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A business model, defined as the underlying logic of a company, is not permanent over time. Instead, companies need to introduce innovations in the business model to be competitive in the market. This is even more critical for family firms which are continuously looking for a way to obtain sustainable growth, together with satisfactory performance. The objective of this research is to analyze the impact that business model innovation activities have in the short/long-term growth and performance of family firms. This study was obtained from panel data made up of 112 valid responses from family firms involved in business model innovation. A composite model approach has been used for data analysis. The significant components of BMI that lead to greater growth and performance are identified, the distinction between long-term and short-term effects of BMI on those outcomes is made, and BMI is proven as an authoritative source of competitive advantage and growth in family firms. Those aspects are valuable insights for researchers and managers with regards to which innovation propositions help sustain growth and performance over time.

IntroductionAdrenergic receptors regulate metabolic, cardiovascular, and immunological functions in response to the sympathetic nervous system. The effect of β2-adrenergic receptor (AR) as a high expression receptor on different subpopulations of T cells is complex and varies depending on the type of ligand and context. While traditional β2-AR agonists generally suppress T cells, they potentially enhance IL-17A production by Th17 cells. The effects of pharmacological drugs that count as biased agonists of AR like nebivolol are not completely understood. We investigated the impact of nebivolol on human memory CD4+ T (Th1, Th2, Th17) cells and polarized naive Th17 cells, highlighting its potential for IL-17A suppression via a non-canonical β2-AR cell signaling pathway.MethodsThe effects of nebivolol were tested on healthy human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, purified memory Th cells, and polarized naive Th17 cells activated with anti-CD3/anti-CD28/anti-CD2 ImmunoCult reagent. IFN-γ, IL-4, and IL-17A, which are primarily derived from Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells, respectively, were quantified by ELISA and flow cytometry. IL-10 was measured by ELISA. Gene expression of RORC, ADRB1, ADRB2, and ADRB3 was evaluated by qPCR. The ADRB2 gene was knocked out in memory Th cells using CRISPR/Cas9. Protein expression of phosphorylated serine133-CREB and phosphorylated NF-κB p65 was assessed by Western blot. Proliferation was assessed by fluorescent dye loading and flow cytometry.ResultsNebivolol treatment decreased IL-17A and IFN-γ secretion by activated memory Th cells and elevated IL-4 levels. Nebivolol reduced the proportion of IL-17A+ Th cells and downregulated RORC expression. Unlike the β2-AR agonist terbutaline, nebivolol inhibited the shift of naive CD4+ T cells toward the Th17 phenotype. IL-10 and the proliferation index remained unchanged. Nebivolol-treated β2-knockout memory Th cells showed significant inhibition of β2-AR-mediated signaling, evidenced by the absence of IL-17A suppression compared to controls. Phosphorylation of the NF-κB p65 subunit was inhibited by nebivolol, but CREB phosphorylation was not changed, suggesting a selective transcriptional control.ConclusionsThe findings demonstrate that nebivolol acts through a β2-AR-mediated signaling pathway, as a distinctive anti-inflammatory agent capable of selectively shifting Th17 cells and suppressing the phosphorylation of NF-κB. This highlights nebivolol’s potential for therapeutic interventions in chronic autoimmune conditions with elevated IL-17A levels.

Background/aimsCorneal endothelial cell loss contributes to transplant failure. Autologous plasma products (APP) activate salvaging pathways that can prevent oxidative stress perioperatively. This study aimed to evaluate the safety of intraoperative incubation of full-thickness corneal grafts in platelet-rich plasma (aPRP) and plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF-Endoret) in mitigating postoperative corneal endothelial cell loss (ECL).MethodsPilot study including patients undergoing penetrating keratoplasty (PK) for various indications between June 2021 and December 2022. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either aPRP or PRGF-Endoret incubation, while those who declined intervention served as the control group. Demographic and clinical data were collected, including preoperative and postoperative endothelial cell count, intraocular pressure, pachymetry, and adverse reactions.ResultsThirty individuals who underwent PK completed follow-up: eight from the aPRP group, 10 from the PRGF-Endoret group, and 12 from the control group. No adverse events related to APP treatment were recorded. In the first and third postoperative months, the APP group had significantly lower ECL percentages (37% vs. 25%, p = 0.02, and 44% vs. 33%, p = 0.02, respectively); this trend was maintained in the sixth month. When stratified, the PRGF-Endoret group showed significant differences in ECL reduction compared to controls at both time points (p = 0.03 and p = 0.05, respectively). The aPRP group showed a similar statistically significant outcome exclusively on the third postoperative month (p = 0.04). APP tended to reduce corneal edema faster than controls. Hexagonality was significantly better in the APP groups in the first and third months, particularly in the PRGF-Endoret group (p

