Hybrid Version of the Kedem-Katchalsky-Peusner Equations for Diffusive and Electrical Transport Processes in Membrane.

One of the most important formalisms used to describe membrane transport is Onsager-Peusner thermodynamics (TOP). Within the TOP framework, a procedure has been developed for the transformation of the Kedem-Katchalsky (K-K) equations for the transport of binary electrolytic solutions across a membrane into the Kedem-Katchalsky-Peusner (K-K-P) equations. The membrane system with an Ultra Flo 145 Dialyser membrane used for hemodialysis and aqueous NaCl solutions was used as experimental setup.

Engineered GM-CSF polarizes protumorigenic tumor-associated macrophages to an antitumorigenic phenotype and potently synergizes with IL-12 immunotherapy.

Background: The use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs) has become a dominant regimen in modern cancer therapy, however immune resistance induced by tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) with immune suppressive and evasion properties limits responses. Therefore, the rational design of immune modulators that can control the immune suppressive properties of TAMs and polarize them, as well as dendritic cells (DCs), toward a more proinflammatory phenotype is a principal objective in cancer immunotherapy.

Methods: Here, using a protein engineering approach to enhance cytokine residence in the tumor microenvironment, we examined combined stimulation of the myeloid compartment via tumor stroma-binding granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) to enhance responses in both DCs and T cells via stroma-binding interleukin-12 (IL-12).

Diffusion and hydrodynamic instabilities in membrane systems with water solutions of NaCl and ethanol.

The characteristic manifestations of instability were observed in the form of voltage pulsations measured between electrodes immersed directly in solutions of membrane system chambers, in different configurations of membrane systems. The reason for this type of voltage pulsations is Rayleigh-Benard type instabilities of near-membrane layers caused by density gradients of solutions in these layers. The time of build-up of the concentration boundary layer, after which hydrodynamic instability appears is one of important parameters of these phenomena.

Delivery of butyrate to the lower gut by polymeric micelles prolongs survival of distal skin allografts.

The microbiota composition is known to influence the kinetics of graft rejection, but many questions remain as to whether/how microbiota-derived metabolites affect graft outcome. We investigated the effects of the short-chain fatty acid butyrate, a product of dietary fiber fermentation. Sustained intragastric administration of a micelle-based formulation of butyrate (butyrate micelle [ButM]) that releases its cargo in the lower gastrointestinal tract elevated cecal butyrate content and significantly prolonged minor-mismatched and major-mismatched skin allograft survival in mice.

Community-Based Psychiatric Care Provision in Hungary: Trends and Steps towards Progress.

Psychiatric care has undergone several cycles of profound changes in the past centuries all over the world. In Hungary, community-based outpatient care has been showing signs of evolution since the 1950s. Initially, the system centered on assertive outreach and family involvement, especially for those with serious mental health problems.