[Intensive care nurse in 2021, from expertise to recognition].

The profession of intensive care nurse has been in constant evolution since the 1960s. The technical nature of medical equipment and the care of increasingly complex patients require a high level of qualification. The current health crisis has highlighted the difficulties of this profession and the lack of recognition of these carers.

Chemical and biochemical approaches to the production of 7-hydroxylated C19-steroids.

Abstract Interest has developed into 7-hydroxylated derivatives of 3β-hydroxylated C19-steroids, such as dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and epiandrosterone because of their effects on inflammation, immune response, and cell repair. These steroids are not currently available from commercial sources, and it is necessary to produce them for relevant studies. We report here the chemical and biochemical approaches that were used for their production.

Cytochrome P450-7B1 and 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 distribution in human tissues.

Abstract Successive action of cytochrome P450-7B1 (CYP7B1) and 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) on 3β-hydroxysteroids such as DHEA and epiandrosterone leads to the production of cytoprotective 7β-hydroxylated derivatives. Investigation of the presence of these enzymes in human tissues could be carried out on commercially available human tissue arrays with use of antibodies specific to CYP7B1 and 11β-HSD1 for immunohistochemistry. Both enzymes were detected mainly in tissues of endodermic and ectodermic origin which are prone to undergo inflammation.

Synthesis of a 19-(O-carboxymethyl)oxime hapten of 7β-hydroxy-epiandrosterone.

In order to develop an immunoassay of 7β-hydroxy-epiandrosterone, a stereoselective synthesis of a specific hapten, 7β-hydroxy-19-oxo-androstan 19-(O-carboxymethyl)oxime (17), was performed. This synthesis was achieved in 16% overall yield starting from the well-known 3β-acetoxy-19-hydroxy-5-androsten-17-one (1). After coupling of the alkyl oxime moiety, an allylic oxidation of the C-7 carbon under mild conditions followed by two selective reductions established all the functionalities of the final compound 17.