In recent years, both in the world of research and consulting, the concept of innovation in the business model has been gaining a lot of interest. As a result, an incipient number of scientific and popular publications are being generated, which try to delimit and explain this term, as well as work methodologies for its application in the business world. The family business field can benefit from the application of this approach. But, at the same time, it can also serve as an object of study since its special idiosyncrasy will allow to deepen the analysis of successful business models. To illustrate innovation in business models, data from 112 family firms representative of the regional economy are presented. The companies are also associated with the Murcian Association of Family Businesses (Amefmur). The collaboration with this organization has made it possible to obtain very valuable and representative information thanks to the support provided. The collection of information was carried out through an electronic survey. These data could be especially useful for establishing business recommendations for this type of companies and for analyzing other possible interrelationships of the variables available in the database.

Filler content in dental composites is credited for affecting its physical and mechanical properties. This study evaluated the correlation between the filler percentage and strength, modulus, shrinkage stress, depth of cure, translucency and radiopacity of commercially available high- and low-viscosity dental composites. Filler weight percentage (wt%) was determined through the burned ash technique (800 °C for 15 min). Three-point bend flexural strength and modulus were measured according to ISO 4049 with 2 mm × 2 mm × 25 mm bars. Shrinkage stress was evaluated using a universal testing machine in which composite was polymerized through two transparent acrylic rods 2 mm apart. Shrinkage was measured from the maximum force following 500 s. The translucency parameter (TP) was measured as the difference in color (ΔE00) of 1 mm thick specimens against white and black tiles. The depth of cure was measured according to ISO 4049 in a cylindrical metal mold (4 mm diameter) with a 10 s cure. Radiopacity was measured by taking a digital X-ray (70 kVp for 0.32 s at 400 mm distance) of 1 mm thick specimens and comparing the radiopacity to an aluminum step wedge using image analysis software. The correlation between the filler wt% and properties was measured by Pearson’s correlation coefficient using SPSS. There was a positive linear correlation between the filler wt% and modulus (r = 0.78, p < 0.01), flexural strength (r = 0.46, p < 0.01) and radiopacity (r = 0.36, p < 0.01) and negative correlation with translucency (r = −0.29, p < 0.01). Filler wt% best predicts the modulus and strength and, to a lesser extent, the radiopacity and translucency. All but two of the high- and low-viscosity composites from the same manufacturer had statistically equivalent strengths as each other; however, the high-viscosity materials almost always had a statistically higher modulus. For two of the flowable composites measured from the same manufacturer (3M and Dentsply), there was a lower shrinkage stress in the bulk-fill version of the material but not for the other two manufacturers (Ivoclar and Tokuyama). All flowable bulk-fill composites achieved a deeper depth of cure than the flowable composite from the same manufacturer other than Omnichroma Flow Bulk.

This article aims to explain the innovative behaviour of large Spanish companies by comparing the hospitality industry with other service providers and industrial manufacturers. Several hypotheses are proposed and tested for different innovation stages: innovation effort, outcome and performance. The sample includes 2944 Spanish companies with 200 or more employees. Using one-way ANOVA analysis, this study fills an important gap in the impact of innovation and technology on the performance of the hospitality sector. The results show that catering establishments have differentiated innovation behaviours not only to manufacturers but also compared to service providers. The findings support the hypothesis and suggest that hotel companies complement in-house R&D with other innovative activities. Furthermore, hospitality organisations have the highest percentage of innovation revenue due to fewer innovation efforts and innovation outcomes, mainly due to the organisation’s innovations.

