ABSTRACT
Some of the most common chronic respiratory diseases, incapacitating the development and quality of life of patients and directly correlated with oro-dental cavity are represented by asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (CPOD), a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the airways, in which mast cells, eosinophils and T lymphocytes, play an important role [1]. A better understanding of the diagnosis and treatment of these pathology became possible by accepting that the existence of chronic inflammation, with its variations, is reflected in the clinical condition of the elderly patients, with implications on the dental status. Therefore, the present research, using respiratory biomedical explorations, wants to establish a clinical and functional correlation in the case of elderly patients with respiratory diseases and who associate oro-dental pathologies. In the current conditions, in which the predominant viral damage is SARS-COV 2 infection, it is necessary to develop a clinical-functional algorithm to quickly establish a subsequent evolution and prognosis of elderly patients, which involve an increased predisposition to morbidity and mortality.
ABSTRACT
The advent of coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19) as a global pandemic has prompted scientists to address an urgent need to clarify the disease's pathogenic mechanisms and treatment. Severe acute respiratory syndrome is the severe complication of coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This novel coronavirus uses the angiotensin 2 converting enzyme (ACE2) as a key target for cell surface attachment as well as a possible entry point into the host cell. Thus, for clinical intervention, a correct understanding of the elements that can influence the expression and function of ACE2 in the healthy and diseased body is critical. Over 60% of all persons in Europe have comorbidities, necessitating the usage of a prescription drug. While prior research has focused on the use of reninangiotensin inhibitors (RAS) to regulate ACE2 expression, new evidence in the literature suggests that a number of commonly used medicines for hypertension, heart failure, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia may interfere with COVID-19 infection. The involvement of the renin-angiotensinaldosterone system in the pathology of various complications such as hypertension and chronic kidney disease, through its aldosterone-releasing effects, stimulates coronary vasoconstriction, especially in the already ischemic heart. We offer a brief discussion of the methods through which medications that interfere with the renin-angiotensin system may influence the viral entrance of SARS-CoV-2 into cells, in addition to their known therapeutic effects.
ABSTRACT
This paper aims at identifying the entrepreneurial opportunities for establishing innovative startups during and post COVID-19 crisis. To reach this goal, we conducted an exploratory study based on semi-structured interviews with 168 students who intend to involve themselves in entrepreneurship in their future career. The research started from the debates in literature regarding the huge negative impact of the COVID-19 crisis on economic development, which can jeopardize the achievement of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The research findings confirm the results of other studies regarding the vulnerability of startups during crises, the reason why they have to refocus on innovative businesses, especially based on information and communication technology (ICT). Such businesses are considered incentives of sustainable development. Other ideas highlighted the importance of social entrepreneurship for the management of startups. It means that startups should develop strong relationships with employees but also with other stakeholders, like companies in the same industry, the public sector, academia, and citizens. In addition, changing the business culture aiming at developing green business could be an inexpensive solution for developing a sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem. These empirical results have implications for both business and the academic environment, which should cooperate in order to overcome the crisis. Such an approach could be used in the long run in order to manage other crises and to develop sustainable business. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.