We aimed to clarify the nutrient allocation strategies of Cunninghamia lanceolata (CL) and Schima superba (SS) and their differences in N uptake and utilization under acidic stress and heterogeneous allocation of N. One-year-old seedlings of CL and SS were cultured in sands with three pH levels (pH rate 4.5, 5.5, and 6.5) and five different N form ratios (NH₄⁺-N to NO₃⁻-N ratios 10:0, 7:3, 5:5, 3:7, and 0:10) in the greenhouse. The C, N, and P contents and C:N:P stoichiometry in leaves, total biomass, and NH₄⁺-N and NO₃⁻-N contents in the cultivation substrate were analyzed after 160 days. At the pH rate of 4.5, the N contents of CL and SS significantly decreased. However, the N contents of SS increased at the pH rate of 5.5. At the pH rate of 5.5, the N content of CL and SS increased under the cultivation substrate, with ratios of 10:0 and 7:3, and 3:7 and 0:10, respectively. The N content of CL was significantly positively correlated with its P content. The C:P ratios of CL and SS were significantly positively correlated with their C:N ratios and N:P ratios. Under the same treatment, the differences in C:N:P stoichiometry were more significant between CL and SS at the pH rate of 5.5. The NH₄⁺-N content of the cultivation substrate in CL and SS was higher than the NO₃⁻-N content. At the ratio of 7:3, the C:N stoichiometric ratio of CL and C:N:P stoichiometric ratio of SS were negatively correlated with total biomass. At the pH rate of 5.5, cultivation environments with high NH₄⁺-N and NO₃⁻-N amount respectively increased the N content of CL and SS. The CL is susceptible to N limitation, and SS is susceptible to N and P limitation. Full article

Sprouts’ consumption has become popular due to their wide availability, easy cultivation process, and proven biological activity. Moreover, stress factors, such as limited access to light or disturbed gravity during growth, may contribute to the increased activity and the synthesis of bioactive compounds. In this study, for the first time, the examination of the impact of darkness and simulated microgravity conditions on the white clover sprouts from the Fabaceae family was conducted. Among several species, used in the preliminary attempts, only white clover was satisfactory sprouting in the disturbed gravity conditions, and thus was chosen for further examination. A random positioning machine setup was used during the cultivation process to simulate microgravity conditions. Additionally, the sprouts were cultivated in total darkness. Simulated microgravity and/or darkness during the first few days of the sprouts’ growth caused biomass reduction, the increased synthesis of bioactive compounds (isoflavones and phenolics), and changes in the level of abscisic acid and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase. Moreover, it increased the antioxidant properties of the sprouts, while the enhancement of their cytotoxic impact was observed only for androgen-dependent prostate cancer LNCaP cells. To conclude, the presented results are promising in searching for novel functional food candidates and further studies are necessary, directed at other plant families. Full article

Ragweed pollen allergy is the most common seasonal allergy in western Romania. Prolonged exposure to ragweed pollen may induce sensitization to pan-allergens such as calcium-binding proteins (polcalcins) and progression to more severe symptoms. We aimed to detect IgE sensitization to recombinant Amb a 9 and Amb a 10 in a Romanian population, to assess their potential clinical relevance and cross-reactivity, as well as to investigate the relation with clinical symptoms. rAmb a 9 and rAmb a 10 produced in Escherichia coli were used to detect specific IgE in sera from 87 clinically characterized ragweed-allergic patients in ELISA, for basophil activation experiments and rabbit immunization. Rabbit rAmb a 9- and rAmb a 10-specific sera were used to detect possible cross-reactivity with rArt v 5 and reactivity towards ragweed and mugwort pollen extracts. The results showed an IgE reactivity of 25% to rAmb a 9 and 35% to rAmb a 10. rAmb a 10 induced basophil degranulation in three out of four patients tested. Moreover, polcalcin-negative patients reported significantly more skin symptoms, whereas polcalcin-positive patients tended to report more respiratory symptoms. Furthermore, both rabbit antisera showed low reactivity towards extracts and showed high reactivity to rArt v 5, suggesting strong cross-reactivity. Our study indicated that recombinant ragweed polcalcins might be considered for molecular diagnosis. Full article

