Effect of hydrophobic proteins in modulating the mechanical properties of lung surfactant membranes.

Pulmonary surfactant is a membranous complex that enables breathing dynamics at the respiratory surface. Extremely low values of surface tension are achieved at end-expiration thanks to a unique mixture of lipids and proteins. In particular, the hydrophobic surfactant proteins, specially the protein SP-B, are crucial for surfactant biophysical function, in order to provide the surfactant lipid matrix with the ability to form membranous multi-layered interfacial films that sustain optimal mechanical properties.

Safety of tocilizumab in COVID-19 pregnant women and their newborn: A retrospective study.

What Is Known And Objective: Tocilizumab is an IL-6 receptor inhibitor agent which has been proposed as a candidate to stop the inflammatory phase of infection by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). However, safety data of tocilizumab in pregnant women and their newborn are scarce. We aimed to describe maternal and neonatal safety outcomes associated with tocilizumab treatment in pregnant women with severe COVID-19.

Psoas haematoma as a complication of Veress needle insertion: description of a case and literature review.

Background: In terms of gynaecological laparoscopic surgery, major complications affecting great vessels, and especially the retroperitoneal ones, are unusual.

Case Presentation: We introduce a case of a retroperitoneal haematoma associated with psoas muscle pseudoaneurysm, as a side effect of Veress needle insertion, during laparoscopic surgery. Such complication was managed conservatively at first, requiring finally arterial embolisation.