Search Results (39)

Background/Objectives: The objective of this study is to investigate the intra- and inter-explorer reliability of different lung ultrasound (LUS) scores in patients with suspected rheumatoid arthritis with associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD). Methods: Fourteen consecutive patients with suspected RA-ILD based on the presence of respiratory symptoms, lung function tests (LFTs) or imaging alterations were recruited. The screening protocol consisted of an LFT, a chest X-ray, and HRCT. LUS examinations of different B-line and pleural line scores including 14 intercostal spaces were performed by three experienced sonographers, guaranteeing blinding. Intra- and inter-explorer reliability were calculated for all LUS scores and at the intercostal space level by weighted Cohen’s kappa and Fleiss’ kappa, respectively, relying on absolute differences using Stata/IC 14.2 software^® (StataCorp, College Station, TX, USA). Results: Both global (ĸ = 0.73–0.82) and binary (ĸ = 0.80–0.90) scores of B lines showed substantial to excellent intra-explorer reliability, with slightly better results for the binary score. The inter-explorer reliability was equally excellent for the global score (ĸ = 0.93) and the binary score (ĸ = 0.90) of B lines. The intra-explorer reliability of the semiquantitative pleural score was excellent for all the sonographers (ĸ = 0.88–0.91), and the binary pleural score had slightly lower intra-explorer reliability (ĸ = 0.77–0.84). Regarding inter-explorer reliability, both semiquantitative and binary pleural scores were equally excellent (ĸ = 0.84). Good to excellent inter-explorer reliability was found in all the scanned areas. Conclusions: Substantial to excellent intra- and inter-explorer reliability of different feasible B-line and pleural LUS scores were found, adding evidence in favor of the potential implementation of LUS for RA-ILD diagnosis in clinical practice. Full article

Darier′s disease (DD) is a rare, autosomal dominant genodermatosis caused by pathogenic variants in the ATP2A2 gene, which encodes the SERCA2 protein, an endoplasmic reticulum ATPase Ca²⁺ transporter. These mutations impair the intracellular calcium homeostasis leading to increased protein misfolding, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response, and the activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR), culminating in keratinocyte apoptosis and anomalies in interfollicular epidermal stratification. Clinically, the disease is characterized by the presence of skin lesions with hyperkeratotic papules and an increased susceptibility to inflammatory reactions, bacterial and viral infections. The histological hallmarks include acantholysis, dyskeratosis, and increased apoptotic keratinocytes, referred to as “corp ronds”. The SERCA2b isoform is expressed not only in the epidermis but it is present ubiquitously in all tissues, suggesting that its alteration may have multi-organ effects. The review aims to provide a broad overview of the pathology, from intracellular dysfunction to the clinical manifestations, elucidating the molecular effects of SERCA2 variants found in DD patients and exploring the potential cell signaling pathways that may contribute to disease progression. Beginning with an examination of the cellular alterations, our work then shifts to exploring their impact in an organ-specific context, providing insights into new potential therapeutic strategies tailored to clinical manifestations. Full article

Corporate sustainability performance becomes the central element in many current business developments: the total value of ESG investment grows, more and more clients want to invest in projects that deliver more than the pure financial return, companies are innovating and transforming their business models, and adopting the B-Corp values. Environmental and wider societal impact becomes the central focus of the businesses that want to become the force for good. This article adopts an empirical approach and builds an ESG index of corporate performance based on eight critical metrics representing the economic, social, and environmental dimensions under varying policy priorities. Furthermore, it investigates correlations between these aggregate ESG indices and share prices as well as return on investment, or ROE, of companies. The article goes on to investigate empirically the correlation between employees/turnover, diversity, CO₂ emissions, waste generation, and water use of companies and share prices and ROE metrics, respectively. The reasons for divergence between correlations of sustainability performance indicators with share prices, ROE, and profits/turnover are discussed in detail, with particular attention drawn to the reasons why diversity might matter more for the share prices than ROE and why waste generation, water use, and CO₂ emissions might still be poorly reflected in the ROE while some of these metrics have a significant connection with the profit/turnover ratio. The article will undoubtedly be of interest to ESG fund managers, investors, corporate sustainability officers, and policymakers. Full article

