo. Se incluyeron pacientes mayores de 16 años positivos para SARS-CoV-2, atendidos en guardia y unidad de terapia intensiva, que utilizaron cánula nasal de alto flujo entre octubre de 2020 y marzo 2021. Se recolectaron datos en planillas individuales, analizadas por un profesional externo. Resultados: Se incluyeron en el trabajo 72 pacientes (de 16 a 88 años), 20 mujeres y 52 hombres. El 50 % de la muestra evitó la intubación orotraqueal. El IROX inicio grupo "éxito" vs. grupo "fracaso", p = 0,006. Comparación Irox 12 h grupo "éxito" vs. grupo "fracaso" p < 0,001. Comparación "tiempo desde ingreso a inicio de cánula nasal de alto flujo" grupo "éxito" vs. grupo "fracaso", p = 0,133. Comparación "Delta IROX" grupo "éxito" vs grupo "fracaso" p = 0,092. Conclusión: Se evitó la intubación orotraqueal en el 50 % de los casos. El IROX de inicio y el IROX a las 12 h del uso de cánula nasal de alto flujo fue estadísticamente significativo, lo que es un buen predictor del éxito en esta población. La fecha de inicio de síntomas y el uso de cánula nasal de alto flujo y el delta del IROX durante las pri meras 12 h no fue estadísticamente significativo para el éxito de la terapia. Estos datos son una herramienta útil con el objeto de generar protocolos de selección de pacientes para esta patología.

ABSTRACT Introduction: During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) was used as support while waiting for the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) or as an alternative to invasive ventilation. The objective of this work is the description and analysis of the use of CNAF in our population. Objectives: Primary: Determine if HFNC prevents orotracheal intubation. Secondary: Analyze predictors of success at the start of CNAF and a descriptive analysis of the sample Materials and method: Retrospective descriptive observational study. Patients over 16 years of age positive for SARS-CoV-2, treated in Guard and ICU were included. who used CNAF between October 2020 and March 2021 Data was collected in individual forms, analyzed by an external professional. Results: The study included 72 patients (16 to 88 years old), 20 women and 52 men; 50 % of the sample avoided orotracheal intubation. Start IROX, group "success" vs. group "failure" p = 0.006. Comparison Irox.12 h group "success" vs. group "failure" p < 0.001. Comparison "Time from admission to start of CNAF" group "success" vs. group "failure" p = 0.133. Comparison "Delta IROX" group "success" vs. group "failure" p = 0.092. Conclusion: HFNC avoided orotracheal intubation in the 50 % of the cases. The initial IROX and the IROX 12 hours after the use of HFNC were statistically significant, which is a good predictor of success in this population. The date of onset of symptoms and the use of FNAF and IROX delta during the first 12 hours were not statistically significant for the success of the therapy. These data are a useful tool for generating patient selection protocols for this pathology.

Power and vulnerability: managing sensitive language in organizational communication.

Organizational responsibilities can give people power but also expose them to scrutiny. This tension leads to divergent predictions about the use of potentially sensitive language: power might license it, while exposure might inhibit it. Analysis of peoples' language use in a large corpus of organizational emails using standardized Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) measures shows a systematic difference in the use of words with potentially sensitive (ethnic, religious, or political) connotations. People in positions of relative power are ~3 times less likely to use sensitive words than people more junior to them. The tendency to avoid potentially sensitive language appears to be independent of whether other people are using sensitive language in the same email exchanges, and also independent of whether these words are used in a sensitive context. These results challenge a stereotype about language use and the exercise of power. They suggest that, in at least some circumstances, the exposure and accountability associated with organizational responsibilities are a more significant influence on how people communicate than social power.

Grazing and ecosystem service delivery in global drylands.

Grazing represents the most extensive use of land worldwide. Yet its impacts on ecosystem services remain uncertain because pervasive interactions between grazing pressure, climate, soil properties, and biodiversity may occur but have never been addressed simultaneously. Using a standardized survey at 98 sites across six continents, we show that interactions between grazing pressure, climate, soil, and biodiversity are critical to explain the delivery of fundamental ecosystem services across drylands worldwide. Increasing grazing pressure reduced ecosystem service delivery in warmer and species-poor drylands, whereas positive effects of grazing were observed in colder and species-rich areas. Considering interactions between grazing and local abiotic and biotic factors is key for understanding the fate of dryland ecosystems under climate change and increasing human pressure.