Chronic diffuse sclerosing osteomyelitis is a very rare condition, described as a non-suppurative, inflammatory disease of the bone and characterized by a proliferative endosteal reaction, which clinically reveals itself with cyclic pain of the jaw and swelling. We reported two clinical cases, where patients suffered recurrent swelling and pain at the mandible irradiating to the preauricular area, denying any previous trauma or significant medical history. Odontogenic causes were excluded. An initial treatment with antibiotics and NSAIDs temporarily relieved the symptoms without complete resolution, prompting further investigations. After a comprehensive array of diagnostic tools (X-rays, CT scans, scintigraphy, bone biopsy, serum markers), both patients were diagnosed with chronic diffuse sclerosing osteomyelitis of the mandible. Bisphosphonates (clodronate and zolendronate) with different treatment schemes were used to treat the condition, until a full recovery from symptoms was reported. Bisphosphonates could therefore represent an effective option in managing this rare but impactful condition. Further research is warranted to better understand the underlying mechanisms of the disease and to optimize treatment strategies. Full article

Technological improvements have introduced significant innovations in dentistry and broadened the array of tools and techniques in dental care. One technological development that has been widely researched over the past 20 years is the use of Near-Infrared Transillumination (NIRT) imaging for the diagnosis of dental caries. This paper aims to introduce a comprehensive collection of NIRT images, intended as a reference tool for routine dental examinations, dental research, pedagogical activities, and forensic odontology. The collection presents pairwise clinical and NIRT images categorized as follows: (a) healthy teeth, (b) carious teeth, (c) restored teeth, (d) enamel defects, and (e) diverse findings. This atlas could be a valuable tool for the dental community as it is designed as an identification guide of NIRT illustrated dental features. Full article

It has been more than two decades since the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA; 1997) included language about the use of functional behavior assessments (FBAs) and behavior intervention plans (BIPs) to address the challenging behaviors of students with disabilities in schools. It has been more than ten years since three technical adequacy studies were published that evaluated school-based FBAs’ and BIPs’ inclusion of essential components and found them to be significantly lacking. The aims of this study were to expand upon the previous research by (a) establishing the psychometric properties of the FBA/BIP Technical Adequacy Evaluation Tool (TATE), (b) evaluating the technical adequacy of 135 completed FBAs and 129 BIPs from 13 school districts across a single state, and (c) comparing the findings to previous studies. The results showed that (a) the TATE has moderate but acceptable internal consistency, excellent inter-rater reliability, and good content validity, (b) the technical adequacy scores of the evaluated products ranged between 40% and 50% of the total components, and (c) most of the BIPs had similar flaws to those seen in the previous research; however, improvement was noted in the FBA components. The implications for practice and suggestions for future research are discussed. Full article

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the use of annual mass drug administration (MDA) as the strategy for controlling and eliminating the five preventive chemotherapy neglected tropical diseases (PC-NTDs). The success of MDAs hinges on community acceptance, active participation, and compliance. This study aimed to explore the experiences and perceptions of community members, to obtain a more thorough understanding of their openness and willingness to participate in MDA and other NTD elimination activities. A mixed-methods approach was employed, utilizing qualitative and quantitative methods for comprehensive data collection. Eighteen key informant interviews (KIIs) and sixteen focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted to explore community engagement, participation, medication utilization, and programme perception. Triangulation of findings from interviews and discussions with household survey results was performed to gain a deeper understanding of emerging themes. The household survey involved interviewing 1220 individuals (Abaji: 687; Bwari: 533). Audio tapes recorded KIIs and FGDs, with interview transcripts coded using Nvivo 12.0 software based on predefined themes. Descriptive analysis using SPSS version 21 was applied to quantitative data. Results indicated high awareness of mass drug administration (MDA) campaigns in both area councils (Abaji: 84.9%; Bwari: 82.9%), with a small percentage claiming ignorance (15.1%), attributed to lack of information or absence during health campaigns. Respondents primarily participated by taking medication (82.5%), with minimal involvement in other MDA campaigns. Perception of medicines was generally positive, with a significant association between participation level and performance rating (p < 0.05). The study recommends leveraging high awareness and community responsiveness to enhance engagement in various MDA activities, ensuring sustainability and ownership of the programme. Full article