Aim: This study sought to clarify the therapeutic benefits and mechanisms of action of pomegranate seed oil (PSO) in instances of ischemia–reperfusion (IR) damage in the lower extremities. Materials and Methods: The sample size was determined, then 32 rats were randomly allocated to four groups: Control (C), ischemia–reperfusion (IR), low-dose PSO (IR + LD, 0.15 mL/kg), and high-dose PSO (IR + HD, 0.30 mL/kg). The ischemia model in the IR group was established by occluding the infrarenal aorta for 120 min. Prior to reperfusion, PSO was delivered to the IR + LD and IR + HD groups at doses of 0.15 mL/kg and 0.30 mL/kg, respectively, followed by a 120 min reperfusion period. Subsequently, blood and tissue specimens were obtained. Statistical investigation was executed utilizing Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20.0 (SPSS, IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Results: Biochemical tests revealed significant variations in total antioxidant level (TAS), total oxidant level (TOS), and the oxidative stress index (OSI) across the groups (p < 0.0001). The IR group had elevated TOS and OSI levels, whereas PSO therapy resulted in a reduction in these values (p < 0.05). As opposed to the IR group, TASs were higher in the PSO-treated groups. Histopathological analysis demonstrated muscle fiber degeneration, interstitial edema, and the infiltration of cells associated with inflammation in the IR group, with analogous results noted in the PSO treatment groups. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that the expressions of Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α), Nuclear Factor kappa B (NF-κB), cytochrome C (CYT C), and caspase 3 (CASP3) were elevated in the IR group, while PSO treatment diminished these markers and attenuated inflammation and apoptosis (p < 0.05). The findings demonstrate that PSO has a dose-dependent impact on IR injury. Discussion: This research indicates that PSO has significant protective benefits against IR injury in the lower extremities. PSO mitigated tissue damage and maintained mitochondrial integrity by addressing oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptotic pathways. Particularly, high-dose PSO yielded more substantial enhancements in these processes and exhibited outcomes most comparable to the control group in biochemical, histological, and immunohistochemical investigations. These findings underscore the potential of PSO as an efficacious natural treatment agent for IR injury. Nevertheless, additional research is required to articulate this definitively. Full article

Background/Objectives: Oral cavity squamous-cell carcinoma is among the most frequent head and neck neoplasms. Early-stage T1/T2N0 accounts for 40/45% of new diagnoses. Of these, about 30% of cases hide occult metastases in the neck. The management of clinically N0 neck is of paramount importance and is still being debated. Methods: The medical records of patients with a clinical diagnosis of early-stage T1-T2N0 carcinoma of the oral cavity between 2011 and 2021 were retrospectively analysed. The inclusion criteria were complete medical and radiological records, pT1-2 pathology staging, and a minimum follow-up of 24 months. Biographical, management, and survival data were analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics [28.0.1.1]; IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Results: A total of 121 patients met the inclusion criteria. The tongue was the most affected site, with 52 cases. All patients underwent resection of the primary tumour; for neck management, 47 (38.8%) underwent elective neck dissection, 36 underwent follow-up, and 11 underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy. A total of 59 cases were staged as T1 and 62 as T2; in 97 (80.2%) cases, the neck was confirmed as N0; in 10 (8.3%), N1; in 1 case, N2a; in 8, N2b; in 2, N2c; and in 3, N3b. The mean DOI was 4.8 mm. In a Cox regression, a statistically significant association was shown between overall survival and pN staging (p < 0.05). Kaplan–Meier analysis showed a statistically significant difference between different regimens of management of the neck in terms of overall survival, disease-free survival, and disease-specific survival in favour of elective neck dissection and sentinel lymph node biopsy compared to watchful policy (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Elective neck dissection and sentinel lymph node biopsy proved to be safe and oncologically effective in the treatment of clinically N0 early-stage oral carcinoma. Full article