The data comes from an empirical study conducted to determine the intention to use mobile devices as a means of payment. The data collection was conducted on a total of 463 students at a university, with 425 valid cases. These students were chosen because of their greater affinity with mobile devices, making them digital natives. The questionnaire was developed using scales recognized in the literature on aspects such as intention to use, learning costs or perceived functional value. The reliability and validity of all constructs showed that the questionnaire was proper for measurement. Data analysis was applied l to examine the validity of scales. But, what makes this data really interesting and singular is the collection of data in 2013 (265 respondents) and 2016 (160 respondents). This allows cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses to check the evolution of respondents' perceptions of mobile payments. Results imply that the data is suitable for conducting replication studies.

ABSTRACT Viruses have brought humanity many challenges: respiratory infection, cancer, neurological impairment and immunosuppression to name a few. Virology research over the last 60+ years has responded to reduce this disease burden with vaccines and antivirals. Despite this long history, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented attention to the field of virology. Some of this attention is focused on concern about the safe conduct of research with human pathogens. A small but vocal group of individuals has seized upon these concerns – conflating legitimate questions about safely conducting virus-related research with uncertainties over the origins of SARS-CoV-2. The result has fueled public confusion and, in many instances, ill-informed condemnation of virology. With this article, we seek to promote a return to rational discourse. We explain the use of gain-of-function approaches in science, discuss the possible origins of SARS-CoV-2 and outline current regulatory structures that provide oversight for virological research in the United States. By offering our expertise, we – a broad group of working virologists – seek to aid policy makers in navigating these controversial issues. Balanced, evidence-based discourse is essential to addressing public concern while maintaining and expanding much-needed research in virology.

Abstract Background Public pressure exists in the United States to eliminate race‐day furosemide administration despite its efficacy in decreasing the severity of equine exercise pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH). No effective alternative prophylaxis strategies have been identified. Objective To investigate alternative protocols to race‐day furosemide that might mitigate EIPH. Animals Seven fit Thoroughbreds with recent EIPH. Methods Double‐blinded placebo‐controlled Latin square crossover using a treadmill followed by a blinded placebo‐controlled crossover study at a racetrack. First, horses exercised supramaximally to fatigue 24 hours after initiating 5 EIPH prophylaxis protocols: 0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg furosemide IV 24 hours pre‐exercise with and without controlled access to water, and 24 hour controlled access to water. Effects were compared to those measured after giving a placebo 24 hours pre‐exercise, and 0.5 mg/kg furosemide IV 4 hours pre‐exercise. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) erythrocyte count was determined 45‐60 minutes postexercise after endoscopy to assign an EIPH score. Data were analyzed using linear mixed effects models. The most promising protocol from the treadmill study was further evaluated in 6 horses using endoscopy and BAL after 1100 m simulated races. Results Intravenous furosemide (0.5 mg/kg) administered 24 hours pre‐exercise combined with controlled access to water decreased the severity of EIPH on the treadmill and at the racetrack. Conclusion and Clinical Importance Administering 0.5 mg/kg furosemide 24 hours pre‐racing combined with controlling water intake may be a strategy to replace race‐day furosemide administration for the management of EIPH. A larger study is indicated to further evaluate whether this protocol significantly mitigates EIPH severity.

ABSTRACT Disruption of the histone-like nucleoid structuring protein (H-NS) was shown to affect the ability of Gram-negative bacteria to regulate genes associated with virulence, persistence, stress response, quorum sensing, biosynthesis pathways, and cell adhesion. Here, we used the expression of metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs), known to elicit envelope stress by the accumulation of toxic precursors in the periplasm, to interrogate the role of H-NS in Acinetobacter baumannii, together with other stressors. Using a multidrug-resistant A. baumannii strain, we observed that H-NS plays a role in alleviating the stress triggered by MBL toxic precursors and counteracts the effect of DNA-damaging agents, supporting its role in stress response. IMPORTANCE Carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii (CRAB) is recognized as one of the most threatening Gram-negative bacilli. H-NS is known to play a role in controlling the transcription of a variety of different genes, including those associated with the stress response, persistence, and virulence. In the present work, we uncovered a link between the role of H-NS in the A. baumannii stress response and its relationship with the envelope stress response and resistance to DNA-damaging agents. Overall, we posit a new role of H-NS, showing that H-NS serves to endure envelope stress and could also be a mechanism that alleviates the stress induced by MBL expression in A. baumannii. This could be an evolutionary advantage to further resist the action of carbapenems.

