Journals
2026 EN
Strazzullo Serena · Acampora Lucia · Cricelli Livio
+3 more
ABSTRACT The fashion industry in Europe has increasingly recognized the importance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting as a key driver for sustainable development and transparency. As consumer awareness grows and regulatory frameworks evolve, companies are pressured to disclose their sustainability practices, ethical labor standards, and governance policies. Artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a powerful tool in this transformation, providing innovative solutions for data collection, analysis, and reporting. AI‐driven systems support fashion companies in monitoring environmental impacts, optimizing supply chains, and improving labor conditions while ensuring ESG compliance. Their predictive capabilities also enable early detection of ESG risks, supporting proactive sustainability strategies. However, the adoption of AI into ESG monitoring and reporting is still underdeveloped, particularly in sector‐specific contexts. This paper examines the intersection of ESG reporting and the role of AI in enhancing transparency and accountability, in the European fashion industry. Drawing on seven in‐depth interviews with sustainability managers from Italian companies, the study employs thematic analysis to identify key patterns in ESG reporting and AI adoption. The findings reveal heterogeneous ESG maturity levels, limited but growing AI integration, and strong managerial awareness of digital transformation needs in sustainability reporting. This study contributes to the growing body of research on sustainable business practices. Theoretically, it offers an empirical foundation to explore AI–ESG integration across industries. Practically, it drives both corporate responsibility and competitive advantage, emphasizing the need for digital transformation to meet the evolving demands of stakeholders in the European fashion sector.
Journals
2026 EN
Sica Giusy · Spiniello Chiara · Micozzi Alessandra
+1 more
ABSTRACT Drawing on four well‐established theoretical perspectives, this paper proposes an intersectional, emotionally grounded framework for understanding how gender and age jointly shape entrepreneurial perceptions across psychological, social, and cultural domains. Using 2024 Italian Global Entrepreneurship Monitor data and ordinal logistic regression, we find that women are approximately 30% more likely to report fear of failure and 20% less likely to feel self‐efficacious, despite perceiving high social respect for entrepreneurs. These emotional constraints persist across age, suggesting that gendered affective barriers are stable over time. We also demonstrate that composite indices, commonly used in entrepreneurial research, partially obscure gendered nuances that are better revealed through disaggregated analysis. This study contributes to entrepreneurship theory by integrating emotional risk into socially embedded models of entrepreneurial cognition. By addressing gendered emotional barriers, we contribute to building more socially sustainable and resilient entrepreneurial ecosystems, in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We further frame these barriers as strategic obstacles to environmentally responsible entrepreneurship, underscoring their relevance to SDGs 5, 8, 9, and 12. Finally, we highlight managerial implications: Incubators, accelerators, and firms should design gender‐sensitive interventions, such as inclusive training, mentorship, and financial instruments, to foster innovation, responsible production, and the resilience of entrepreneurial ecosystems.
Journals
2026 EN
Braga Maria Helena · B. S. Nishchith · Shivaramaiah Radha
+1 more
ABSTRACT Half‐cells have been employed to investigate the intrinsic electrochemical behavior of the cathode material, as the chemical potential of the alkali metal reference electrode remains relatively constant during discharge. However, in full cells, the discharge mechanism is anode‐dependent. Herein, a rechargeable nonaqueous sodium ion battery (SIB) is fabricated using tungsten trioxide (WO 3 ) nanopowder on a graphite substrate as the anode and a nickel‐hexacyanoferrate Prussian blue (PB) cathode to understand the dominant discharge mechanism. The battery cells are evaluated for reversibility and durability and exhibit reversible charge–discharge plateaus, confirming sodium‐ion intercalation/deintercalation in both electrodes. The sodium‐ion diffusion coefficient of 5.3 × 10 −13 cm 2 .s −1 calculated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is consistent with a planar finite space diffusion mechanism. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) shows a broad reversible redox peak on the WO 3 anode, owing to its multiple valence states, also observed in potential versus differential capacitance (dQ/dV) and simulated density of states (DOS). The full cell demonstrates an open‐circuit voltage (OCV) of 2.2 V (charged), a discharge capacity of 79 mAh.g −1 at 0.1C rate, and retains 69% of its capacity after 500 cycles, indicating promising durability and reversibility for sodium‐ion storage. The charge carrier concentration (ccc), DOS, electrical and thermal conductivities, and chemical potential simulations for the charged and discharged phases, in both electrodes, reveal that the anode determines the shape of the discharge curve and the cathode the capacity of the cell. This study paves the way to predicting the behavior of a full cell, including cycling curve shape, process, dependencies, and thermal runaway.
