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The paper presents a new Lean Logistics tool specifically designed for Engineer and Design-To-Order (ETO and DTO) industrial environments. The new tool, namely Plan For Every Order (PFEO), conceptually derives from the well-known Plan For Every Part used in the automotive serial production context. PFEO is proposed as a tool for industrialization, focusing on the design and logistics optimization of internal material flows at ETO and DTO plants. In the paper, the principles, and concepts behind PFEO are presented and developed. The tool collects information on both suppliers and materials, improving both the management of materials and spaces and communication between the company and suppliers. The operability of the tool is proven in a real business case involving an shipyard. The PFEO has provided a solid database for the development of auxiliary monitoring and visualization tools, the application of which increases order in the warehouse and assembly areas and reduces costs and errors.

Iodine has been recently defined as a plant nutrient, triggering beneficial outcomes in terms of plant fitness and crop quality. In the present study, we demonstrated that iodine boosts Arabidopsis tolerance against the necrotrophic fungal pathogen Botrytis cinerea. At micromolar concentrations, we found that iodine activated a broad spectrum of immune-like responses, stimulating the transient accumulation of H2O2, likely acting as a second messenger. Iodine activated three major hormonal players involved in plant defence, namely, salicylic acid, jasmonic acid and ethylene. Several pathogenesis-related (PR) genes, particularly PR2 and PR5, were also strongly induced by iodine. The use of Arabidopsis mutants impaired in SA, JA or ET biosynthesis/signalling allowed us to demonstrate the central role of JA in the iodine-induced resistance to B. cinerea. Nevertheless, the wide range of defence-like responses triggered by iodine suggests its potential effectiveness against a broad spectrum of biotic agents. Integrating iodine in plant nutritional programs thus represents a promising, eco-friendly, and easy-to-apply tool to fight against pathogen attacks, which could be alternative/additional to using traditional pesticides.

Assessing respiratory frequency (fR) is practical in monitoring training progress in competitive athletes, especially during exercise. This study aimed to validate a new wearable chest strap (wCS) to estimate fR against ergospirometry as a criterion device in soccer players. A total of 26 elite professional soccer players (mean [standard deviation]: 23.6 [4.8] years; 180.6 [5.7] cm; 77.2 [5.4] kg) from three Italian Serie A League teams participated in this cross-sectional study. The sample included attackers, midfielders, and defenders. fR was assessed during a maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) on a treadmill using (i) a breath-by-breath gas exchange analyzer (Vyntus® CPX, Vyaire Medical) and (ii) a novel wCS with sensors designed to assess breath frequency following chest expansions. Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r), adjusted coefficient of determination (aR2), Bland–Altman plot analysis, and Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient (ρc) were used for comparative analysis (correlation and concordance) among the methods. The repeated measures correlation coefficient (rrm) was used to assess the strength of the linear association between the methods. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the Finn coefficient (rF) were used for inter-rater reliability. All statistical analyses were performed within the R statistical computing environment, with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) reported and statistical significance set at p < 0.05. A total of 16529 comparisons were performed after collecting the CPET data. The robust time series analysis with Hodges–Lehmann estimation showed no significant differences between both methods (p > 0.05). Correlation among devices was statistically significant and very large (r [95% CI]: 0.970 [0.970, 0.971], p < 0.01; aR2 [95% CI]: 0.942 [0.942, 0.943], p < 0.01) with strong evidence supporting consistency of the new wCS (BF10 > 100). In addition, a high concordance was found (ρc [95% CI]: 0.970 [0.969, 0.971], bias correction factor: 0.999). VyntusTM CPX, as a standard criterion, showed moderate agreement with wCS after Bland–Altman analysis (bias [95% lower to the upper limit of agreement]; % agree: 0.170 [−4.582 to 4.923] breaths·min−1; 69.9%). A strong association between measurements (rrm [95% CI]: 0.960 [0.959, 0.961]), a high absolute agreement between methods (ICC [95% CI]: 0.970 [0.970, 0.971]), and high inter-rater reliability (rF: 0.947) were found. With an RMSE = 2.42 breaths·min−1, the new wCS seems to be an valid and reliable in-field method to evaluate fR compared to a breath-by-breath gas exchange analyzer. Notwithstanding, caution is advised if methods are used interchangeably while further external validation occurs.