This study compared the flexural strength of various 3D printed resins fabricated at different building angles (0°, 45°, and 90°). Four groups of resins were tested: Varseo Smile Teeth (Bego GmbH & Co., Bremen, Germany), V-print C&B Temp (Voco GmbH, Cuxhaven, Germany), Bego Triniq (Bego GmbH & Co. KG, Bremen, Germany), and Sprintray Crown (SprintRay, Los Angeles, CA, USA). A digital light processing 3D printer (Asiga MAX UV, NSW, Sydney, Australia) was used to fabricate the samples at the specified build angles (0°, 45°, and 90°) in accordance with the ISO 4049:2019 standard. Flexural strength was measured using a universal testing machine (Instron 5567; Instron Ltd., Norwood, MA, USA), and fracture analysis was performed using a scanning electron microscope (Jeol JSM-6060LV, Tokyo, Japan). Statistical analysis was carried out using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS, version 26; IBM Corp., Chicago, IL, USA). Means and standard deviations were calculated for each group, and statistical differences were assessed using one-way ANOVA followed by the Bonferroni post hoc test (p < 0.05). All tested resins exhibited high flexural strength values. The maximum flexural strength was observed in the 0° printed samples (137.18 ± 18.92 MPa), while the lowest values were recorded for the 90° printed samples (116.75 ± 24.74 MPa). For V-print C&B Temp, the flexural strength at 90° (116.97 ± 34.87 MPa) was significantly lower compared to the 0° (156.56 ± 25.58 MPa) and 45° (130.46 ± 12.33 MPa) orientations. In contrast, Bego Triniq samples printed at 45° (148.91 ± 21.23 MPa) demonstrated significantly higher flexural strength than those printed at 0° (113.37 ± 31.93 MPa) or 90° (100.96 ± 16.66 MPa). Overall, the results indicate that the printing angle has a significant impact on the flexural strength of the materials, with some resins showing lower strength values at the 90° build angle. Full article

Background/Objectives: In recent years, manufacturers have developed new low-profile stent grafts to allow endovascular treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) in patients with small access vessels. We evaluated the early and mid-term outcomes of the Incraft (Cordis Corp, Bridgewater, NJ, USA) ultra-low profile endograft implantation in a high-volume single center. Methods: Between 2014 and 2023, 133 consecutive endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) procedures performed using the Incraft endograft were recorded in a prospective database. Indications included infrarenal aortic aneurysms, common iliac aneurysms, and infrarenal penetrating aortic ulcers. Mid-term results were analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method. Results: During the study period, 133 patients were treated with the Cordis Incraft endograft, in both elective and urgent settings. The Incraft graft was the first choice for patients with hostile iliac accesses, a feature characterizing at least one side in 90.2% of the patients in the study cohort. The immediate technical success rate was 78.2%. The intraoperative endoleak rate was 51.9% (20.3% type 1 A, 0.8% type 1 B, and 30.8% type 2 endoleak). Within 30 days, technical and clinical success rates were both 99.3%; all type 1A and 1B endoleaks were resolved at the 30-day follow-up CT-angiogram. After a mean follow-up of 35.4 months, the actuarial freedom from the re-intervention rate was 96.0%, 91.1%, and 84.0% at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. The iliac leg patency rate was 97.1%, 94.1%, and 93.1% at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. No statistically significant differences were observed between hostile and non-hostile access groups, nor between the groups with grade 1, grade 2, and grade 3 access hostility. Conclusions: The ultra-low profile Cordis Incraft endograft represents a valid option for the endovascular treatment of AAA in patients with hostile iliac accesses. The procedure can be performed with high rates of technical and clinical success at 30 days and the rates of iliac branch occlusion observed during the follow-up period appear acceptable in patients with poor aorto-iliac outflow. Full article

