Search Results (56)

Earth-based materials are promising candidates for balancing thermal performance, hygrothermal regulation, and environmental sustainability. The objective of this study is to evaluate and compare the hygrothermal behavior of two earthen materials, structural cob and lightweight insulating earth, against conventional reference concrete, taking into account not only their insulating properties but also their ability to regulate coupled heat and moisture transfers. Experimental tests show a significantly higher hygroscopic buffering capacity for earth-based materials, with an MBV of 2.23 g/(m²∙%RH) for the structural material and 1.21 g/(m²∙%RH) for the insulation material, compared to less than 0.5 g/(m²∙%RH) for concrete. The sorption isotherms confirm distinct water storage behaviors, with an average sensitivity to relative humidity of 10.47% for the insulation material, compared to 3.8% for concrete and 2.25% for the structural material, in addition to an average reduction of 26% in the adsorption capacity between 23 °C and 45 °C for both earthen materials. Coupled heat–moisture simulations in COMSOL quantitatively demonstrate the hygrothermal superiority of bio-based materials over conventional concrete, as concrete promotes interstitial moisture accumulation due to its low vapor permeability. The parametric sensitivity analysis highlights the effect of hygrothermal properties, where diffusivity controls transport kinetics and sorption governs water storage, while thermal conductivity modulates the spatial redistribution of thermo-hygric fields. The next and final step made it possible to link the phenomena observed at the material scale to the actual energy performance of the building, confirming the potential of the double-wall cob + lightweight earth system to reduce heating and cooling requirements and maintain stable indoor comfort, where the annual heating demand is reduced by approximately 24% compared to the conventional prototype. Full article

Background: Matrix-bound nanovesicles (MBV) are extracellular vesicles (EVs) that are embedded within the extracellular matrix (ECM), and they have shown immunomodulatory effects in various cell types. The THP-1 cell line is often used to study monocyte and macrophage functions due to its easy culture potential and relatively simple conditioning into different macrophage phenotypes, but the optimal culturing conditions that allow MBV immunomodulation have not been established. Methods: In this study, we evaluated different culturing and differentiation conditions of THP-1 cells in which MBVs showed immunomodulatory effects. We also studied the effect of MBVs on relevant inflammation pathways (NF-κB and ERK 1/2). Results: Quantification of inflammatory cytokine IL-6 indicated modulation effects by MBVs in the majority of the conditions, but TNF-α showed very limited modulation. ERK1/p44 phosphorylation was significantly increased in MBV groups, but NF-κB protein p65 expression was unaffected. When compared to serum EVs, vesicle uptake by THP-1 cells remained low after 24 h. Multispectral flow cytometry analysis of THP-1 cells exposed to MBV and serum EVs showed internalization of lipids, proteins and RNA within the cells in higher cell proportions, but colocalization of the different vesicle components was not observed. Conclusions: Overall, this study provided insights into MBV immunomodulatory effects on THP-1 cells and compared the effects of MBV and serum EVs. Slight differences in modulation were observed between both EV sources, pointing to cargo differences that need further investigation. Full article

Environmental DNA (eDNA) offers a promising, non-invasive approach for monitoring infectious agents in aquaculture. While molecular techniques for detecting shrimp pathogens are well established in host tissues, there is a lack of standardized protocols for pathogen detection from environmental samples using conventional PCR. In this study, we developed and validated a universal conventional PCR protocol for monitoring DNA from major viral and bacterial shrimp pathogens within pond water and sediment samples. The method was applied to two commercial shrimp farms in Mexico, where eDNA was extracted from field-collected water and sediment. Using published primer sets, we successfully amplified DNA sequences corresponding to six key pathogens—Infectious hypodermal and hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHHNV), Baculovirus penaei (BP), Monodon baculovirus (MBV), Shrimp hemocyte iridescent virus (SHIV), Candidatus Hepatobacter penaei (NHP-B), and Acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND)-causing Vibrio spp.—in environmental samples. Sequencing of PCR amplicons confirmed 93–100% identity to previously reported pathogen strains, highlighting the method’s reliability. Pathogen detection rates varied by site, sample type, and date, with the percentage of positive samples ranging from 11.1% to 77.7%. Notably, this is the first report of SHIV DNA detection from environmental samples in the Americas, highlighting its value for pathogen surveillance even in the absence of documented outbreaks. This protocol offers a cost-effective and scalable tool for pathogen surveillance in shrimp aquaculture, enhancing early disease detection and contributing to improved biosecurity and risk assessment frameworks. Full article

