Physiochemical Modeling of Vesicle Dynamics upon Osmotic Upshift

We modeled the relaxation dynamics of (lipid) vesicles upon osmotic upshift, taking into account volume variation, chemical reaction kinetics, and passive transport across the membrane. We focused on the relaxation kinetics upon addition of impermeable osmolytes such as KCl and membrane-permeable solutes such as weak acids. We studied the effect of the most relevant physical parameters on the dynamic behavior of the system, as well as on the relaxation rates. We observe that 1) the dynamic complexity of the relaxation kinetics depends on the number of permeable species; 2) the permeability coefficients (P) and the weak acid strength (pKa-values) determine the dynamic behavior of the system; 3) the vesicle size does not affect the dynamics, but only the relaxation rates of the system; and 4) heterogeneities in the vesicle size provoke stretching of the relaxation curves. The model was successfully benchmarked for determining permeability coefficients by fitting of our experimental relaxation curves and by comparison of the data with literature values (in this issue of Biophysical Journal). To describe the dynamics of yeast cells upon osmotic upshift, we extended the model to account for turgor pressure and nonosmotic volume

Hemodialysis as emergency treatment of a severe baclofen intoxication in a 3 kg dog

Objective: To describe the clinical efficacy and drug removal kinetics of hemodialysis (HD) as emergency treatment in a small size dog with severe baclofen intoxication. Case description: A 2-year-old dog was presented in stupor to the emergency service a few hours after ingestion of up to 25 mg of baclofen. Medical stabilisation was attempted but was unsuccessful in improving the neurological condition and the patient rapidly progressed to coma. A 4-h session of HD was performed in emergency with near complete resolution of neurological signs and only mild disorientation by the end of the treatment. No adverse side effects occurred during HD. Baclofen concentration was measured serially during the session. Drug extraction ratio, clearance and mass removal by the dialyser were calculated. Dialytic elimination rate constant (Kd ) was seven times higher than the intrinsic elimination rate constant (Kintr ) and the half-life (t½) during HD was nearly nine times shorter than the endogenous one. New or unique information provided: This is the first case report providing pharmacokinetic data associated with HD treatment of severe baclofen intoxication in a dog

A Report on Sickle Cell in Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone is thought to be one of the West African countries most affected by sickle cell disorders. Estimates state that one in four people carry the gene for sickle cell and between 1 to 2% of births are of children with the condition. Despite this, there has been a general public health and social neglect of the condition, so that prevalence is poorly understood and policy non-existent. This participatory qualitative research project, conducted in 2018 in two districts in the country, sought to understand both women’s experiences caring for children with the condition, as well as what the needs were of women who had the condition. The findings illustrated that a historical memory of the condition and its effects exists in the intergenerational memories and practices of people. This is important to learn from to combat stigmatisation of women and people who have the condition. However, past expertise and medical knowledge currently co-exist in isolation from each other, with access to proper healthcare unavailable in most parts of the country. This has led to an inability to get a correct medical diagnosis, no advice about how to live with the condition and an inability to access specialized medical and rehabilitative services. These failures in care have led to early deaths and disablement, with the result that the general public fear the condition. A neglect of reproductive justice and the relational implications for women with the condition was also apparent in the high number of deaths of women and infants with sickle cell. Lastly, due to the work of the voluntary and medical sector, there is increasing awareness in parents, schools and communities of how the total environment is crucial for holistic management of sickle cell conditions in a low- income country. However, it is women who are still mostly responsible for ensuring that their children access a better quality of life and women who still incur moral blame and shame for their ill-health and that of their children

Riscontri economico sociali e schemi operativi nella costruzione delle infrastrutture in Italia dopo l’Unità

Economic and social aspects and operative methods in the Italian infrastructures after the unity of the country

La storia antica e la cultura classica

Cet essai se présente comme une réflexion sur le déroulement des études d’histoire ancienne en Italie, en prêtant une attention particulière à la situation politique et culturelle de l’Italie et de l’Europe. On prend surtout en considération la contribution importante de personnalités marquantes de l’historiographie italienne du xxe siècle, comme Gaetano De Sanctis, Plinio Fraccaro, Arnaldo Momigliano et Santo Mazzarino, ainsi que leurs écoles, en rapport avec les perspectives de recherche actuelles.This essay is meant as a reflection on the enfolding of studies in the history of Antiquity in Italy, focussing in particular on the political and cultural situation of Italy and Europe. Are chiefly taken into consideration the important contribution of such outstanding personalities of Italian historiography as Gaetano De Sanctis, Plinio Fraccaro, Arnaldo Momigliano and Santo Mazzarino, together with their schools in connection with the present perspectives of research.Il saggio vuole essere una riflessione sullo svolgimento degli studi di storia antica in Italia, con un’attenzione particolare alla situazione politico-culturale italiana ed europea. E’ considerato soprattutto il contributo di personalità rivelanti della storiografia italiana del xx secolo quali Gaetano De Sanctis, Plinio Fraccaro, Arnaldo Momigliano e Santo Mazzarino e quello delle rispettive scuole anche in riferimento alle prospettive attuali