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Keywords = disused properties

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26 pages, 32560 KiB  
Article
Sustainable Production of Building Blocks by Reusing Stone Waste Sludge
by Albina Scioti, Francesco Fabbrocino and Fabio Fatiguso
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 5031; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15095031 - 30 Apr 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 475
Abstract
Mining and stone processing activities generate a large amount of various types of waste. Among these, Stone Waste Sludge (SWS) constitutes 22.5 percent of the raw material processed and is disposed of by delivering it to now disused quarries with significant landscape and [...] Read more.
Mining and stone processing activities generate a large amount of various types of waste. Among these, Stone Waste Sludge (SWS) constitutes 22.5 percent of the raw material processed and is disposed of by delivering it to now disused quarries with significant landscape and environmental consequences. This paper describes research aimed at identifying the possible uses of this waste, transforming it from a waste to a resource for the production of building blocks. The production of such building blocks is based on historical preparations of mixtures for artificial stone and is developed through an experimental approach and a simple and economical production methodology. Mixes consisting mainly of SWS and Portland cement (PC) were designed and tested. The aggregates and PC were mixed, wetted, and compacted under high pressure in special molds to form the specimens. The design of the mixtures and related tests aimed to define the process parameters considered such as the amount of water (W), the ratio of PC to SWS, and the compaction pressure. The compressive strength of the manufactured specimens at the age of 28 days was identified as the response variable. The results indicated that all of the mixtures had high mechanical strength values even when using high amounts of SWS relative to the amount of PC and that all of them have excellent characteristics for use as building elements in construction. This implies that such waste has an excellent potential for large-scale reuse in construction and encourages further research and testing, both in terms of the thermo-hygrometric properties of such elements and in terms of LCA analysis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Civil Engineering)
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15 pages, 2289 KiB  
Article
From Marble Waste to Eco-Friendly Filament for 3D Printing to Help Renaturalization of Quarries
by Daniela Fico, Daniela Rizzo, Valentina De Carolis, Francesca Lerario, Annalisa Di Roma and Carola Esposito Corcione
Sustainability 2025, 17(5), 1977; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17051977 - 25 Feb 2025
Viewed by 957
Abstract
The excessive use of materials that are generally difficult to discard, such as stone materials, has caused growing ecological concern. Among these, marble is extracted from quarries, but when the raw material is exhausted, these places are deserted. For this reason, several measures [...] Read more.
The excessive use of materials that are generally difficult to discard, such as stone materials, has caused growing ecological concern. Among these, marble is extracted from quarries, but when the raw material is exhausted, these places are deserted. For this reason, several measures have been adopted in recent years to requalify these areas. In addition, recent technological developments involve the creation of innovative green materials that privilege the circular economy and waste recycling. This research presents the development of innovative, sustainable filaments for the fused filament fabrication (FFF) printing technique from recycled marble waste (MW) and biocompostable and biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) matrix. MW was added to the polymer in concentrations of 10 wt.%, 20 wt.%, and 30 wt.%, and the blends were extruded to develop innovative green filaments. The chemical/structural properties of the raw materials and the thermal and mechanical features of the new composites were investigated. Composites containing 10 and 20 wt.% of MW showed good printability. In contrast, extrusion and printing difficulties were observed with 30 wt.% of MW. Finally, this paper proposes a project to renaturalize and requalify a disused marble quarry located in Trani (Apulia, Italy) with 3D printing devices using the newly produced eco-filaments, which have better features. The main purpose of this article is to propose a concrete, economic, and sustainable application of 3D printing involving processes such as waste and by-product recycling and renaturalization of disused quarries, with both economic and environmental benefits. Full article
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14 pages, 3480 KiB  
Article
Comparative Analysis of Muscle Activity and Circulatory Dynamics: A Crossover Study Using Leg Exercise Apparatus and Ergometer
by Nobuhiro Hirasawa, Yukiyo Shimizu, Ayumu Haginoya, Yuichiro Soma, Gaku Watanabe, Kei Takehara, Kayo Tokeji, Yuki Mataki, Ryota Ishii and Yasushi Hada
Medicina 2024, 60(8), 1260; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60081260 - 3 Aug 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1511 | Correction
