Search Results (110)

Bagheria, located on the northern coast of Sicily, is home to one of the Mediterranean’s most remarkable ensembles of Baroque villas, constructed between the 17th and 18th centuries by the aristocracy of Palermo. Originally situated within a highly structured rural landscape of citrus groves, gardens, and visual axes, these monumental residences have undergone substantial degradation due to uncontrolled urban expansion throughout the 20th century. This study presents a diachronic spatial analysis of Bagheria’s territorial transformation from 1850 to 2018, integrating historical cartography, aerial photography, satellite imagery, and Geographic Information System (GIS) tools. A total of 33 villas were identified, georeferenced, and assessed based on their spatial integrity, architectural condition, and relationship with the evolving urban fabric. The results reveal a progressive marginalization of the villa system, with many heritage assets now embedded within dense residential development, severed from their original landscape context and deprived of their formal gardens and visual prominence. Comparative insights drawn from analogous Mediterranean heritage landscapes, such as Ortigia (Siracusa), the Appian Way (Rome), and Athens, highlight the urgency of adopting integrated conservation frameworks that reconcile urban development with cultural and ecological continuity. As a strategic response, the study proposes the creation of a thematic cultural route, La città delle ville, to enhance the visibility, accessibility, and socio-economic relevance of Bagheria’s heritage system. This initiative, supported by adaptive reuse policies, smart heritage technologies, and participatory planning, offers a replicable model for sustainable territorial regeneration and heritage-led urban resilience. Full article

This study examines the dynamics of culture-led urban development, focusing on the role of museums and cultural institutions in urban transformation through the case study of Holon, Israel. Reliance on public funding and political support for cultural initiatives exposed this strategy’s fragility. Political transitions and budget reductions highlight the vulnerabilities of cultural institutions to shifting priorities and economic pressures. This study critically examines the interplay between cultural policy, urban branding, and community engagement, exploring how these dynamics contribute to urban renewal and the challenges that jeopardize its sustainability. Drawing on theoretical frameworks of cultural capital and place branding, the research explores how cultural investments can strengthen and destabilize cities’ socioeconomic and symbolic fabric. The study highlights the dual potential and fragility of culture-driven urban regeneration through a mixed-methods approach combining archival research, interviews, and field observations. By analyzing Holon’s trajectory, this research offers valuable insights into the potential and risks of leveraging culture for urban regeneration, emphasizing the need for resilient governance structures and diversified funding strategies to ensure the longevity of culture-led urban development. Full article

Cultural and ecological heritage is often an essential ingredient for sustainable urban and regional regeneration and needs to be properly managed for an environment-benign development. Many heritage-led areas in Europe, named here ‘cultural-ecological complexes’ (CECs), seek a sustainable, regenerative, and actionable strategy. Our study aims to identify successful CECs from the viewpoint of their transformative cultural potential, assessed through surveys among visitors and residents. The research focuses on the assessment of seven Cultural-Ecological Complexes (CECs) in Europe: Karlsborg (Sweden), Mark (Sweden), Larnaca (Cyprus), Basilicata (Italy), Huesca (Spain), Vojvodina (Serbia), and Sibiu (Romania/Moldova). The European areas under study are selected on the basis of their transformative cultural tourism profile and potential, with the aim of tracing a balanced, sustainable development and a positive regenerative or circular transition. Each CEC was analyzed based on its transformative cultural potential and sustainability impact using multivariate Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). Each region under consideration comprises a set of ‘information agents’, in particular visitors and residents, who may be regarded as informal stakeholders providing crucial or decisive information and guidelines on the sustainability situation in the region and on ways to proceed to transformative cultural tourism. This novel approach is essentially a form of citizen-based or agent-based co-creation. In our study, empirical information on the perceptions, preferences, and involvement of such agents was collected through systematically structured and consistently administered surveys among hundreds of participants (visitors, residents, etc.) in seven CECs in Europe. The research methodology is based on a blend of multivariate statistics (in particular, Principal Component Analysis—PCA) and spatial efficiency analysis (using Data Envelopment Analysis—DEA). The agents in each region are conceived of as spatial decision-making units (DMUs) in a DEA framework. Our DEA assessment model contains a multiscalar structure organized in a cascadic and interactive form with two constituents, namely cultural-ecological areas (CECs) and place-based information agents. The findings from this novel Multivariate DEA provide generic directives for an enhancement of the cultural-ecological performance for CECs and offer quantitative information for place-based efficiency-improving strategies of CECs in various contexts. Full article