Abstract Background The majority of Americans with opioid use disorder remain out of treatment. Operating in 33 states, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico, harm reduction agencies, which provide sterile syringes and other health services to people who inject drugs, are a key venue to reach out-of-treatment opioid users. Aiming to link out-of-treatment individuals with opioid use disorder to buprenorphine treatment, we developed a community-based buprenorphine treatment (CBBT) intervention in collaboration with New York City harm reduction agencies. Methods Intervention development included formative data collection, feasibility testing at one harm reduction agency, and pilot testing for preliminary effectiveness at a second harm reduction agency. We used a pre-post design for both feasibility and pilot testing. In the CBBT intervention, we trained harm reduction agency staff to provide (1) buprenorphine education, (2) motivational interviewing, (3) referrals to buprenorphine-prescribing doctors, and (4) treatment retention support. We assessed feasibility by measuring staff satisfaction with the intervention and changes in knowledge about buprenorphine. We assessed preliminary effectiveness by comparing rates of buprenorphine initiation among groups of harm reduction agency clients before and after intervention implementation. Results Among staff members at the first harm reduction agency, knowledge increased from 52% correct answers pre-intervention to 79% correct post-intervention. Among clients at the second harm reduction agency, initiation of buprenorphine treatment was low and did not differ between pre- and post-intervention groups. Conclusions The CBBT intervention was feasible and well-received, but initiation of buprenorphine treatment among harm reduction agency clients was low. More robust interventions may be necessary to increase initiation of buprenorphine treatment.

Para los pequeños empresarios es bien sabido la importancia que tienen sus relaciones sociales (networking), para alcanzar los diferentes objetivos empresariales. Sin embargo, aún no se ha definido las diferentes formas de aplicación del networking en la pequeña empresa. En este sentido, la literatura describe su importancia. Sin embargo, todavía no se ha realizado una revisión que defina las diferentes áreas de su aplicación. En este artículo se realiza una revisión bibliográfica utilizando conceptos de la teoría de grafos para identificar las diferentes perspectivas en que el pequeño empresario aplica networking. Los resultados mostraron que el networking puede ser aplicado en cuatro diferentes áreas: financiamiento, innovación, mercadeo e internacionalización. Al identificarlas, se pueden realizar investigaciones focalizadas para mejorar los procesos y lograr que la pequeña empresa sea más competitiva.

Estimar a prevalência de tipos do vírus de papiloma humano (HPV) em câncer de cabeça e pescoço (CCP) é relevante para se prever o impacto da vacina contra o HPV. OBJETIVO: Estimar a prevalência global, por gênero e idade, do vírus do HPV em CCP. MÉTODO: Estudo transversal, retrospectivo envolvendo quatro laboratórios de patologia de Medellín, Colômbia. O exame utilizado foi o PCR GP5+/6+ e hibridização reversa. Além disso, os HPV 16 e 18 foram identificados utilizando-se PCR específica para esses tipos. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 175 casos primários de CCP, consecutivamente diagnosticados entre 1999 e 2008, com diagnóstico confirmado e DNA amplificado. A prevalência de HPV foi de 18,9%. O HPV foi encontrado em 23,9%, 17,5% e 13,3% dos casos de cavidade oral, laringe e orofaringe, respectivamente. Entre os casos de VPH+, 82% foram HPV 16 e 18% HPV18. A maioria dos casos foi de pessoas do sexo masculino. Nos homens, a idade de diagnóstico foi menor do que nas mulheres, principalmente naqueles de acometimento na cavidade oral. CONCLUSÃO: Os HPV 16 e 18 foram encontrados em quase 20% desses casos de CCP. O impacto da vacinação contra o HPV para a prevenção desse câncer na população merece maiores estudos.Estimating the type-specific prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) in head and neck cancer (HNSCC) is helpful in predicting the impact of HPV immunization. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the overall prevalence, and gender and age-specific prevalence of HPV in HNSCC. METHOD: This cross sectional retrospective study was carried out in four pathology laboratories of Medellin, Colombia. HPV testing was performed by GP5+/6+ PCR-based RLB and HPV 16 and 18 type-specific PCR. RESULTS: 175 primary HNSCC cases consecutively diagnosed between 1999 and 2008 with confirmed diagnosis and amplifiable DNA were included. Overall HPV prevalence was 18.9%. HPV was found in 23.9%, 17.5% and 13.3% of the oral cavity, larynx and oropharynx cases respectively. Among HPV positive cases, 82% were HPV 16 and 18% were HPV 18. No other HPV genotypes were identified. Most patients were males. Male patients were younger that their female counterparts, particularly in oral cavity cancer cases. CONCLUSION: HPV 16 and 18 genotypes were found in nearly 20% of HNSCC cases in Colombian patients. The impact of HPV vaccination for the prevention of HNSCC in this population deserves further evaluation.