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents a major global health challenge, driving the search for novel antimicrobial compounds from natural sources. Filamentous fungi are prolific producers of bioactive metabolites, yet the biological potential of fungal guttation droplets remains relatively underexplored. In this study, guttation droplets produced by Penicillium pimiteouiense and Penicillium menonorum, isolated from rhizospheric soils of Opuntia spp. in Colima, Mexico, were evaluated for antibacterial activity against clinically relevant pathogens. Fungal isolates were identified through macromorphological characterization and sequence analysis of ITS and β-tubulin genes. Antibacterial activity of the guttation droplets was evaluated using agar well diffusion and microbroth dilution assays to determine inhibition zones, minimum inhibitory volume (MIV), and minimum bactericidal volume (MBV). The exudates exhibited measurable activity against several Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, including Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Serratia marcescens, and Staphylococcus aureus. Guttation droplets from P. pimiteouiense showed the highest inhibition, with zones up to 24.4 mm against S. enterica, and activity comparable to gentamicin. MBV/MIV ratios indicated bactericidal activity against selected pathogens, including E. coli, K. pneumoniae, and S. aureus. These findings demonstrate that fungal guttation droplets represent a promising and underexplored source of antibacterial compounds and support their potential for antimicrobial discovery. Full article

Understanding how the built environment relates to urban ecological resilience is essential for resilience-oriented planning in high-density cities. Using Wuhan, China, as a case study, we constructed a 1 km grid-based Ecological Resilience Index (ERI) by integrating ecosystem resistance, adaptability, and recovery, and we confirmed significant spatial autocorrelation in ERI. We then applied a Bayesian-optimized XGBoost model (v2.0.3) with block-based spatial cross-validation to improve robustness under spatial dependence, and used SHAP to interpret nonlinear, threshold-like patterns and interactions among predictors. The results indicate that building coverage ratio (BCR), nighttime light intensity (NTL), elevation (ELE), mean building height (MBH), and precipitation (PRE) were the most influential predictors of ERI. SHAP main effects indicate clear non-monotonic and threshold-like response patterns across key predictors. SHAP interaction analysis further suggests that, under high BCR, the SHAP interaction term tends to be positive when MBH is below approximately 10 m, whereas the interaction between high NTL and low MBV is predominantly negative. This study provides fine-scale empirical evidence to inform the optimization of three-dimensional urban morphology to support urban ecological resilience. Full article

Macrophages play a crucial role in regulating immune responses, inflammation, and tissue repair. Depending on environmental cues, they polarize into pro-inflammatory M1 or anti-inflammatory, pro-regenerative M2 phenotypes. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) have emerged as key mediators of intercellular communication and immune modulation. This study investigates the effects of matrix-bound vesicles (MBVs) and small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) derived from human umbilical cord MSCs (UC-MSCs) on human monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) in vitro. Both MBVs and sEVs reduced pro-inflammatory activation of M1 macrophages, downregulating the expression of CXCL10 and CD86 while increasing the M2 marker CD206. MBVs exerted a stronger suppressive effect on M1 MDM phenotype markers as well as on STAT1, STAT2, and IRF9 mRNA levels in M1 macrophages, indicating the inhibition of the JAK/STAT1 signaling pathway involved in the pro-inflammatory activation of macrophages. Functionally, both vesicle types enhanced phagocytosis of FITC-labeled E. coli by M1 and M0_GM macrophages, promoting a shift toward an M2-like phenotype. Moreover, MBVs and sEVs attenuated reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, with sEVs showing a more pronounced effect both on ROS generation and on the expression of NOX2 complex subunits (p47^phox, p67^phox) in M1 macrophages. These findings demonstrate that MBVs and sEVs from UC-MSCs possess distinct yet complementary immunomodulatory and antioxidant properties on MDMs, suggesting their potential as promising cell-free therapeutic agents for inflammatory and degenerative diseases. Full article