With the rapid development of a social economy, the yearly increase in air conditioning load in the winter and summer seasons may bring serious challenges to the safe and economic operation of the power grid during the peak period of electricity consumption. So, how we reasonably adjust the set temperature of air conditioning so as to cut down the load during peak periods is very important. In this paper, considering the thermal inertia of air-conditioned buildings and the adaptability of human thermal comfort to temperature changes, the air conditioning load is regarded as virtual energy storage, the air conditioning temperature adjustment range for different users is determined based on the adaptive thermal comfort model of different geographic locations and climatic conditions, and a compensation mechanism is set up based on air conditioning users’ level of participation. Then, an optimal scheduling strategy for a microgrid was constructed with the objectives of user satisfaction, carbon emissions, and microgrid operation benefits, as well as regulating the users’ electricity consumption behavior, and the strategy was solved by using a multi-objective JAYA algorithm. Finally, winter and summer are used as case studies to analyze the results, which demonstrate that regulating the virtual energy storage of air conditioning can effectively improve the economy and environmental friendliness of a microgrid operation and reduce the cost of electricity consumption for the users, taking into account the comfort of the users. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the sequential hydrolysis of the biomass from unconventional and versatile Y. lipolytica to recover mannoproteins, carbohydrates, and other compounds as well as to determine the antioxidant activity of ultrafiltered fractions. The crude biomass underwent autolysis, and the resulting supernatant fraction was used for mannoprotein recovery via precipitation with ethanol. The precipitate obtained after autolysis underwent acid hydrolysis, and the resulting supernatant was ultrafiltered, precipitated, and characterized. The process yields were 55.5% and 46.14% for the crude biomass grown in glucose and glycerol, respectively. The mannoprotein with higher carbohydrate content (from crude biomass grown in glycerol) exhibited a higher emulsification index of 47.35% and thermal stability (60% weight loss). In contrast, the mannoprotein with higher protein content (from crude biomass grown in glucose) showed a better surface tension reduction of 44.50 mN/m. The technological properties showed that the crude biomass and the food ingredients are feasible to apply in food processing. The fractionation of the acid hydrolysis portion allowed the evaluation of the antioxidant power synergism among the components present in the hydrolysate, mostly the protein peptide chain. The sequential hydrolysis method is viable for extracting valuable products from Y. lipolytica. Full article

Creative social enterprises are increasingly emerging in rural regions, motivated by a desire to take social responsibility through creative approaches. These enterprises integrate entrepreneurial activities with creative social attributes and are sometimes set in rural collaborative workspaces (CWSs) facilitating entrepreneurial activities. Under the frame of entrepreneurial ecosystems (EEs), we argue that CWSs can be seen as brokers, who (1) link resources as liaisons, (2) hold and pass resources as gatekeepers, (3) enhance resource flows as coordinators, and (4) reproduce experiences as representatives. Against this backdrop, this paper presents a case study of two creative social enterprises in a CWS with a cooperative structure in rural Upper Austria by analyzing entrepreneurial biographies about the demand and use of entrepreneurial resources. Through a comparison between before and after the emergence of the CWS, the findings suggest that the EE for creative and social entrepreneurship undergoes two different types of transformation, a radical and a gradual one. The brokerage process of the CWS enhances local resource networks’ transformation of EE and brings the transformation in terms of translocal resources and integral EE of enterprises in the CWS. Additionally, the CWS generates social impacts on the local community through social enterprises. This paper contributes to ecosystem literature by introducing an actor-centric perspective and giving new insights into social entrepreneurship and the transformative power of CWSs as brokers. Full article

Abstract: Hepatobiliary ascariasis is caused by the entry of the nematode A. lumbricoides from the duodenum into the biliary duct. We report a case of an Ascaris-induced extrahepatic biliary tract obstruction in a pediatric patient admitted to the hospital due to a wide spectrum of symptoms of biliary disease, which included abdominal pain in the upper abdominal quadrants, vomiting, and jaundice. Imaging tests—including ultrasound, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)—were performed to confirm the diagnosis of biliary ascariasis. The tests did, in fact, demonstrate signs of this disease. Nevertheless, during the ERCP, only the remains of Ascaris parasites in the form of tissue fragments were extracted. We also aim to discuss the prevalence of ascariasis in children, the causes of migration of Ascaris parasites into the bile ducts, together with its clinical manifestations, as well as the diagnostic and treatment methods of this disease. Full article