Journals
2026 EN
Mannu Alberto · Petretto Giacomo Luigi · Pietrobelli Erica
+5 more
ABSTRACT This work investigates the volatile fraction released from black mass (BM) obtained from spent lithium‐ion batteries subjected to microwave (MW) thermal treatment. MW processing is emerging as an alternative to conventional pyrometallurgy for improving energy efficiency and recovery of critical metals such as lithium, yet the associated emission profile remains poorly characterized. However, the studies of the emissions associated with these treatments are quite limited. Here, a multilevel full factorial Design of Experiments is applied for the first time to evaluate the influence of MW power, exposure time, and BM mass on heating dynamics and lithium extraction efficiency. Volatile organic compounds generated during MW processing are identified by headspace solid‐phase microextraction coupled to gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS‐SPME/GC‐MS), showing a complex mixture of aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, carbonate esters, and phosphorus‐ and fluorine‐containing species. Multinuclear NMR spectroscopy (¹H, ⁷Li, ¹⁹F, ³¹P) confirms the presence of electrolyte‐derived residues such as Li⁺, PF₆ − , and phosphate esters. The combined analytical approach clarifies degradation pathways during MW heating and highlights the need to monitor and mitigate the formation of potentially hazardous volatile species in future MW‐assisted recycling processes. Statistical models reveal that the time to reach 600°C and the maximum temperature depend primarily on power and exposure time, while Li recovery is governed by BM mass and its interaction with power.
Journals
2026 EN
LopezSantalla Mercedes · OrdoñezVelasco Marta C. · FernandezGarcia Maria
+4 more
Abstract Mesenchymal stromal cell (MSCs)‐based therapies have emerged as a promising approach for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) treatment due to their immunosuppressive and regenerative properties. However, clinical trials have shown limited therapeutic effectiveness, largely because of low efficiency in penetrating the inflamed colon and their inconsistent in vivo immunomodulatory ability. In this study, we generated genetically engineered adipose‐derived human MSCs constitutively expressing CXC chemokine receptor 4 and interleukin 10 (CXCR4‐IL10‐MSCs) to promote their delivery to the inflamed colon and enhance their immunosuppressive capability. Compared to unmodified MSCs, CXCR4‐IL10‐MSCs exhibited enhanced trafficking to the inflamed colon and achieved improved therapeutic effects in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)‐challenged colitic mice. Upon a chronic DSS re‐challenge, CXCR4‐IL10‐MSCs showed enhanced long‐term protective effects. These findings demonstrate that stable ectopic expression of CXCR4 and IL10 enhances the therapeutic efficacy of MSCs and supports the development of an optimized MSC‐based product capable of inducing an improved long‐term protective immune memory in IBD.
Journals
2026 EN
Jahn Stephan · Krajina Katarina · Smolle Maria Anna
+9 more
ABSTRACT Background Long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) H19 plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of different human cancers, but its role in soft tissue sarcoma (STS) has not yet been defined. Methods We analyzed H19 expression patterns in various cancer cell lines, focusing on sarcoma subtypes. RNA in situ hybridization was performed on a tissue microarray ( n = 150) to assess H19 expression in human STS samples. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to evaluate H19's prognostic value. In STS cell lines with high H19 expression, a Gapmer‐based knock‐down approach was used to study the functional impact of H19 expression. Results Low H19 expression was associated with poor prognosis in univariate analysis (HR: 0.564; 95% CI: 0.324–0.985; p = 0.044). Multivariate analysis showed advanced patient age ( p < 0.001) and large tumor size ( p = 0.002) as independent predictors of worse overall survival, irrespective of H19 expression (HR: 0.655; 95% CI: 0.367–1.170; p = 0.153). H19 knockdown in STS cell lines reduced cellular growth and increased pro‐apoptotic activity. Discussion Our findings suggest that H19 might play a role in STS pathogenesis. While its prognostic value requires further investigation, H19‐based targeting approaches may warrant evaluation for therapeutic potential in STS.
Journals
2026 EN
Saar Matthias · Fizazi Karim · Shore Neal D.
+16 more
ABSTRACT Background Darolutamide plus androgen‐deprivation therapy (ADT) improved metastasis‐free survival (MFS) by 2 years and reduced the risk of death by 31% in nonmetastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC) in ARAMIS. Prior local therapy may influence the efficacy of subsequent systemic therapy. This post hoc analysis of ARAMIS evaluated the effect of prior local therapy on the efficacy and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) of darolutamide. Methods Patients with nmCRPC were randomized to darolutamide ( n = 955) or placebo ( n = 554) while continuing ADT. MFS, overall survival (OS), time to prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) progression, and HRQoL deterioration‐free survival (DetFS) were estimated for patients with and without local therapy and by treatment using Kaplan–Meier methods. Results Darolutamide increased MFS versus placebo in patients with (HR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.26–0.48) and without (HR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.36–0.59) local therapy. Median OS was 48.6 months for placebo without local therapy and not reached in either the darolutamide group or placebo group with local therapy. Darolutamide 3‐year OS rates were 86.9% (95% CI, 83.0–90.8) and 79.0% (95% CI, 66.2–78.1) in patients with and without local therapy, respectively. Darolutamide showed evidence of improved OS versus placebo in patients with prior local therapy (HR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.50–1.30) and a greater effect in those without local therapy (HR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.50–0.90). Darolutamide delayed time to PSA progression and HRQoL deterioration regardless of local therapy. Conclusions Darolutamide versus placebo improved MFS, OS, time to PSA progression, and HRQoL DetFS independent of prior local therapy, consistent with the overall ARAMIS population. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov registration: NCT02200614