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is the leading cause of death worldwide. Although 90% of the intramyocardial blood volume resides in the microvasculature, clinical imaging methods cannot visualize the microvascular coronary network in vivo, and non-invasive hemodynamic estimates overlook patient-specific microcirculatory contributions. Herein, we present a multiscale framework to extend the epicardial coronary tree and generate 1D microvascular networks in the myocardium based on ferumoxytol-enhanced magnetic resonance coronary imaging and fractional myocardial blood volume (fMBV) maps. Synthetic arterial networks were constructed from MRI data belonging to three swine, four healthy volunteers, and one IHD patient using a modified multistage, adaptive constrained constructive optimization approach. Hemodynamic simulations were performed in synthetic arterial networks. Morphological parameters were compared with empirical models. In 126 arterial networks (n = 6000 terminal segments per subject per seed; six seeds per coronary vessel), the morphometry was strongly correlated with empirical data (r > 0.87), with low variability (CoV < 0.01) across multiple rounds of network simulations. Mixed-effects models and a Dynamic Time Warping analysis confirmed robustness and repeatability. In the IHD patient, simulated arterial networks (n = 15) reproduced tissue-dependent morphological and functional signatures consistent with coronary autoregulation in scar and hypoperfused tissues. The findings establish an early potential for patient-specific microvascular network synthesis and hemodynamic simulations from MRI data. Full article

This study explores the development of luminescent wearables using machine embroidery with phosphorescent threads to enhance the visibility and safety of children in low-light environments, addressing the need for improved child protection in urban settings. Five embroidery designs incorporating sports, animal, celestial, and typographic motifs were created using Digitizer MBV 2.0 software and produced on a Janome MB4 embroidery machine with phosphorescent threads on black woven fabric for optimal contrast. The luminous performance was evaluated through photographic documentation and lux meter measurements in a controlled light-tight chamber, assessing light emission intensity and decay over time after UV activation. Results demonstrate that designs with higher stitch counts and densities exhibit stronger initial illuminance and longer persistence, with exponential decay curves highlighting rapid initial intensity loss. Variations in design size and stitch density showed linear correlations with illuminance. The study demonstrates the feasibility of luminescent embroidery as a scalable and child-friendly approach to enhancing low-light visibility and safety, combining functionality with aesthetic appeal. Full article

The appropriate selection of renovation plaster properties is essential for ensuring the durability and effectiveness of conservation works. This study focused on the design and characterization of cement-based renovation mortars modified with synthetic zeolites with different Si/Al ratios. It was assumed that high-silica zeolites would provide more favorable mechanical and hygric performance than low-silica types. Owing to their porous structure and pozzolanic reactivity, zeolites proved to be effective additives, enhancing both the microstructure and functionality of the mortars. The modified mixtures exhibited increased total porosity, higher capillary absorption, and improved moisture transport compared with the reference mortar based on CEM I 52.5R. Dynamic vapor sorption tests confirmed that the zeolite-containing mortars achieved Moisture Buffer Values (MBV) above 2.0 g/m², which corresponds to the “excellent” moisture buffering class. Electrical resistivity measurements further demonstrated the relationship between denser microstructure and enhanced durability. At the frequency of 10 kHz, the electrical resistivity of the reference mortar reached 43,858 Ω·m, while mortars with 15% ZSM-5 and 15% Na-A achieved 62,110 Ω·m and 21,737 Ω·m. These results show that the addition of high-silica zeolite promotes the formation of a denser and more insulating matrix, highlighting the potential of this method for non-destructive quality assessment. The best overall performance was observed in mortars containing the high-silica zeolite ZSM-5. A 35% replacement of cement with ZSM-5 increased compressive strength by 10.5% compared with the reference mortar R (4.3 MPa). Frost resistance tests showed minimal mass loss (0.03% at 15% and 1.79% at 35% replacement), and ZSM-5 mortars also maintained integrity under salt crystallization. These improvements were attributed to the reaction of reactive SiO₂ and Al₂O₃ from the zeolites with Ca(OH)₂, leading to the formation of additional C-S-H. A higher Si/Al ratio promoted a denser, fibrous C-S-H morphology, as confirmed by SEM, which explains the improved strength and durability of mortars modified with ZSM-5. Full article

Extracellular matrix (ECM) bioscaffolds have demonstrated therapeutic potential across a variety of clinical and preclinical applications for tissue repair and regeneration. In parallel, these scaffolds and their components have shown the capacity to modulate the immune response. Unlike synthetic implants, which are often associated with chronic inflammation or fibrotic encapsulation, ECM bioscaffolds interact dynamically with host cells, promoting constructive tissue remodeling. This effect is largely attributed to the preservation of structural and biochemical cues—such as degradation products and matrix-bound nanovesicles (MBV). These cues influence immune cell behavior and support the transition from inflammation to resolution and functional tissue regeneration. However, the immunomodulatory properties of ECM bioscaffolds are dependent on the source tissue and, critically, on the methods used for decellularization. Inadequate removal of cellular components or the presence of residual chemicals can shift the host response towards a pro-inflammatory, non-constructive phenotype, ultimately compromising therapeutic outcomes. This review synthesizes current basic concepts on the innate immune response to ECM bioscaffolds, with particular attention to the inflammatory, proliferative, and remodeling phases following implantation. We explore how specific ECM features shape these responses and distinguish between pro-remodeling and pro-inflammatory outcomes. Additionally, we examine the impact of manufacturing practices and quality control on the preservation of ECM bioactivity. These insights challenge the conventional classification of ECM bioscaffolds as medical devices and support their recognition as biologically active materials with distinct immunoregulatory potential. A deeper understanding of these properties is critical for optimizing clinical applications and guiding the development of updated regulatory frameworks in regenerative medicine. Full article