Despite ongoing screening efforts, colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a leading cause of death in Canada. The aim of this study was to better understand the experiences of Canadian CRC patients with their family practitioners (FPs) during and after their CRC diagnosis. Patient-reported data were collected through an online questionnaire to understand their CRC diagnosis experiences and identify potential gaps in care. Various factors contributing to challenges throughout a patient’s CRC diagnosis (e.g., delayed CRC diagnosis) were determined using descriptive, qualitative, and inferential analyses. These factors could be targeted to optimize CRC care. This study found that 40.6% of the 175 respondents were unaware of at least one of the following aspects of CRC prior to their diagnosis: early-age onset (EAO), symptoms, and screening procedures. While 84.6% had access to a family physician (FP) before their diagnosis, only 17.7% were diagnosed by FPs. Higher proportions of younger individuals experienced misdiagnoses and felt dismissed compared to older individuals. Only half felt fully informed about their diagnosis when it was explained to them by their FP, while 53.1% had their diagnosis explained in plain language. Transitioning towards patient-centred care would promote pre-diagnosis CRC awareness, address differences in management of CRC care (e.g., dismissal and support), and accommodate for age and health-literacy-related disparities, thereby improving CRC care pathways for patients. Future research should investigate FPs experiences in detecting CRC cases to develop educational resources and recommendations, enhancing early detection and improving patient outcomes (1). Full article

Introduction: Ischemic conditionings (ICon) were intensively investigated and several protective signaling pathways were identified. Previously, we have shown the role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (MIRI) and the cardioprotective role of biglycan (BGN), a small leucine-rich proteoglycan in vitro. Here, we hypothesized that cardiac MMP and BGN signaling are involved in the protective effects of ICon. Methods: A reverse target-microRNA prediction was performed by using the miRNAtarget™ 2.0 software to identify human microRNAs with a possible regulatory effect on MMP and BGN, such as on related genes. To validate the identified 1289 miRNAs in the predicted network, we compared them to two cardioprotective miRNA omics datasets derived from pig and rat models of MIRI in the presence of ICons. Results: Among the experimentally measured miRNAs, we found 100% sequence identity to human predicted regulatory miRNAs in the case of 37 porcine and 24 rat miRNAs. Upon further analysis, 42 miRNAs were identified as MIRI-associated miRNAs, from which 24 miRNAs were counter-regulated due to ICons. Conclusions: Our findings highlight 24 miRNAs that potentially regulate cardioprotective therapeutic targets associated with MMPs and BGN in a highly translatable porcine model of acute myocardial infarction. Full article

Potential evapotranspiration (PET) is a crucial parameter for forest development, having an important role in ecological, biometeorological, and hydrological assessments. Accurate estimations of PET using the FAO–56 Penman–Monteith (FAO–56 PM) benchmark method require a wide range of data parameters, which are not typically available at meteorological stations installed in forest environments. The aim of this study is to investigate the accuracy of various methods with low data requirements for assessing PET in a Mediterranean forest environment and propose appropriate alternatives for accurate PET estimation. Specifically, 50 temperature-based methods were evaluated against the FAO–56 PM method in a sub-humid forest in northern Greece, using high-quality daily meteorological data. The outcomes indicate that temperature-based methods offer a viable alternative for PET estimation when data availability is limited, with a considerable number of methods (22) presenting low deviations (up to 10%) compared to the benchmark method. Temperature-based models outperformed those incorporating water-related parameters (as relative humidity or precipitation) in Mediterranean forest environments. The top performing methods in the study site, based on several statistical indices, were the equations of Ravazzani et al., proposed in 2012, followed by Hargreaves–Samani in 1985 and Heydari and Heydari in 2014. Full article