The paper presents a new Lean Logistics tool specifically designed for Engineer and Design-To-Order (ETO and DTO) industrial environments. The new tool, namely Plan For Every Order (PFEO), conceptually derives from the well-known Plan For Every Part used in the automotive serial production context. PFEO is proposed as a tool for industrialization, focusing on the design and logistics optimization of internal material flows at ETO and DTO plants. In the paper, the principles, and concepts behind PFEO are presented and developed. The tool collects information on both suppliers and materials, improving both the management of materials and spaces and communication between the company and suppliers. The operability of the tool is proven in a real business case involving an shipyard. The PFEO has provided a solid database for the development of auxiliary monitoring and visualization tools, the application of which increases order in the warehouse and assembly areas and reduces costs and errors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aurothiomalate (AuTM) is an FDA‐approved antiarthritic gold drug with unique anticancer properties. To enhance its anticancer activity, we prepared a bioconjugate with human apoferritin (HuHf) by attaching some AuTM moieties to surface protein residues. The reaction of apoferritin with excess AuTM yielded a single adduct, that was characterized by ESI MS and ICP‐OES analysis, using three mutant ferritins and trypsinization experiments. The adduct contains ~3 gold atoms per ferritin subunit, arranged in a small cluster bound to Cys90 and Cys102. MD simulations provided a plausible structural model for the cluster. The adduct was evaluated for its pharmacological properties and was found to be significantly more cytotoxic than free AuTM against A2780 cancer cells mainly due to higher gold uptake. NMR‐metabolomics showed that AuTM bound to HuHf and free AuTM induced qualitatively similar changes in treated cancer cells, indicating that the effects on cell metabolism are approximately the same, in agreement with independent biochemical experiments. In conclusion, we have demonstrated here that a molecularly precise bioconjugate formed between AuTM and HuHf exhibits anticancer properties far superior to the free drug, while retaining its key mechanistic features. Evidence is provided that human ferritin can serve as an excellent carrier for this metallodrug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessing respiratory frequency (fR) is practical in monitoring training progress in competitive athletes, especially during exercise. This study aimed to validate a new wearable chest strap (wCS) to estimate fR against ergospirometry as a criterion device in soccer players. A total of 26 elite professional soccer players (mean [standard deviation]: 23.6 [4.8] years; 180.6 [5.7] cm; 77.2 [5.4] kg) from three Italian Serie A League teams participated in this cross-sectional study. The sample included attackers, midfielders, and defenders. fR was assessed during a maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) on a treadmill using (i) a breath-by-breath gas exchange analyzer (Vyntus® CPX, Vyaire Medical) and (ii) a novel wCS with sensors designed to assess breath frequency following chest expansions. Pearson's correlation coefficient (r), adjusted coefficient of determination (aR2), Bland–Altman plot analysis, and Lin's concordance correlation coefficient (ρc) were used for comparative analysis (correlation and concordance) among the methods. The repeated measures correlation coefficient (rrm) was used to assess the strength of the linear association between the methods. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the Finn coefficient (rF) were used for inter-rater reliability. All statistical analyses were performed within the R statistical computing environment, with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) reported and statistical significance set at p < 0.05. A total of 16529 comparisons were performed after collecting the CPET data. The robust time series analysis with Hodges–Lehmann estimation showed no significant differences between both methods (p > 0.05). Correlation among devices was statistically significant and very large (r [95% CI]: 0.970 [0.970, 0.971], p < 0.01; aR2 [95% CI]: 0.942 [0.942, 0.943], p < 0.01) with strong evidence supporting consistency of the new wCS (BF10 > 100). In addition, a high concordance was found (ρc [95% CI]: 0.970 [0.969, 0.971], bias correction factor: 0.999). VyntusTM CPX, as a standard criterion, showed moderate agreement with wCS after Bland–Altman analysis (bias [95% lower to the upper limit of agreement]; % agree: 0.170 [−4.582 to 4.923] breaths·min−1; 69.9%). A strong association between measurements (rrm [95% CI]: 0.960 [0.959, 0.961]), a high absolute agreement between methods (ICC [95% CI]: 0.970 [0.970, 0.971]), and high inter-rater reliability (rF: 0.947) were found. With an RMSE = 2.42 breaths·min−1, the new wCS seems to be an valid and reliable in-field method to evaluate fR compared to a breath-by-breath gas exchange analyzer. Notwithstanding, caution is advised if methods are used interchangeably while further external validation occurs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Case summary A 10-year-old male neutered domestic shorthair cat was presented with a 4 month history of slow, progressive swelling and intermittent multifocal bleeding of the distal right forepaw that progressively developed after cephalic vein catheterisation for anaesthesia. The procedure was performed for dental calculus removal. Initial clinical and biopsy (superficial biopsy) findings matched two differential diagnoses: progressive angiomatosis and acquired peripheral arteriovenous fistula (AVF). AVF was suspected based on Doppler ultrasound examination that identified multiple abnormal sinusoidal neoformed branching vessels with turbulent high-velocity flow spectrum at the confluence of the artery and vein, and high-velocity arterialised flow in the vein. Owing to rapid and severe progression of lesions after biopsy, the owner requested amputation of the cat’s limb. A definitive diagnosis of acquired iatrogenic peripheral AVF was based on deep-tissue microscopical evaluation. High numbers of arterioles and venules in superficial and deep dermis embedded in oedematous stroma were connected to dilated and tortuous vessels with irregularly thickened walls in deep dermis and panniculus. Vasculitis and vascular thrombosis and thickening (attributed to local hypertension) were common findings. No bone or muscular invasion were observed. The cat was doing well 3 years after surgery. Relevance and novel information This report describes a case of iatrogenic acquired peripheral AVF following venous catheterisation in a cat, fully documented for the first time by a combination of clinical findings, ultrasound imaging, complete histopathology and follow-up history.

