Archivio Istituzionale della Ricerca- Università degli Studi di Foggia
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Standardized Mortality Ratios (SMRs) and Radon Exposure Analysis for Lung Cancer and All-Cause Mortality in Locorotondo, Southern Italy
No full textBackground and Objectives: Radon is a known risk factor for lung cancer, and residential radon exposure is the leading cause of lung cancer in never smokers; however, in Italy, there is still a lack of public awareness regarding the risk caused by residential radon exposure. In this mortality study, which was carried out in an Italian Apulian town (Locorotondo) of the Bari province, we aimed to analyze lung cancer mortality and all-cause mortality in a population highly exposed to radon. Materials and Methods: The study period was 1998–2021. Local and Italian population and national mortality data were collected from the Italian National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT) website platform. Local mortality data were collected using copies of the Local Health Authority death certificates. Results: We identified 117 lung cancers in the studied period. The mortality data trends revealed a decrease in the all-causes standardized mortality ratios (SMRs), increases in the incidence rates of lung cancer and colorectal cancer in recent years, and a decrease in the incidence of noncancer diseases. We also found high SMRs for colorectal cancer until 2016 among older females. With respect to the cardio-circulatory system, only in 2014 did the male SMRs significantly influence the total SMR; after this period, a decreasing stable trend was observed. Conclusions: The natural balance of the population is decreasing, and mortality is decreasing for all causes. A future study will be needed to assess the associations between observed lung cancer cases and domestic radon exposure to drive radon mitigation and public health strategies
Optimizing Mitochondrial Targeting with Bioactive Compounds: Dietary Pattern Considerations for Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
No full text: Mitochondrial dysfunction plays a central role in chronic kidney disease (CKD) pathogenesis and progression. It is associated with inflammation, oxidative stress, and cellular senescence. In this regard, targeting the restoration of mitochondrial function could potentially delay disease progression and alleviate uremic symptoms. Notably, bioactive compounds, naturally present in food, have recently gained attention due to their potential to counteract mitochondrial dysfunction. These compounds include a diverse array of phytonutrients, such as antioxidants, vitamins and polyphenols, but also omega-3 fatty acids, that support cellular health, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and help modulate metabolism. Considering that we do not consume isolated nutrients, translating the available evidence in favorable dietary patterns is of importance. In this context, a plant-based dietary pattern appears to offer the richest array of bioactive compounds and holds the greatest potential for providing benefits at the cellular level
The unexpected finding of breast and axillary metastases in a patient with prostate carcinoma
No full text: We report a rare case of breast and axillary metastases in a 75-year-old man diagnosed with prostate carcinoma. Initially, the patient presented with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. Prostate cancer was confirmed by biopsy and treated with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and radiotherapy. At the time the breast mass was detected, the patient was already undergoing ADT. Two years and 2 months after diagnosis, he developed a palpable mass in the left breast. Imaging and ultrasound-guided biopsy revealed metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma involving the breast and ipsilateral axillary lymph nodes, initially suspected as primary breast cancer or gynecomastia secondary to hormonal therapy. Systemic ADT was reinitiated, and palliative radiotherapy was administered to the breast. The patient responded favorably, with a significant PSA reduction and disease stabilization. This case emphasizes the importance of recognizing atypical metastatic sites in prostate cancer and the critical role of combined imaging and histopathological evaluation. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms and clinical implications of such rare metastatic patterns
Impact of Shades and Thickness on the Polymerization of Low-Viscosity Bulk-Fill Composites in Pediatric Restorations: An In Vitro Study
No full textBackground/Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the influence of shade and thickness on the polymerization of SDR® flow+, a low-viscosity bulk-fill composite, by assessing its degree of conversion (DC). Methods: An in vitro study was conducted using SDR® flow+ composite resin. Specimens were prepared at two thicknesses (2 mm and 4 mm) and four shades (Universal, A1, A2, A3). Polymerization was performed using a high-intensity LED curing unit. The DC was assessed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). Results: Both shade and thickness significantly influenced DC. Thicker specimens (4 mm) exhibited reduced polymerization compared to thinner specimens (2 mm). Darker shades, particularly A3, demonstrated the lowest DC values due to their higher chroma, which limits light penetration. In contrast, the Universal shade achieved higher DC values, even at increased depths, likely due to its greater translucency. Conclusions: Shade and thickness play a critical role in the polymerization of bulk-fill composites. Ensuring adequate polymerization is essential for the longevity of pediatric restorations. Further in vivo research is needed to confirm these findings and assess their clinical implications
Impact of affective, normative and continuance commitment on organizational citizenship behavior in emerging economies
No full textPURPOSE
The study utilizes social interdependence theory to investigate how organizational commitment (OC) and its components, i.e., affective, normative, and continuance commitment, influence organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) among professionals in emerging economies. It employs the Social interdependence theory as a theoretical framework to analyze this relationship.
DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH
Data was collected through a standardized questionnaire from 344 employees of two leading Information Technology (IT) multinational enterprises (MNEs) with operations in 190 and 59 countries, respectively. However, their operations in India were used to define the scope, considering India as a focal emerging economy. Karl Pearson's Correlation, Regression, and one-way ANOVA were used for analysis.
FINDINGS
The empirical insights from this paper reveal the prevalence of a significant relationship and impact of normative and continuance commitment on OCB in the context of an emerging economy like India. When examined through the lens of the social interdependence theory, normative commitment, with its origin in the sense of obligation, and a form of negative interdependence, results in oppositional interaction. More variants of the OC-OCB relationship and across the demographic variables were also observed.
RESEARCH LIMITATIONS/IMPLICATIONS
The present study extends the application of social interdependence theory to the OC-OCB relationship domain in emerging economies. It maps the various forms of positive and negative interdependencies among the different constituents of OC and OCB, helping to identify how these influence the emerging market context. Since the research is being conducted in a single industry sector, the results may lack generalizability.
PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS
The paper provides pertinent recommendations for developing organizational policies and strategies for enhancing OCB in emerging economies. It also highlights the demographic constituents that influence the outcome of these policies and strategies. Hence, talent management strategies in emerging markets, especially in the area of retention, should be designed to offer a better environment, compensation, and engagement to employees than those offered by a competitor organization, thereby incentivizing them to continue with the organization for a longer period.
ORIGINALITY
This paper contributes to the existing literature by introducing a perspective from an emerging economy like India, focusing on the OC-OCB relationship and discussing its contrasts across various socioeconomic contexts and economies. The study contributes to the literature on the IT sector, highlighting the role of these constructs in this sector. Furthermore, the theoretical lens adds substantial value to understanding the positive and negative interdependencies between different constituents of OC that influence OCB
Gastrointestinal function and nutritional interventions in septic shock
No full textPurpose of reviewGastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction significantly impacts patient outcomes in septic shock, complicating clinical management due to its central role in systemic inflammation, barrier integrity, and nutrient assimilation. This review summarizes the evolving understanding of GI dysfunction during septic shock and provides an updated framework for clinical management.Recent findingsNew insights from recent studies focus on individualized nutritional strategies over standardized calorie-driven targets, highlighting risks associated with aggressive enteral nutrition, such as exacerbation of gut ischemia and bowel distension, and microbial dysbiosis. Maintaining splanchnic perfusion, monitoring GI dysfunction with standardized tools, and advancing nutritional support progressively based on patient-specific gastrointestinal tolerance are current strategies. Novel adjunctive therapies targeting gut permeability and microbiome restoration have been proposed, yet robust clinical data remain limited.SummaryClinical management should prioritize hemodynamic stabilization and organ support rather than immediately targeting any nutritional goals. Monitoring GI function systematically and tailoring nutritional interventions may prevent complications and support recovery. Future research should validate monitoring tools, refine individual patient assessment, and evaluate novel therapeutic interventions to improve patient-centered outcomes in septic shock