Major explosive volcanic eruptions impact the climate by altering the radiative balance of the atmosphere and through feedback mechanisms in the climate system. The extent of the impact depends on the magnitude (aerosol mass loading) and the number or frequency of such eruptions. Multiple Antarctica ice core records of past volcanic eruptions reveal that the number (5) of major eruptions (volcanic sulfate deposition flux greater than 10 kg km⁻²) was the highest in the 13th century over the last two millennia. Signals of four of the five eruptions are dated to the second half of the century, indicating consecutive major eruptions capable of causing sustained climate impact via known feedback processes. The fact that signals of four corresponding eruptions have been found in a Greenland ice core indicates that four of the five 13th century eruptions were probably by volcanoes in the low latitudes (between 20° N and 20° S) with substantial aerosol mass loading. These eruptions in the low latitudes likely exerted the strongest volcanic impact on climate in the last two millennia. Full article

We synthesized Pr₂NiMnO₆, Gd₂NiMnO₆, and Er₂NiMnO₆ double perovskites in a nano-ceramic form by a sol–gel method. By means of room-temperature X-ray powder diffraction measurements, we determined the crystal structure of the three compounds, which is monoclinic, corresponding to a double perovskite structure, described by space group P2₁/n structure. From the determined structures, the bulk moduli were estimated to be 173–179 GPa. The average size particle of nanoparticles was determined from X-ray diffraction by the Langford method plot and by the Scherrer formula. The morphology and homogeneity of nanoparticles were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. We found that they form compact agglomerations of approximately 200 nm in diameter. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy measurements were performed, determining the absorption spectrum. The assignment of the measured infrared absorption bands is discussed. Full article

Friedrich Schleiermacher emerged as a prominent advocate for German nationalism in the Wars of Liberation from Napoleonic domination in the early nineteenth century. Alongside his work as a pastor and theologian in Berlin, and also as the co-founder of the University of Berlin, Schleiermacher developed German nationalism from a distinctly Protestant perspective, one that sought the preservation of Protestantism in the German lands under Napoleonic domination. While it would be an overstatement to suggest that Schleiermacher’s nationalism was anti-Catholic, he certainly sought to preserve and maintain Protestantism in the German lands. His vision of the German nation-state emphasized Germany’s role as a divine instrument of God’s will in the world. He assumed the cultural unity of the peoples in German lands, that is, an area of land in which the peoples are bound together by the common use of the German language. In his distinct role as a pastor, theologian, and academic, he was devoted to the cultivation of German national consciousness and the establishment of a German nation-state. Schleiermacher’s work would help to provide a cultural foundation for the emergence of the German nation-state more than half a century before the establishment of the German empire. Full article

Oxide inclusions in Ni-based superalloys play a crucial role in determining their mechanical properties, oxidation resistance, and corrosion resistance at high temperatures. In this paper, the source and formation mechanism of different types of oxide inclusions in a high-aluminum Ni-based superalloy were systematically studied. An automatic field emission scanning electron microscope equipped with an energy dispersive spectrometer and a self-designed superalloy inclusion analysis standard was utilized to quantitatively reveal the oxide inclusion characteristics of the high-aluminum Ni-based superalloy prepared via vacuum induction melting (VIM) and vacuum induction remelting (VIR) processes. The experimental results indicate that the typical oxide inclusions in the Ni-based superalloy before the VIR process are irregular MgO·Al₂O₃ inclusions with sizes of less than 2 μm. After the VIR process, the typical oxide inclusions in the Ni-based superalloy are also MgO·Al₂O₃ inclusions. However, these oxide inclusions can be classified into three categories: (i) endogenous irregular MgO·Al₂O₃ inclusions, less than 4.3 μm in size, inherited from the master alloy; (ii) several hundred-micron film-like MgO·Al₂O₃ inclusions generated as interface reaction products between the MgO crucible and melts; and (iii) millimeter-scale MgO·Al₂O₃ inclusions and several tens of microns of MgO inclusions from the exfoliation of the MgO crucible matrix. Full article