Large variability in tests and differences in scoring systems used to study central coherence in eating disorders may lead to different interpretations, inconsistent findings and between study discrepancies. This study aimed to address inconsistencies by collating data from several studies from the same research group that used the Rey Osterrieth Complex Figure Test (Rey Figure) in order to produce norms to provide benchmark data for future studies.Data was collated from 984 participants in total. Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, recovered Anorexia Nervosa, unaffected family members and healthy controls were compared using the Rey Figure.Poor global processing was observed across all current eating disorder sub-groups and in unaffected relatives. There was no difference in performance between recovered AN and HC groups.This is the largest dataset reported in the literature and supports previous studies implicating poor global processing across eating disorders using the Rey Figure. It provides robust normative data useful for future studies.

Background: Community-led total sanitation (CLTS) uses participatory approaches to mobilise communities to build their own toilets and stop open defecation. Our aim was to undertake the first randomised trial of CLTS to assess its effect on child health in Koulikoro, Mali. Methods: We did a cluster-randomised trial to assess a CLTS programme implemented by the Government of Mali. The study population included households in rural villages (clusters) from the Koulikoro district of Mali; every household had to have at least one child aged younger than 10 years. Villages were randomly assigned (1:1) with a computer-generated sequence by a study investigator to receive CLTS or no programme. Health outcomes included diarrhoea (primary outcome), height for age, weight for age, stunting, and underweight. Outcomes were measured 1·5 years after intervention delivery (2 years after enrolment) among children younger than 5 years. Participants were not masked to intervention assignment. The trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01900912. Findings: We recruited participants between April 12, and June 23, 2011. We assigned 60 villages (2365 households) to receive the CLTS intervention and 61 villages (2167 households) to the control group. No differences were observed in terms of diarrhoeal prevalence among children in CLTS and control villages (706 [22%] of 3140 CLTS children vs 693 [24%] of 2872 control children; prevalence ratio [PR] 0·93, 95% CI 0·76–1·14). Access to private latrines was almost twice as high in intervention villages (1373 [65%] of 2120 vs 661 [35%] of 1911 households) and reported open defecation was reduced in female (198 [9%] of 2086 vs 608 [33%] of 1869 households) and in male (195 [10%] of 2004 vs 602 [33%] of 1813 households) adults. Children in CLTS villages were taller (0·18 increase in height-for-age Z score, 95% CI 0·03–0·32; 2415 children) and less likely to be stunted (35% vs 41%, PR 0·86, 95% CI 0·74–1·0) than children in control villages. 22% of children were underweight in CLTS compared with 26% in control villages (PR 0·88, 95% CI 0·71–1·08), and the difference in mean weight-for-age Z score was 0·09 (95% CI –0·04 to 0·22) between groups. In CLTS villages, younger children at enrolment (

Latinos in the United States have low rates of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening even though CRC is the third leading cause of cancer death among Latinos. This qualitative study aimed to understand and compare the perspectives of clinical staff (CS) and Latino community members (LCMs) in an urban Southern California community regarding barriers and facilitators of CRC screening. Through purposive sampling, 39 LCMs (mean age: 59.4 years, 79.5% female) were recruited to participate in one of five focus groups, and 17 CS (mean age: 38.8 years, 64.7% female) were recruited to participate in semi-structured in-depth interviews, along with a demographic survey. Interviews and focus group recordings were transcribed verbatim, translated, and analyzed using direct content analysis. Demographic data were summarized using descriptive statistics. Findings suggest that CS and LCMs have both similar and opposing perspectives with regard to barriers and facilitators of CRC screening. Themes discussed included attitudes towards CRC screening, CRC knowledge, access to resources, commitments and responsibilities, social support, vicarious learning, patient-provider communication, trust, and social relationships. Study findings can be used to guide interventions and policies to improve access to CRC screening among LCMs.