This study aims at examining how B Corporations advance Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in their practices by analyzing the socioenvironmental problems they address and the solutions they provide to those problems. All Argentinian B Corporations, certified by early 2023 (135 companies), were investigated using a mixed approach, combining social network analysis with textual data analysis. The results showed that the environmental practices are primarily linked to waste, water, energy and chemical management, as well as product innovation. In turn, the social practices address the training, education, and well-being of employees and other stakeholders, diversity, equity and inclusion management, and the creation of an inclusive and fair environment, integrating local communities. Thus, in the flow of their sustainability practices, Argentinian B Corporations contribute to SDGs 8, 12, 13, 9, 6, 7, 5, 10, 11, 4, and 17, in line with the SDGs declared by these companies. Our findings contribute to the theoretical knowledge on the B Corp movement and have practical implications by providing input to improve the management of B Corporations and to guide public policies encouraging these companies to advance sustainable development dimensions lacking attention. Full article

Among hospitalised patients, functional decline and increased dependence on others are common health problems. Identifying critical needs is an important starting point to empower patients to improve their own health and behaviour. Once these needs are determined, the most relevant goals for addressing patients’ needs and health potential can be established. This study aimed to test a model for profiling patients using the General Assessment of Hospitalised Patients (ASGO) compared to the Barthel Index (BI) as the gold standard. A retrospective approach was conducted by reviewing administrative data recorded between 2017 and 2020 at the University of Padova, Italy. Data from patients (a) older than 18 years, (b) admitted to a local hospital, and (c) with a stay of at least three days were included in the study. The ASGO and the BI were both used on patients’ admission and discharge from the ward. Data were analysed using STATA software (v.16) (StataCorp. 2019. Stata Statistical Software: Release 16. College Station, TX: StataCorp LLC). The database used for the analysis consisted of 842 patient records, with more than 50% over 75 years of age and consisting mainly of men. The results of the ASGO and the BI were more correlated at discharge (rho = −0.79) than at admission (rho = −0.59). Furthermore, sensitivity and specificity, calculated with reference to the optimal cut-off point (Youden index), demonstrated the highest reliability of the test at discharge (sensitivity: 0.87; specificity: 0.78) compared to admission (sensitivity: 0.77; specificity: 0.72). This result was confirmed by the analysis of the ROC curve: The area under the curve was greater at discharge (89%) than at admission (82%). Analysis of the results obtained from assessments created with the ASGO demonstrates the applicability of this model in the context of hospital care and how well it can represent functional dependence. This study was not registered. Full article

The aim of the study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity and surface hardness of a light-activated microhybrid composite resin modified with green silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). AgNPs were synthesized using an Equisetum sylvaticum extract and characterized through different methods such as UV-Vis, EDX, and FTIR. The obtained AgNPs were mixed with a microhybrid composite resin (Herculite XRV, Kerr Corp., Orange, CA, USA) in different concentrations: 0% (group A-control); 0.5% (group B); 1% (group C); and 1.5% (group D). A total of 120 composite resin disk-shaped samples were obtained and divided into 4 groups (n = 30) according to AgNP concentration. Each group was then divided into 2 subgroups: subgroup 1—samples were not soaked in 0.01 M NaOH solution; and subgroup 2—samples were soaked in 0.01 M NaOH solution. The antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans was determined using a direct contact test. A digital electronic hardness tester was used to determine the composite resin’s Vickers surface hardness (VH). Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis nonparametric tests with a confidence level of 95%. Groups C and D showed higher antibacterial activity against S. mutans when compared to the control group (p < 0.05). No significant differences were recorded between VH values (p > 0.05). The use of AgNPs synthesized from Equisetum sylvaticum as a composite resin filler in 1% wt. and 1.5% wt. reduced the activity of Streptococcus mutans. Soaking of the experimental composite resin decreased the antibacterial efficacy. The loading of a microhybrid composite resin with AgNPs in concentrations of 0.5% wt., 1% wt., and 1.5% wt. did not influence the surface hardness. Full article