Journals
2026 EN
Mancini Silvia · Toffolutti Federica · Zamagni Federica
+23 more
ABSTRACT Background In Italy, cure indicators of cutaneous malignant melanoma according to Breslow tumour thickness have never been assessed. Objectives To evaluate the time trend in 1‐year net survival (NS), 5|1‐year conditional NS (CNS) and cure fraction (CF). Methods Data from 10 cancer registries and 13,377 patients aged 15–74 years were used. Five|1‐year CNS was defined as the probability of surviving 5 years given that the patient has survived 1 year. CF was defined as the proportion of patients with the same life expectancy as the general population. One‐year NS and 5|1‐year CNS were contrasted between 2013–2017 and 2003–2007, and CF between 2015 and 2005. Results For lesions up to 4 mm thick, 1‐year NS reached a level > 98.0%. In 2013–2017, 5|1‐year CNS was above 90% for men and women with lesions up to 2.0 mm thick and increased markedly for men with lesions > 2.0–4.0 mm thick (65.1% to 82.4%) and > 4.0 mm thick (57.6% to 69.4%). The CF of patients with a melanoma ≤ 1.0 mm thick was approximately 100% in both sexes, and nearly doubled from 2005 to 2015 (28% to 54%) for men aged 55–74 years with a melanoma > 4.0 mm thick. Conclusions Patients with a melanoma ≤ 1 mm thick have the same life expectancy as the general population. The increase in the CF of men with thick lesions supports the hypothesis that novel therapies, approved in Italy since 2013, offer the possibility of cure.
Journals
2026 EN
Wansch Katharina · Schneider François · Dölvers Florian
+15 more
ABSTRACT Background Patient‐derived organoid (PDO) models have emerged as critical tools in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) research and are used as surrogates for studying the individual's tumor biology. Still, PDO‐based concepts for direct clinical application remain challenging. In this prospective observational trial (OrgaPanCCC‐01), we aim to address clinical feasibility, identify predictive factors for PDO establishment, and assess the prognostic potential of PDO establishment for patient's survival. Methods Samples for PDO generation were prospectively collected via endoscopy, surgery, and transcutaneous punch biopsy, or from ascites. Patients were followed up for a median time of 14.6 months. We evaluated the clinical feasibility by determining the PDO establishment rate and the time required for establishment. Uni‐ and multivariate analyses were performed to examine the effect of clinical and sample characteristics on PDO establishment. For the predictive and prognostic potential, PDO establishment was correlated to the patients' disease‐free (DFS), progression‐free (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Results Between 2021 and 2023, 75 patients were enrolled with radiologically suspected PDAC at the Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin and at the Waldfriede Krankenhaus Berlin. PDAC was confirmed in 62 patients (83%). PDO establishment was achieved in 58% ( n = 36/62) of patients within a median of 28 days, supporting the feasibility of clinical implementation. In the uni‐ and multivariate analysis, samples from metastatic sites ( p = 0.04) and higher CA19‐9 levels ( p = 0.03) were found to be positively correlated with PDO growth. Patients without PDO growth tended to have longer PFS ( p = 0.32), whereas no statistically significant correlation was observed between PDO growth and OS. Conclusion In this prospective observational trial, we show that PDO generation is feasible at a success rate of 58% within a clinically reasonable time frame of 6 weeks. The efficacy of PDO establishment depended on sample site, with metastatic samples showing higher establishment rates. Higher CA 19‐9 levels were positively correlated with PDO growth. Successful PDO establishment did not have a prognostic value for OS. Overall, our findings he great potential of PDO‐based precision medicine approaches, which should further be evaluated in prospective interventional translational trials.
Journals
2026 EN
Giudici Fabiola · De Vidi Sara · Guzzinati Stefano
+17 more
ABSTRACT Background This study aims to estimate the long‐term risk of metastatic recurrence (MR) among Italian women with breast cancer (BC) by period, age, stage, and surrogate molecular profile. Methods Data on 59,968 women below age 75 years diagnosed in 1997–2017 with stage I‐III BC from 7 population‐based Italian cancer registries were analyzed. We used a novel modeling method, based on an illness–death process coupled with a mixture cure model, to estimate relative survival and MR risks up to 15 years after BC diagnosis according to calendar period, age, stage, and profile. Results The risk of MR for the entire cohort at 15 years decreased from 20.6% in 1997–2006 to 12.3% in 2007–2017, when MR risk within 15 years was 3.0% for stage I, 16.0% for stage II, and 42.7% for stage III. The conditional risk of MR decreased with time since diagnosis, with stage I–III triple‐negative BC having a higher risk of developing MR in the first 5 years regardless of age (16.0% at age 15–54 years and 18.3% at 55–74 years), but < 1% once they survived for 5 years without recurrence. In contrast, hormone receptor‐positive BC had a lower but persisting risk of MR of about 6% for both age groups in the first 10 years, halving to about 3% in the following 5 years after diagnosis. Conclusions This study provides a population‐based estimate of the long‐term risk of MR for women with BC by major prognostic factors. These findings may help in tailoring follow‐up strategies through informative risk stratification.