El enfoque tradicional de pobreza explica la pobreza pero parcialmente; existen carencias adicionales al ingreso. En este trabajo se caracteriza la pobreza multidimensional en las regiones de Argentina para el período 2004-2010. En base al Enfoque de Capabilities, se construyen indicadores para cada dimensión considerada, asignando ponderaciones, y se los agrega mediante los principales índices de pobreza ultidimensional, realizando un análisis comparativo. Los mayores niveles de pobreza multidimensional se registran en el NOA y NEA y menores en la Patagonia, habiendo disminuido en todas las regiones. El Ingreso, Tasa de Dependencia y Saneamiento contribuyen en mayor medida a la pobreza. ABSTRACT The traditional poverty approach explains poverty levels but partially; there are deficiencies additional to income. In this paper we characterize multidimensional poverty in Argentinean regions for the period 2004-2010. Based on the Capability Approach we estimate indicators for each dimension considered, assigning weights, and aggregate them through the main index of multidimensional poverty, making a comparative analysis. The higher multidimensional poverty levels are recorded in the NOA and NEA and lower in the Patagonia, and have been reduced in all the regions. Income, Rate of Dependence and Sanitation are the most relevant indicators to explain poverty.

Background: Skin cancer is a primary health concern in renal transplant recipients (RTRs). Existing research mainly stems from North America, Europe, and Australia, with limited data from Latin America. Methods: This 56‐year (1967–2023) retrospective cohort study explores skin cancer incidence in Mexican RTRs. Our objective was to assess the long‐term incidence of malignant cutaneous neoplasms in Mexican RTRs. Results: Over 56 years, 1642 RTRs (58% male) were studied. Median follow‐up was 8.4 years; median age at transplantation was 32.6 years. Skin cancer incidence was 6.6% (95% CI: 5.5–7.9), with an incidence density rate of 6.5 (95% CI: 5.4–7.9) per 1000 person‐years and a median latency of 9.8 years. Incidence increased with longer transplantation‐related immunosuppression (TRI), with a relative risk for >30 years of TRI of 4.8 (95% CI: 2.6–9.1) for any skin cancer and 7.5 (95% CI: 3.8–14.6) for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). SCC was the most common malignancy (76.1%), followed by basal cell carcinomas (BCC), with a 3.6:1 ratio. Metastatic SCC occurred in 6.5% of skin cancer patients, with a skin cancer‐related mortality rate of 2.7%. Limitations of the study include its single‐center and retrospective design and unassessed factors such as human papillomavirus infection and sun exposure. Conclusions: Our study provides unique insights into the epidemiology of skin cancer among Mexican RTRs. It constitutes the largest cohort of skin cancer cases among RTRs in Mexico and, to our knowledge, in Latin America. Despite the lack of recognition of a high skin cancer incidence in non‐White RTRs, our 6.6% incidence underscores the need to enhance surveillance programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wetlands are one of the most productive ecosystems on earth; however, they are threatened by multiple factors. Despite society's interdependence and continuous interaction with these ecosystems, they are often overlooked in management and decision-making. Therefore, this research aims to socially value the Bajo Sinú Marsh Complex (Marshes: Momil, Zapal, and Guartinaja) according to the importance that the local community and experts place on the ecosystem services they provide. For its development, an environmental characterization was carried out, covering the biophysical and social dimensions. Subsequently, different ecosystem services validated with professionals were identified and then valued through semi-structured surveys and analyzed using statistical software such as SPSS. The results show that, for the community, the most important ecosystem services are cultural (35.86%), regulation (33.72%), and provisioning (30.42%), while experts rank regulation as the most important (36.3%), followed by cultural services (35.1%) and provisioning (28.6%). The results provide a necessary knowledge base for the analysis of the use and exploitation of services, as well as for developing guidelines for the sustainable management of the resources provided by these wetlands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), now termed metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), is an escalating health concern linked to obesity and type 2 diabetes. Despite liver biopsy being the gold standard, its invasiveness underscores the need for noninvasive diagnostic methods. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed to assess MASLD using the noninvasive OWLiver® serum lipidomics test in a cohort of 117 patients with severe obesity undergoing bariatric surgery, comparing outcomes with liver biopsy. Exclusions (n = 24) included insufficient data, liver disease etiology other than MASLD, corticosteroid treatment, excessive alcohol consumption, low glomerular filtration rate, and declination to participate. Comprehensive laboratory tests, demographic assessments, and liver biopsies were performed. Serum metabolites were analyzed using OWLiver®, a serum lipidomic test that discriminates between healthy liver, steatosis, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), and MASH with fibrosis ≥2 by means of three algorithms run sequentially. Results: Liver biopsy revealed a MASLD prevalence of 95.7%, with MASH present in 28.2% of cases. OWLiver® demonstrated a tendency to diagnose more severe cases. Body mass index (BMI), rather than the presence of type 2 diabetes, emerged as the sole independent factor linked to the probability of concordance. Therefore, the all-population concordance of 63.2% between OWLiver® and liver biopsy notably raised to 77.1% in patients with a BMI