Vitamin B₁₂ plays a role in the remethylation of homocysteine to Met, which then serves as a substrate for Met adenosyltransferase (MAT) to synthesize S-adenosylmethionine (SAM). We investigated effects of feeding two cobalt sources [Co-glucoheptonate (CoPro) or CoPectin, Zinpro Corp.], an experimental ruminally-available source of folic acid (FOA), and rumen-protected Met (RPM) on performance and hepatic one-carbon metabolism in peripartal Holstein cows. From −30 to 30 d around calving, 72 multiparous cows were randomly allocated to: CoPro, CoPro + FOA, CoPectin + FOA, or CoPectin + FOA + RPM. The Co treatments delivered 1 mg Co/kg of DM (CoPro or CoPectin), each FOA group received 50 mg/d FOA, and RPM was fed at 0.09% of DM intake (DMI). Milk yield and DMI were not affected. Compared with other groups, the percentage of milk protein was greater after the second week of lactation in CoPectin + FOA + RPM. Compared with CoPro or CoPro + FOA, feeding CoPectin + FOA or CoPectin + FOA + RPM led to a greater activity of MAT at 7 to 15 d postcalving. For betaine–homocysteine S-methyltransferase, CoPro together with CoPectin + FOA + RPM cows had greater activity at 7 and 15 d than CoPro + FOA. Overall, supplying FOA with CoPectin or CoPectin plus RPM may enhance S-adenosylmethionine synthesis via MAT in the liver after parturition. As such, these nutrients may impact methylation reactions and liver function. Full article

Background: Dysregulation of the immune response in the course of COVID-19 has been implicated in critical outcomes. Lymphopenia is evident in severe cases and has been associated with worse outcomes since the early phases of the pandemic. In addition, cytokine storm has been associated with excessive lung injury and concomitant respiratory failure. However, it has also been hypothesized that specific lymphocyte subpopulations (CD4 and CD8 T cells, B cells, and NK cells) may serve as prognostic markers for disease severity. The aim of this study was to investigate possible associations of lymphocyte subpopulations alterations with markers of disease severity and outcomes in patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Materials/Methods: A total of 42 adult hospitalized patients were included in this study, from June to July 2021. Flow-cytometry was used to calculate specific lymphocyte subpopulations on day 1 (admission) and on day 5 of hospitalization (CD45, CD3, CD3CD8, CD3CD4, CD3CD4CD8, CD19, CD16CD56, CD34RA, CD45RO). Markers of disease severity and outcomes included: burden of disease on CT (% of affected lung parenchyma injury), C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 levels. PO2/FiO2 ratio and differences in lymphocytes subsets between two timepoints were also calculated. Logistic and linear regressions were used for the analyses. All analyses were performed using Stata (version 13.1; Stata Corp, College Station, TX, USA). Results: Higher levels of CD16CD56 cells (Natural Killer cells) were associated with higher risk of lung injury (>50% of lung parenchyma). An increase in CD3CD4 and CD4RO cell count difference between day 5 and day 1 resulted in a decrease of CRP difference between these timepoints. On the other hand, CD45RARO difference was associated with an increase in the difference of CRP levels between the two timepoints. No other significant differences were found in the rest of the lymphocyte subpopulations. Conclusions: Despite a low patient number, this study showed that alterations in lymphocyte subpopulations are associated with COVID-19 severity markers. It was observed that an increase in lymphocytes (CD4 and transiently CD45RARO) resulted in lower CRP levels, perhaps leading to COVID-19 recovery and immune response homeostasis. However, these findings need further evaluation in larger scale trials. Full article