In healthy humans, insulin at physiological concentrations exerts acute vasodilatory actions on both resistance and terminal arterioles, leading, respectively, to increased total blood flow and the microvascular network volume being perfused. The process of increasing capillary network volume is frequently referred to as “capillary recruitment”. Together these two vascular actions of insulin enhance the delivery of oxygen, nutrients, and insulin itself to tissues. Both processes are diminished by insulin resistance. Here we examined interactions between insulin’s acute (within 2 h) actions on blood pressure (both central and peripheral) and on capillary recruitment in healthy controls and in four distinct groups of people with heightened cardio-metabolic disease (CMD) risk: individuals with obesity, metabolic syndrome, and type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Insulin increased microvascular blood volume (MBV) more effectively in controls than in each of the four CMD risk groups (p < 0.001). Conversely, insulin lowered both central and peripheral systolic pressure (p < 0.05 or less) in each of the CMD risk groups but not in the controls. The insulin-induced blood pressure decrements were greater in the metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and obesity groups (p < 0.05 or less) than in the controls. The greater blood pressure declines likely reflect decreased sympathetic baroreceptor reflex tone. These effects on blood pressure combined with the diminished dilation of terminal arterioles due to microvascular insulin resistance in the CMD risk subjects led to decreased distal microvascular perfusion as evidenced by changes in MBV. These findings highlight the complex interplay between insulin’s actions on resistance and terminal arterioles in individuals with a high CMD risk, underscoring the importance of addressing microvascular dysfunction in these conditions. Full article

Maintenance dredging produces large volumes of fine sediments that are commonly discarded, despite increasing pressure for beneficial reuse. Lime–cement stabilization offers one pathway, yet field performance is highly variable. This study juxtaposes two French marine dredged sediments—DS-F (low plasticity, organic matter (OM) ≈ 2 wt.%) and DS-M (high plasticity, OM ≈ 18 wt.%)—treated with practical hydraulic road binder (HRB) dosages. This is the first French study that directly contrasts two different DS types under identical HRB treatment and proposes practical boundary thresholds. Physical indexes (particle size, methylene-blue value, Atterberg limits, OM) were measured; mixtures were compacted (Modified Proctor) and tested for immediate bearing index (IBI). IBI, unconfined compressive strength, indirect tensile strength, and elastic modulus were determined. DS-F reached IBI ≈ 90–125%, UCS ≈ 4.7–5.9 MPa, and ITS ≈ 0.40–0.47 MPa with only 6–8 wt.% HRB, satisfying LCPC-SETRA class S2–S3 requirements for road subgrades. DS-M never exceeded IBI ≈ 8%, despite 3 wt.% lime + 6 wt.% cement. A decision matrix distilled from these cases and recent literature shows that successful stabilization requires MBV < 3 g/100 g, plastic index < 25%, OM < 7 wt.%, and fine particles < 35%. These thresholds permit rapid screening of dredged lots before costly treatment. Highlighting both positive and negative evidence clarifies the realistic performance envelope of soil–cement reuse and supports circular-economy management of DS. Full article

Infections with cytomegalovirus (CMV) can result in increased morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. The pUL97 kinase is a critical enzyme in the regulation of CMV replication. Although it does not phosphorylate deoxynucleosides, this enzyme is involved in the first phosphorylation step of ganciclovir (GCV), a viral DNA polymerase inhibitor. In contrast, maribavir (MBV) is a specific inhibitor of pUL97 kinase activity. In this paper, we analyzed the already-reported amino acid changes, conferring resistance to MBV and cross-resistance to GCV, in the pUL97 protein structure, predicted with AlphaFold2. Docking experiments suggest that MBV is a dual-site inhibitor, targeting ATP binding and substrate phosphorylation. Substitutions that confer resistance to MBV only may directly or indirectly alter the shape of the cavity in the vicinity of the invariant K355 in the putative ATP binding site, without affecting the viral growth. The most frequently encountered T409M substitution may correspond to a gatekeeper mutation. Substitutions that induce cross-resistance to MBV and GCV may directly or indirectly affect the environment of D456 and N461 residues in the catalytic loop, with reduced viral replicative capacity. These results have implications for the clinical use of MBV as well as for the design of novel pUL97 kinase inhibitors. Full article