Background: To compare photodynamic therapy and the use of probiotics in reducing halitosis assessed through gas chromatography and microbiome analysis. Methods: Participants aged from 18 to 25 years showing sulfide (SH2) ≥ 112 ppb on gas chromatography were selected. They were divided into four treatment groups: Group 1—Tongue Scraping; Group 2—Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy (aPDT); Group 3—Probiotics; and Group 4—Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy (aPDT) and Probiotics. The halimetry process was performed before, immediately after the treatments, and 7 days, 14 days, and 30 days after the initial collection. The collections for later microbiological analysis were made along with the halimetry for microbiome analysis. Results: Treatment with aPDT or probiotics under these experimental conditions was not able to change the bacteria present in the biofilm of the tongue. Conclusions: More research is needed to know the behavior of the oral microbiome in the presence of halitosis and the effectiveness of new treatments. Full article

Background and Objectives: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent form of malignancy that is characterized by high mortality rates and prognosis that remain suboptimal, largely due to treatment resistance mechanisms. Recent studies have implicated cancer stem cells (CSCs), particularly those expressing epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), in HCC progression and resistance. In the present study, we sought to assess EpCAM expression in HCC patients and its correlation with various clinicopathological parameters. Materials and Methods: Tissue samples from 42 HCC patients were subjected to immunohistochemical staining to evaluate EpCAM expression. Clinicopathological data were obtained including the size, grade and stage of tumors, vascular invasion status, alpha-fetoprotein levels, and cirrhosis status. The Chi square and Fisher’s exact tests were employed to assess the association between categorical groups. Independent Student-t test or Mann–Whitney U test was used to investigate the association between continuous patient characteristics and survival. Results: Immunohistochemical analysis revealed EpCAM expression in 52.5% of HCC cases. EpCAM-positive tumors exhibited characteristics indicative of aggressive disease, including larger tumor sizes (p = 0.006), greater tumor multiplicity (p = 0.004), higher grades (p = 0.002), more advanced stages (p = 0.003), vascular invasion (p = 0.023), elevated alpha-fetoprotein levels (p = 0.013), and cirrhosis (p=0.052). Survival analysis demonstrated that EpCAM expression was significantly associated with lower overall rates of survival and higher rates of recurrence in HCC patients. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that EpCAM expression may serve as a prognostic biomarker for HCC with a potential role in patient management. Targeting EpCAM-positive CSCs may represent a promising approach to overcome treatment resistance and improve clinical outcomes in HCC. However, further investigation into the molecular mechanisms underlying EpCAM’s role in HCC progression is warranted to facilitate the development of personalized therapeutic interventions. Full article

Background: Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has presented a breakthrough in the treatment of malignant tumors and increased the overall survival of patients with various tumor entities. ICB may also cause immune-related adverse events, such as pneumonitis or interstitial lung disease. The lung clearance index (LCI) is a multiple-breath washout technique offering information on lung pathology in addition to conventional spirometry. It measures the degree of pulmonary ventilation inhomogeneity and allows early detection of pulmonary damage, especially that to peripheral airways. Methods: This cross-sectional study compared the lung function of patients with melanoma or metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma who received programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) and cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte-associated Protein 4 (CTLA-4) antibodies, alone or in combination, to age- and sex-matched controls. Lung function was assessed using spirometry, according to American Thoracic Society and European Respiratory Society standards, the LCI, and a diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide (DLCO) measurement. Results: Sixty-one screened patients and thirty-eight screened controls led to nineteen successfully included pairs. The LCI in the ICB-treated patients was 8.41 ± 1.15 (mean ± SD), which was 0.32 higher compared to 8.07 ± 1.17 in the control group, but the difference was not significant (p = 0.452). The patients receiving their ICB therapy for under five months showed a significantly lower LCI (7.98 ± 0.77) compared to the ICB patients undergoing therapy for over five months (9.63 ± 1.22) at the point of testing (p = 0.014). Spirometric analysis revealed that the forced expiratory volume between 25 and 75% of the forced vital capacity (FEF25-75%) in the ICB-treated patients was significantly reduced (p = 0.047) compared to the control group. DLCO (%predicted and adjusted for hemoglobin) was 94.4 ± 19.7 in the ICB patients and 93.4 ± 21.7 in the control group (p = 0.734). Conclusions: The patients undergoing ICB therapy showed slightly impaired lung function compared to the controls. Longer periods of ICB treatment led to deterioration of the LCI, which may be a sign of a subclinical inflammatory process. The LCI is feasible and may be easily integrated into the clinical daily routine and could contribute to early detection of pulmonary (auto-)inflammation. Full article