112,048 research outputs found
FGF21: a promising therapeutic agent for alcoholic cardiomyopathy?†
No full textThe metabolic regulator fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) has been reported as a cardioprotective factor regulating cardiac remodeling in several cardiac diseases. In a recent issue of The Journal of Pathology, Ferrer-Curriu, Guitart-Mampel et al investigated FGF21 in alcoholic cardiomyopathy (ACM). They showed that FGF21 deficiency aggravates alcohol-induced cardiac damage and dysfunction by exacerbating mitochondrial alterations, oxidative stress, and lipid metabolic dysregulation, suggesting FGF21 as a promising therapeutic agent in ACM. Paradoxically, FGF21 cardiac and circulating levels correlate with cardiac damage and oxidative stress in patients with ACM, pointing to FGF21 as a potential biomarker of alcohol-induced cardiac damage. Further studies are needed to address when FGF21 can be used as a diagnostic biomarker and when it can be used as a therapeutic agent to treat ACM. © 2021 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Industry 4.0 and servitization strategy: a good match?
No full text55Industry 4.0 technologies and the servitization strategy: a good match?1Guido Bortoluzzi - Maria Chiarvesio - Rubina Romanello - Raffaella Tabacco - Valerio VeglioAbstractPurpose of the paper: The paper aims at investigating whether a relationship exists between the servitization strategy and the adoption of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies in small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in a B2B context.Methodology: Case study method based on in-depth interviews with the entrepreneurs and managers of 7 SMEs operating in the mechanical sector in ItalyFindings: The article provides some preliminary evidence on the interplay between some I4.0 technologies (Internet of Things, cloud computing, simulation, big data and analytics) and the servitization strategies of B2B SMEs, and highlights its performance implications. The authors propose three research propositions to be tested in future studies. Research limits: Although the goal of the research is exploratory, it is worth mentioning that it considers a small sample of B2B SMEs operating in the metals and machinery sector. Future studies could investigate these relationships among larger samples of cross-sectional companies. Practical implications: This work identifies a selection of technologies belonging to I4.0, that could be compatible with one another and functional to the implementation of a servitization strategy of SMEs.Originality of the paper: This work contributes to servitization literature by investigating the role of I4.0 technologies. Also, it contributes to management literature by offering initial empirical evidence of Italian manufacturing SMEs that have adopted I4.0 technologies
Mitochondrial biogenesis and fragmentation as regulators of protein degradation in striated muscles
No full textMitochondria are dynamic organelles which adapt their morphology by fusion and fission events to the bioenergetic requirements of the cell. Cardiac and skeletal muscles are tissues with high energy demand and mitochondrial plasticity plays a key role in the homeostasis of these cells. Indeed, alterations in mitochondrial morphology, distribution and function are common features in catabolic conditions. Moreover, dysregulation of mitochondrial dynamics affects the signaling pathways that regulate muscle mass. This review discusses the recent findings of the role of mitochondrial fusion/fission and mitophagy in the control of proteolytic pathways
Implications of mitochondrial fusion and fission in skeletal muscle mass and health
No full textThe continuous dynamic reshaping of mitochondria by fusion and fission events is critical to keep mitochondrial quality and function under control in response to changes in energy and stress. Maintaining a functional, highly interconnected mitochondrial reticulum ensures rapid energy production and distribution. Moreover, mitochondrial networks act as dynamic signaling hub to adapt to the metabolic demands imposed by contraction, energy expenditure, and general metabolism. However, excessive mitochondrial fusion or fission results in the disruption of the skeletal muscle mitochondrial network integrity and activates a retrograde response from mitochondria to the nucleus, leading to muscle atrophy, weakness and influencing whole-body homeostasis. These actions are mediated via the secretion of mitochondrial-stress myokines such as FGF21 and GDF15. Here we will summarize recent discoveries in the role of mitochondrial fusion and fission in the control of muscle mass and in regulating physiological homeostasis and disease progression
The connection between the dynamic remodeling of the mitochondrial network and the regulation of muscle mass
No full textThe dynamic coordination of processes controlling the quality of the mitochondrial network is crucial to maintain the function of mitochondria in skeletal muscle. Changes of mitochondrial proteolytic system, dynamics (fusion/fission), and mitophagy induce pathways that affect muscle mass and performance. When muscle mass is lost, the risk of disease onset and premature death is dramatically increased. For instance, poor quality of muscles correlates with the onset progression of several age-related disorders such as diabetes, obesity, cancer, and aging sarcopenia. To date, there are no drug therapies to reverse muscle loss, and exercise remains the best approach to improve mitochondrial health and to slow atrophy in several diseases. This review will describe the principal mechanisms that control mitochondrial quality and the pathways that link mitochondrial dysfunction to muscle mass regulation