This study examines culture-led urban regeneration as a strategy for revitalizing Meezan Chowk, a historically significant yet deteriorating public space in Quetta, Pakistan. Once a central site of social and commercial exchange, the area suffered from infrastructural decline, overcrowding, and the erosion of its architectural identity. The research proposes a design intervention to restore the site’s heritage value while enhancing its functional and social relevance. A qualitative approach is adopted, incorporating surveys, focus group discussions, and site observations to assess user needs and spatial dynamics. A SWOT analysis serves as the analytical framework to identify the site’s internal strengths and weaknesses, as well as external opportunities and threats. By utilizing the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and OpenStreetMap data, further information can enhance understanding of the site’s urban morphology. The proposed design integrates vernacular elements, such as arched facades, shaded corridors, and communal courtyards, with contemporary features, including cafes, local artisan shops, and accessible public amenities. Full article

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the photobiomodulatory (PBM) effects of low-power light-emitting diode (LED) irradiation on cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), focusing on changes in cellular metabolic activity and morphology. Materials and Methods: HUVECs were cultured and divided into three groups: control (no irradiation), red LED (655 nm), and blue LED (455 nm). Cells were irradiated once with a total energy dose of 4 J over 60 s. Cellular metabolic activity was assessed at 0, 1, 3, and 6 h post-irradiation using the WST-8 assay. Morphological changes were examined 3 h post-irradiation using rhodamine–phalloidin staining and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Results: Red LED irradiation significantly enhanced metabolic activity immediately and at 3 h post-irradiation compared to the control group. Blue LED irradiation showed a non-significant trend toward increased metabolic activity at 1 and 3 h. Morphometric analysis revealed increases in cell area, perimeter, and Feret diameter in both LED-irradiated groups, with more pronounced changes observed in the red LED group. Conclusions: Low-power red LED light (655 nm) effectively promotes metabolic activation and induces morphological changes in vascular endothelial cells, suggesting its potential application in angiogenesis and wound healing. Due to its safety and accessibility, LED-based PBM may serve as a promising therapeutic modality for soft tissue regeneration in both clinical and home-care settings. Full article

Ear reconstruction surgeries for congenital deformities and trauma are common, highlighting the need for improved cartilage regeneration. Lactoferrin (LF), a natural and cost-effective protein, is promising due to its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and prochondrogenic properties. This study investigates the effects of LF on the viability, proliferation, and chondrogenesis of rabbit auricular chondrocytes. For in vitro studies, auricular chondrocytes were cultured for three passages, after which 3D pellets were formed. LF significantly increased chondrocyte metabolic activity by 1.5 times at doses of 10 and 500 μg/mL. At passage 3, LF at concentrations of 10 and 100 μg/mL increased cell proliferation rates by 2- and 1.5-fold, respectively. Immunohistochemical staining of the pellets demonstrated that LF at 10 μg/mL increased the amount of sex-determining region Y-Box Transcription Factor 9 (Sox9)+ cells by 30%, while at 100 μg/mL, it doubled the type II collagen deposits. For in vivo studies, a rabbit ear defect model was utilized. On post-operative day 60, the LF-treated group exhibited more mature cartilage regeneration, with a higher density of elastic fibers. By day 90 post-surgery, LF application led to the restoration of normal elastic cartilage throughout the defect. These findings suggest that LF promotes auricular chondrocytes chondrogenesis and could be beneficial for tissue engineering of the elastic cartilage. Full article