Objective: We aimed to evaluate the feasibility, added value, and radiation dose of coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) and stress dynamic CT myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) in a real-world setting. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 65 patients (mean age: 51.2 ± 11.5 years; 21 female) with moderate CAD, selected from the Radiological Database of our hospital between May 2022 and December 2024. All patients underwent CCTA and stress dynamic CT-MPI using a third-generation dual-source CT scanner. The shuttle-mode acquisition technique was used for CT-MPI with 60 mL of contrast (iopamidol, 370 mg iodine/mL) administered at a flow rate of 6 mL/s. The mean myocardial blood flow (MBF) and other quantitative parameters were measured for both CAD and reference segments (RSs). A 17-segment-based analysis was employed (excluding the apex). The MBF ratio, defined as the mean MBF value of CAD segments divided by that of RS, was used with a cut-off value of 0.85 to distinguish hypoperfused from non-hypoperfused segments within CAD territories. Non-parametric statistical tests were applied. Results: A total of 1040 segments were evaluated. In 62 segments, the mean MBF of CAD territories was found to have decreased. The mean MBF and myocardial blood volume (MBV) in hypoperfused CAD segments were 65.1 ± 19.8 mL/100 mL/min and 14.5 ± 2.7 mL/100 mL, respectively, both significantly lower compared to non-hypoperfused CAD segments and RSs (p < 0.001). The mean effective dose of the protocol was 6.3 ± 1.4 mSv, corresponding to an estimated individual lifetime cancer risk of approximately 0.06% per test, based on BEIR VII Phase 2 modeling. This risk is cumulative, with repeat testing over a 10-year period potentially increasing lifetime cancer risk in proportion to total radiation exposure. The mean total examination time was 26 ± 4 min. Conclusion: The combined CCTA and dynamic CT-MPI protocol is feasible in real-world clinical practice and offers a comprehensive morphological and functional assessment of moderate CAD, with a manageable radiation dose and examination time. Full article

This study investigates the potential of thermally treated olive husk (OH)—a heterogeneous agro-industrial by-product comprising olive stones, pulp, and fibrous residues—as a multifunctional component in lightweight bio-concrete. Uniquely, this work harnesses the intrinsic dual nature of OH as both a fibrous reinforcement and a porous aggregate, without further fractionation, to evaluate its influence on the hygrothermal and mechanical behavior of cementitious composites. While prior studies have often focused selectively on thermal conductivity, this work provides a comprehensive assessment of all major thermal parameters; including diffusivity, effusivity, and specific heat capacity; offering deeper insights into the full thermal behavior of bio-based concretes. OH was incorporated at 0%, 10%, and 20% by weight, and the resulting concretes were subjected to a comprehensive characterization of their thermal, hygric, mechanical, and microstructural properties. Thermal performance metrics included conductivity, specific heat capacity, diffusivity, effusivity, time lag, and predicted energy savings. Hygric behavior was assessed through the moisture buffering value (MBV), while density, porosity, and mechanical strengths were also evaluated. At 20% OH content, thermal conductivity decreased to 0.405 W/m·K (a 72% reduction), thermal diffusivity dropped by 87%, and thermal effusivity reached 554 W·s^0.5/m²·K, collectively enhancing thermal inertia and increasing the time lag by 77% (to 2.32 h). MBVs improved to 2.18 g/m²·%RH, rated as “Excellent” for indoor moisture regulation. Despite the higher porosity, the bio-concrete maintained adequate mechanical integrity, with compressive and flexural strengths of 11.68 MPa and 3.58 MPa, respectively, attributed to the crack-bridging action of the fibrous inclusions. Microstructural analysis (SEM/XRD) revealed improved paste continuity and denser C–S–H formation, attributed to enhanced matrix compatibility following oil removal via thermal pre-treatment. These findings demonstrate the viability of OH as a new bio-based, multifunctional additive for fabricating thermally efficient, hygroscopically active, and structurally sound concretes suitable for sustainable construction. Full article