Caring for patients with Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) stages III and IV with chronic respiratory failure is difficult independent of whether the target is survival or quality of life (QOL). The role of inhaled drug therapy in this specific set of very severe COPD patients has not previously been assessed. The only drug able to prolong survival in these patients is long term oxygen therapy, whereas there is little evidence to indicate long term domiciliary mechanical ventilation in the routine management of stable hypercapnic patients. Supplemental oxygen during exercise reduces exercise breathlessness and improves exercise capacity of the hypoxaemic patient. Pulmonary rehabilitation including nutritional supplementation is a significant component of therapy, even in these severe patients. Relief of dyspnoea with drugs such as morphine should not be denied to severely disabled patients who share poor QOL with cancer patients. Non-invasive ventilation has been used as a palliative treatment to reduce dyspnoea. Lung Volume Reduction Surgery may improve mortality, exercise capacity, and QOL in selected patients, but is associated with significant morbidity and an early mortality rate in the most severe patients. Lung transplantation is a final step in end-stage patients, but short- and long-term outcomes remain significantly inferior in relation to other “solid” organs recipients.

Background and Aim. The hazardous health effects of smoking and second-hand smoke are well known and have been confirmed in several studies. We wondered whether a school based programme involving media models such as those represented by famous soccer players and TV characters, was effective in prevention of smoking habit in secondary school adolescents. Methods. Since October 2006 to May 2007 an anonymous survey was submitted to 1382 secondary schools pupils. After completing the questionnaire all students of 42 out of 70 classes selected by the school principals underwent a prevention programme consisting of 1 hour lecture on smoke healthy hazard with educational material (slides, video, leaflets). Furthermore each pupil was given card games with significant pictures. Since October 2007 to May 2008 and Since October 2008 to May 2009 pupils underwent a 1 hour interactive lesson on smoke related health hazards respectively. On December 2007 pupils in study attended a theatre event with show business characters acting to smoke dissuasion. No intervention was performed on the 568 pupils of the other classes along all the same 2 school- year period (controls). Results. Among other results at the end of the 2-year program 4% pupils of study group and 14% of controls reported smoking habit (p = 0.001) whereas 7% and 27% (p = 0.001) of study and control pupils respectively ignored smoking induced dependence. Conclusion. A school based programme involving media models such as those represented by famous soccer players, TV characters, was effective in prevention of smoking habit in secondary school adolescents.

BACKGROUND: The improvement of health represents a goal for all countries in the world in a global way and, compared to earlier stages of development, there is a significant focus by the public health system on community and home-based services in particular. OBJECTIVE: This objective was reaffirmed during the last World Health Summit (May 2021), at which the leaders of the G20 countries, together with other member states, signed the "Declaration of Rome". METHODS: The paper contains the study of the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has determined on the organization of the health system, through the study of the data provided by the main national and international organizations in the health field. RESULTS: It emerged that the field of personal, family and community care are certainly an area of growth for nursing, which also in the European context, is showing an increase importance given to services and care activities outside the hospital and home in particular. In all of this, the roles that nurses can assume are differentiated and articulated. CONCLUSIONS: In the complexity of this perspective, families and community seem to emerge as a point of reference for a nursing care that is certainly going through a decisive moment in the slow, but inexorable path towards the emancipation of its disciplinary status and the development of its ability to provide new, original and autonomous responses to the needs of the assisted population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article "Respiratory frequency: from health to sports performance monitoring" published in Medical Gas Research discusses the importance of monitoring respiratory frequency (RF) in subjects with cardiovascular and neuromuscular pathologies, as well as in athletes. RF plays a crucial role in evaluating performance, preventing injuries, and improving athletic response to training. Various factors such as age, exercise intensity, training status, and surrounding environment influence RF, making it a valuable tool for assessing training effectiveness and designing programs. The article also highlights the need for wearable devices that can accurately measure RF during training and sports activities. [Extracted from the article]