Womens’ entrepreneurial endeavours, particularly in rural areas, have led to establishing Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) focused on tourism initiatives, significantly enhancing rural tourism experiences while promoting local culture. Co-creation, a concept extensively studied in the tourism industry, involves the collaborative generation of ideas in production and consumption driven by stakeholders with vested interests in specific products and services. Policy co-creation, in particular, has become a key driver in enhancing a country’s tourism competitiveness through a collaborative and inclusive development approach. Despite the extensive exploration of co-creation in tourism, the role of women entrepreneurs in this process remains underexamined. This study aims to address this gap by identifying and exploring co-creation initiatives that demonstrate how women entrepreneurs contribute to tourism policy and development. Using a qualitative research approach, it is based on thirty (30) semi-structured interviews with key tourism stakeholders, including policymakers, entrepreneurs, tourism professionals, and representatives from relevant organisations. Findings from the interviews underscore the central role of women entrepreneurs in the co-creation of tourism policies, particularly in rural areas. Their entrepreneurial contributions extend beyond economic growth, as they engage in shaping policies that support sustainable tourism and local development. Through their innovative approaches, women entrepreneurs regenerate traditional products by incorporating modern techniques, ensuring their offerings remain relevant and appealing to diverse visitor demographics and evolving market trends. This study further highlights that effective policy frameworks are crucial to enabling and amplifying women’s contributions to tourism development. Policies that support co-creation processes—such as inclusive decision making, funding accessibility, and capacity-building programs—play a transformative role in unlocking the potential of women entrepreneurs or encouraging more women to embark on an entrepreneurial venture within the tourism sector. Full article

Self-organization has emerged as a critical approach in community-led urban regeneration, particularly in addressing the challenges of rapid urbanization and socio-spatial inequalities. In the Chinese context, where urban governance has traditionally been state-centric, self-organized initiatives represent a significant shift toward grassroots participation and localized decision-making. This study conducts a comparative analysis of four cases: Guangminglou Building No. 17 in Beijing, Kangjian Road 341 Building No. 7–8 in Shanghai, Honggang Garden Residence in Shenzhen, and Jiqun Street Building No. 2 in Guangzhou to examine self-organization in community-led urban regeneration in China. It reveals the following: (1) Residents’ active participation and co-construction awareness are the foundation of successful renewal. The construction of resident self-governance and democratic decision-making mechanisms should be strengthened. (2) The government’s policy support and financial guidance are vital. Local governments can mobilize social capital to participate by providing financial subsidies, tax incentives, and other means. (3) Urban planning should combine local cultural characteristics and community needs, avoiding the simple “demolish and rebuild” model. (4) Technical means can effectively improve efficiency and reduce information asymmetry and conflicts of interest. The findings suggest that self-organization is not merely a grassroots phenomenon but often operates within a hybrid governance framework, where collaboration between communities and local governments is essential. The study has significant implications for urban planning and policy, contributes to the growing discourse on participatory urban regeneration, and offers practical insights for fostering sustainable community-led initiatives. Full article

Cranio-maxillofacial bone reconstruction, especially for large defects, remains challenging. Synthetic biomimetic materials are emerging as alternatives to autogenous grafts. Tissue engineering aims to create natural tissue-mimicking materials, with calcium phosphate-based scaffolds showing promise for bone regeneration applications. This study developed a porous calcium metaphosphate (CMP) scaffold with physicochemical properties mimicking natural bone, aiming to create a prevascularized synthetic bone graft. The scaffold, fabricated using sintered monocalcium phosphate with poly (vinyl alcohol) as a porogen, exhibited pore sizes ranging from 0 to 400 μm, with the highest frequency between 80 and 100 μm. The co-culture of endothelial cells (ECs) with human alveolar osteoblasts (aHOBs) on the scaffold led to the formation of tube-like structures and intrinsic VEGF release, reaching 10,455.6 pg/mL This level approached the optimal dose for vascular formation. Conversely, the co-culture with mesenchymal stem cells did not yield similar results. Combining ECs and aHOBs in the CMP scaffold offers a promising approach to developing prevascularized grafts for cranio-maxillofacial reconstruction. This innovative strategy can potentially enhance vascularization in large tissue-engineered constructs, addressing a critical limitation in current bone regeneration techniques. The prevascularized synthetic bone graft developed in this study could significantly improve the success rate of maxillofacial reconstructions, offering a viable alternative to autogenous grafts. Full article