Background: Acute cardiac complications post-chemotherapy is rare. Stress cardiomyopathy, one of these complications, should be considered in differential diagnoses as its symptoms closely resemble those of acute myocardial infarction and can lead to mortality. Objective: The objective of this paper is to describe Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) as an acute complication following combined chemotherapy in a patient with significant thromboembolic burden and metastatic cervical cancer. Case: A 61-year-old female patient with a diagnosis of metastatic cervical cancer experienced acute chest pain. Elevated troponin levels and abnormalities in the electrocardiogram initially suggested an acute myocardial infarction, occurring after a chemotherapy session involving Carboplatin and Paclitaxel infusion. Although initial treatment targeted myocardial infarction, further diagnostic evaluations including coronary angiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging revealed no coronary artery disease but identified features consistent with stress cardiomyopathy, indicative of Takotsubo syndrome (TTS). This diagnosis led to an improvement in symptoms and a resolution of the acute changes observed. Conclusion: Stress cardiomyopathy, particularly TTS, is being increasingly recognized as an acute complication associated with combined chemotherapy regimens. The potential cardiotoxic effects of these chemotherapy agents demand careful monitoring and evaluation in patients undergoing oncological treatment, underscoring the importance of integrating cardioprotective strategies into the management of these patients.

Abstract Background The sequestration of Plasmodium falciparum infected erythrocytes in the placenta, and the resulting inflammatory response affects maternal and child health. Despite existing information, little is known about the direct impact of P. falciparum on the placental barrier formed by trophoblast and villous stroma. This study aimed to assess placental tissue damage caused by P. falciparum in human placental explants (HPEs). Methods HPEs from chorionic villi obtained of human term placentas (n = 9) from normal pregnancies were exposed to P. falciparum-infected erythrocytes (IE) for 24 h. HPEs were embedded in paraffin blocks and used to study tissue damage through histopathological and histochemical analysis and apoptosis using TUNEL staining. Culture supernatants were collected to measure cytokine and angiogenic factors and to determine LDH activity as a marker of cytotoxicity. A subset of archived human term placenta paraffin-embedded blocks from pregnant women with malaria were used to confirm ex vivo findings. Results Plasmodium falciparum-IE significantly damages the trophoblast layer and the villous stroma of the chorionic villi. The increased LDH activity and pathological findings such as syncytial knots, fibrin deposits, infarction, trophoblast detachment, and collagen disorganization supported these findings. The specific damage to the trophoblast and the thickening of the subjacent basal lamina were more pronounced in the ex vivo infection. In contrast, apoptosis was higher in the in vivo infection. This disparity could be attributed to the duration of exposure to the infection, which significantly varied between individuals naturally exposed over time and the 24-h exposure in the ex vivo HPE model. Conclusion Exposure to P. falciparum-IE induces a detachment of the syncytiotrophoblast, disorganization of the stroma villi, and an increase in apoptosis, alterations that may be associated with adverse results such as intrauterine growth restriction and low birth weight.