Un caso esemplare: Giovanni Antonio Romanello e le sue rime
No full textNell'ambito degli studi dedicati ai poeti minori del Quattrocento italiano, il contributo presenta il canzoniere inedito di Giovanni Antonio Romanello (petrarchista padovano del XV secolo)
Industry 4.0 in food processing: drivers, challenges and outcomes
No full textPurpose In the age of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Industry 4.0 can increase the productivity and competitiveness of companies in the international marketplace. The purpose of this article is to investigate the drivers for and outcomes of the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies in the case of a food processing company located in Italy. Design/methodology/approach The present work adopted a case study approach by investigating an Italian food processing company to investigate the drivers, challenges and outcomes of Industry 4.0 adoption in the agri-food sector. Findings This research highlighted drivers and challenges related to the adoption of different Industry 4.0 technologies. Secondly, it underlined the impacts of Industry 4.0 in terms of firm performance, operations management, human resource management and strategy. Originality/value Industry 4.0 technologies remain underexplored from the strategic perspective in the agri-food sector. This article provides preliminary evidence on the digital transformation of food processing companies, with a focus on Industry 4.0. Practical implications for managers, CEOs and entrepreneurs are discussed
Mitochondrial Biogenesis and Fragmentation as Regulators of Muscle Protein Degradation
No full textMitochondria form a dynamic network that rapidly adapts to cellular energy demand. This adaptation is particularly important in skeletal muscle because of its high metabolic rate. Indeed, muscle energy level is one of the cellular checkpoints that lead either to sustained protein synthesis and growth or protein breakdown and atrophy. Mitochondrial function is affected by changes in shape, number, and localization. The dynamics that control the mitochondrial network, such as biogenesis and fusion, or fragmentation and fission, ultimately affect the signaling pathways that regulate muscle mass. Regular exercise and healthy muscles are important players in the metabolic control of human body. Indeed, a sedentary lifestyle is detrimental for muscle function and is one of the major causes of metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes. This article reviews the rapid progress made in the past few years regarding the role of mitochondria in the control of proteolytic systems and in the loss of muscle mass and function
International new ventures in the digital age: the case of a big data and analytics provider
No full textDigital technologies offer new opportunities of business for entrepreneurs that possess big data and analytical skills. In particular, in the international competition context, new opportunities for new ventures internationalization arise in sectors related to Industry 4.0 digital technologies. However, when internationalization and digitalization merge, the dynamics can change, opening a new area of research still little investigated. To contribute to fill this gap, we adopted a case study approach to investigate the internationalization process of a digital International New Venture, which offers services related to Big Data and Analytics. Preliminary findings highlight factors influencing the growth process of this company, showing opportunities and challenges related to digitalization. The article concludes with a discussion of the implications of the authors ́findings, opening new debates for international entrepreneurship research and practice
The COVID-19 crisis and Italian firms: digitalization, internationalization, and global value chain reconfiguration
No full textItaly has been severely hit by the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite the policy measures created to support the Italian economy, firms have been forced to face the crisis and manage the serious challenge of forecasting and planning their strategies. Drawing on crisis management and global value chain theory, this chapter explores the relationship between digitalization, global value chain configurations, and coordination and governance mechanisms. Our exploratory research highlights some trends showing that digitalization is expected to impact the structure of global value chains that will become more geographically concentrated. Moreover, firms are likely to build stronger control and coordination capabilities at their headquarters, leading to less autonomous business functions and subsidiaries. The Covid-19 crisis has accelerated the digital transformation of firms, even in sectors that have been relatively less affected. Based on a web survey, we report the resulting trends and highlight potential avenues for future research
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