Two bulbous plant species, Squilla maura and Oncostema peruviana (Asparagaceae), show particularly interesting ornamental and medicinal characteristics. Micropropagation could be a promising alternative method to accelerate their naturally slow spreading pattern. This study focused on the effects of different growth regulators and culture media on callus induction and shoot regeneration, from which an effective protocol was established. Leaf explants were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS), MS/2, or B5 medium, containing one auxin—1-Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2.4-D), or 3-indolebutyric acid (IBA)—combined with the cytokinin 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP), at various concentrations. All treatments resulted in callogenesis rates between 65–100% for both species. These treatments led to direct bulbil regeneration. Among the treatments, the B5 medium with 1 mgL⁻¹ BAP and 1 mgL⁻¹ 2,4-D gave the highest regeneration rate (89.2%) for O. peruviana, while the ½MS medium with 0.5 mgL⁻¹ BAP and 0.5 mgL⁻¹ NAA showed the highest regeneration rate (85.5%) for S. maura. The highest mean number of bulils per explant was 7.44 for O. peruviana on the MS medium (0.5 mgL⁻¹ BAP and 2 mgL⁻¹ IBA), and 9.5 for S. maura on the MS medium (1 mgL⁻¹ BAP and 0.5 mgL⁻¹ NAA). The regenerated bulbils were transferred for multiplication to the MS medium with a hormone combination (2 mgL⁻¹ BAP and 0.2 mgL⁻¹ NAA) which increased the multiplication rate compared to the callus induction me dium, with a highest recorded multiplication rate of 177 (O. peruviana) and 104.33 (S. maura). The propagation stage achieved the highest number of bulbils/explant after a second subculture for the two species. An efficient micropropagation protocol was established for S. maura, which answers our main objective, and it would contribute to their conservation and sustainable use in ornamental and medicinal applications. Full article

The socio-political climate in the UK, compounded by government austerity measures, has intensified the cost-of-living crisis, significantly impacting the affordability of the food supply chain. This has led to an increasing disconnect from healthy dietary practices and has contributed to declines in mental and physical wellbeing. This paper examines the role of edible city (EC) initiatives in addressing these challenges by enhancing food security, fostering social resilience and supporting community wellbeing. The aim of this research is to understand the tangible links between EC mechanisms and how they align with local, cultural and geographical perspectives. Focusing on the City of Lincoln, UK, this study aims to develop a contextualised EC framework that is culturally and geographically relevant and aligns with global goals for sustainable urban development as outlined in the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG11), promoting inclusive, environmentally safe and economically viable communities. Utilising a mixed methods approach, this research combines qualitative interviews and a critical cross-case analysis of four community growing groups in the UK, alongside quantitative socio-demographic data analysis. The findings reveal that successful EC initiatives adapt to their environment and socio-cultural conditions and highlight the importance of EC diversification for long-term sustainability. Four core themes emerged across the case studies: (1) social prescribing, (2) social capital (3) knowledge sharing and (4) social value. These findings inform the creation of a novel flexible EC framework, Lincoln, providing actionable insights and policy recommendations to support sustainable urban regeneration and enhance community resilience. This research contributes transferable knowledge to inform EC strategies across diverse global urban contexts, promoting a pathway toward resilient and socially cohesive urban environments. Full article

Sepsis is a risk factor associated with increasing neonatal morbidity and mortality, acute lung injury, and chronic lung disease. While stem cell therapy has shown promise in alleviating acute lung injury, its effects are primarily exerted through paracrine mechanisms rather than local engraftment. Accumulating evidence suggests that these paracrine effects are mediated by mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived small extracellular vesicles (sEVs), which play a critical role in immune system modulation and tissue regeneration. sEVs contain a diverse cargo of mRNA, miRNA, and proteins, contributing to their therapeutic potential. We hypothesize that sEVs derived from three distinct sources, cord blood plasma (CBP), Wharton jelly (WJ), and placental (PL) MSCs, may prevent the cytotoxicity induced by E. coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in lung alveolar epithelial cells. Objective: To determine the effects of CBP-, WJ-, and PL-MSCs-derived sEVs on cell viability, apoptosis, and proinflammatory cytokine production in alveolar epithelial cells and monocytes following LPS treatment. sEVs were collected from conditioned media of PL-MSCs, WJ-MSCs, and CBP using 50 nm membrane filters. sEVs were characterized based on nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Western blotting techniques. The protein concentration of isolated sEVs was used to standardize treatment doses. A549 cells and monocyte THP-1 cells were cultured and exposed to LPS in the presence or absence of sEVs for 72 h. Cell viability was measured using CellTiter-Glo 2.0 chemiluminescence-based assay. For cytokine analysis, A549 and THP-1 cells were pre-incubated for 24 h with or without PL- and CBP-sEVs, followed by exposure to LPS or control conditions for an additional 24 h. The conditioned media were collected, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) levels were quantified using ELISA. LPS treatment significantly reduced the viability of both A549 and THP-1 cells. The presence of CB- or WJ-sEVs significantly increased cell viability compared to controls. Cells treated with PL-sEVs showed increased cell viability but did not reach statistical significance. LPS-treated cells showed a significant increase in apoptosis and elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-8. All three sEVs types (CBP-, WJ-, and PL-sEVs) significantly reduced LPS-induced apoptosis and IL-6 release. Interestingly, while WJ-sEVs decreased IL-8, both CBP- and PL-sEVs led to an increase in IL-8 compared to their respective controls. CBP-, PL-, and WJ-derived sEVs demonstrated protective effects against LPS-induced injury in alveolar epithelial cells and monocytes, as evidenced by increased cell viability and modulation of pro-inflammatory cytokine release. These findings suggest that placenta-derived sEVs have the potential to modulate the immune response, mitigate inflammation, and prevent end-organ damage in neonatal sepsis. Full article