Crowdfunding is an emerging practice that plays a central role in funding innovative ideas that support social sustainability. B-Corps are sustainable companies that are increasingly pursuing innovative financial strategies to fund their corporate sustainability goals. To date, the use of crowdfunding as a social financing innovation by B-Corp organisations has received scant attention. This paper contributes to closing this gap by addressing three research questions. The first investigates the relationship between B-Corps certification and the use of crowdfunding. The second explores whether there is a relationship between crowdfunding and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The third investigates B-Corps’ level of information transparency in relation to this innovation and SDGs. Our investigation involved a cross-analysis of B Labs and the main crowdfunding platforms. In total, 28 B-Corps were identified as using crowdfunding platforms. Of these, 22 were selected for analysis. Our findings reveal that the pandemic period increased the use of crowdfunding among B-Corps. Crowdfunding financing was not found to be linked to the SDGs as not all investors purse these goals. We further found that investors prefer to base their decisions on the information communicated via crowdfunding platforms. Few companies declared the use of this innovative form of financing on their websites, especially on the homepage, and less than half of the companies analyzed included this form of financing in their sustainability reports. Our findings suggest that managers should provide specific information on the objectives of the campaign to be funded on the crowdfunding platforms and in the “other sustainability documents”. This way the campaigns would be more effective and could raise a greater amount of money. Full article

This paper presents a new scheme of applying CORPS (coherently radiating periodic structures) for reducing the number of phase shifters in linear antenna arrays. This scheme can be seen as a combination of the properties of two techniques: CORPS and butler. The proposed system applies an interleaving of several blocks of 2 × 3 CORPS networks. This interleaving of two stages of 2 × 3 CORPS networks is made in a convenient way to provide the required progressive phase for beam-scanning and the level of amplitude excitations necessary for achieving the radiation characteristics of low SLL. Interesting results are provided based on experimental measurements and full-wave simulations to analyze and evaluate the performance of the feeding network based on CORPS and the reduction capability of the number of phase shifters in the antenna system. The proposed design methodology achieves a reduction capability of 66% in the number of phase shifters used in linear antenna arrays. This reduction in the complexity of the antenna system is reached maintaining a peak SLL of −22 dB with scanning ranges of until ±25°. A good design option is provided to simplify the complexity of the feeding network in antenna array applications. Full article

A prototype rapidly deployable, Line-scanning, Low-Cost (LLC) LiDAR system (USD 400 per unit; 2020) was developed to measure coastal hydro-morphodynamic processes. A pilot field study was conducted at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Field Research Facility (FRF) in Duck, North Carolina, USA to evaluate the efficacy of the LLC LiDAR in measuring beach morphology, wave runup, and free-surface elevations against proven approaches. A prototype LLC LiDAR collected continuous cross-shore line scans for 25 min of every half hour, at ~7 revolutions/s and ~1.3° angular resolution, at two locations (one day at each location), spanning 12 m (i) on the backshore berm (35 scans; Series B) and (ii) in the swash/inner surf zone (28 scans; Series C). LLC LiDAR time-averaged beach profiles and wave runup estimates were compared with the same quantities derived from the continuously sampling terrestrial LiDAR scanner installed atop the dune at the FRF (DUNE LiDAR). The average root-mean-square difference (RMSD) between 17 (6) time-averaged LLC and DUNE LiDAR beach profiles was 0.045 m (0.031 m) with a standard deviation of 0.004 m (0.002 m) during Series B (Series C). Small-scale (cm) swash zone bed level changes were resolved over 5-min increments with the LLC LiDAR. The RMSD between LLC- and DUNE LiDAR-derived wave runup excursions over two 25-min segments was 0.542 m (cross-shore) and 0.039 m (elevation) during the rising tide and 0.366 m (cross-shore) and 0.032 m (elevation) during the falling tide. Between 72–79% of the LLC LiDAR wave runup data were more accurate than the RMSD values, thereby demonstrating the LLC LiDAR is an effective, low-cost instrument for measuring wave runup and morphodynamic processes. Co-located water levels were measured with a continuously sampling (16 Hz) RBRsolo³ D|wave16 pressure logger during Series C. LLC LiDAR free-surface elevations at the nadir during one high tide (4.5 h) compared well with pressure-derived free-surface elevations (RMSD = 0.024 m, $R^2$ = 0.85). Full article