For several decades, there has been growing interest in the influence of low-frequency magnetic fields (LFMFs) and red LED light on the healing process. Keratinocytes are cells that play a significant role in the process of wound healing and tissue regeneration. A human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT) was exposed to an LFMF with low induction (180–195 Hz; 60 µT, magnetostimulation), red LED light (630 nm; 300 mW, LED therapy), and their combined action (magneto-LED therapy) in in vitro culture conditions. On day 4 and 8 of the experiment, the following parameters were determined: adhesion/proliferation, adenylate kinase (AK), nitric oxide (NO), cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70, TNF-α), metalloproteinases (MMP-2, MMP-9), and collagen IV. It was shown that magnetostimulation caused an increase in keratinocyte adhesion/proliferation and IL-8 secretion and a decrease in IL-12 secretion. The LED therapy resulted in a transient increase in the secretion of NO and cytokines IL-1, IL-12, and IL-6 in keratinocytes. The use of magneto-LED therapy resulted in an increase in keratinocyte adhesion/proliferation, the secretion of cytokines IL-6 and IL-8, and NO with a simultaneous decrease in MMP-9 secretion. The results of our studies showed that the action of an LFMF with low-induction and LED light on keratinocytes can modulate the biological activity of keratinocytes towards improving the skin healing process. Full article

Bone has the ability to heal itself; however, bone defects fail to heal once the damage exceeds a critical size. Bone regeneration remains a significant clinical challenge, with autograft considered the ideal bone graft material due to its sufficient porosity, osteogenic cells, and biological growth factors. However, limitations to bone grafting, such as limited bone stock and high resorption rates, have led to a great deal of research into developing bone graft substitutes. The P28 peptide is a small molecule bioactive biomimetic alternative to mimic the bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2). In this study, we investigated the potential of P28-loaded hybrid scaffolds to mimic the natural bone structure for enhancing the bone regeneration process. We hypothesized that the peptide-loaded scaffolds and nude scaffolds both have the potential to promote bone healing, and the bone healing process is accelerated by the release of the peptide. To verify our hypothesis, C2C12 cells were evaluated for the presence of calcium deposits by histological stain at 7 and 14 days in cultures with hybrid scaffolds. Total RNA was isolated from C2C12 cells cultured with hybrid scaffolds for 7 and 14 days to assess osteoblast differentiation. The project findings demonstrated that the hybrid scaffold could enhance osteoblast differentiation and significantly improve the therapeutic effects of the scaffold in bone regeneration. Full article

This study focuses on the endangered neo-endemic Baltic dunes species Linaria loeselii Schweigg. (Plantaginaceae), also known as Linaria odora (M. Bieb.). By utilizing in vitro cultures, we successfully germinated seeds collected in situ. Our method, which involved using media supplemented with 5 µmol/L 6-benzylaminopurine, led to the indirect regeneration of shoots after 60 days of culture in the dark, significantly increasing the number of progeny plants. Additionally, the medium supplemented with 2.85 μmol/L indole-3-acetic acid and 10.2 μmol/L paclobutrazol allowed rooting after 30 days of shoot fragments. This research provides a potential basis for developing Linaria loeselii introduction programs into the environment, thereby contributing to the conservation of this endangered species. Full article