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Bedridden patients are at a high risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Passive devices such as elastic compression stockings and intermittent pneumatic compression are common. Leg exercise apparatus (LEX) is an active device designed to prevent VTE by effectively contracting [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Bedridden patients are at a high risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Passive devices such as elastic compression stockings and intermittent pneumatic compression are common. Leg exercise apparatus (LEX) is an active device designed to prevent VTE by effectively contracting the soleus muscle and is therefore expected to be effective in preventing disuse of the lower limbs. However, few studies have been conducted on the kinematic properties of LEX. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the exercise characteristics of LEX with those of an ergometer, which is commonly used as a lower-limb exercise device, and examine its effect on the two domains of muscle activity and circulatory dynamics. Materials and Methods: This study used a crossover design in which each participant performed both exercises to evaluate the exercise characteristics of each device. Fifteen healthy adults performed exercises with LEX and an ergometer (Terasu Erugo, SDG Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan) for 5 min each and rested for 10 min after each exercise. Muscle activity was measured using surface electromyography (Clinical DTS, Noraxon, Scottsdale, AZ, USA), and circulatory dynamics were recorded using a non-invasive impedance cardiac output meter (Physioflow Enduro, Manatec Biomedical, Paris, France). The primary outcome was the mean percentage of maximum voluntary contraction (%MVC) of the soleus muscle during exercise. Results: The mean %MVC of the soleus muscle was significantly higher in the LEX group, whereas no significant differences were observed across the periods and sequences. Heart rate, stroke volume, and cardiac output increased during exercise and decreased thereafter; however, the differences between the devices were not significant. Conclusions: LEX may not only have a higher thromboprophylaxis effect, but also a higher effect on preventing muscle atrophy as a lower-extremity exercise device. Additionally, LEX could potentially be used safely in patients who need to be monitored for changes in circulatory dynamics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Hematology and Immunology)
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11 pages, 899 KiB  
Article
Alternative Treatments to Exercise for the Attenuation of Disuse-Induced Skeletal Muscle Atrophy in Rats
by Jinho Park, T. Brock Symons, Eun Hye Kwon, Eunhee Chung and Sukho Lee
Muscles 2024, 3(3), 224-234; https://doi.org/10.3390/muscles3030020 - 22 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1740
Abstract
The prevalence of skeletal muscle atrophy, caused by disease and aging, is rising as life expectancy increases. Exercise is the most effective treatment option; however, it is often impractical for individuals suffering from disease or bedridden. The formulation of non-exercise-based interventions is necessary. [...] Read more.
The prevalence of skeletal muscle atrophy, caused by disease and aging, is rising as life expectancy increases. Exercise is the most effective treatment option; however, it is often impractical for individuals suffering from disease or bedridden. The formulation of non-exercise-based interventions is necessary. This study assessed the impact of acupuncture (AC), electro-acupuncture (EA), and electrical stimulation (ES) on muscle mass and contractile properties in a model of casting-induced muscle atrophy. Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 40) were assigned to five groups: control (CON), cast (CT), cast receiving AC (CT-AC), cast receiving EA (CT-EA), and cast receiving ES (CT-ES) (n = 8 each). Treatments were 15 min and three times/week for 14 days. Contractile properties and protein markers of atrophy and inflammation were measured. Casting decreased muscle mass and fiber cross-sectional area, but AC, EA, and ES attenuated cast-induced muscle atrophy. All treatments increased peak twitch tension compared to CT. CT increased the protein levels of MAFbx and MuRF1, while AC, EA, and ES mitigated the elevation of these proteins. Our results indicate that acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, and electrical stimulation show promise as therapeutic strategies to counteract skeletal muscle loss and dysfunction resulting from disuse atrophy caused by injury, disease, and aging. Full article
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16 pages, 4418 KiB  
Article
The Influence of Disused ZSM-5 on the Performance of Phosphogypsum-Based Autoclaved Aerated Concrete
by Hao Zhou, Jiaqing Wang, Yang Jiang, Ruihuan Liang, Bing Ma, Houhu Zhang, Binbin Qian and Yueyang Hu
Buildings 2023, 13(12), 3012; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13123012 - 2 Dec 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1451
Abstract
Zeolite Socony Mobil-5 (ZSM-5) is a commonly spent catalyst in the petrochemical industry; and phosphogypsum (PG) is a kind of industrial waste produced in the process of phosphoric acid production. The environmental issues caused by these two solid wastes are urgent and thus [...] Read more.
Zeolite Socony Mobil-5 (ZSM-5) is a commonly spent catalyst in the petrochemical industry; and phosphogypsum (PG) is a kind of industrial waste produced in the process of phosphoric acid production. The environmental issues caused by these two solid wastes are urgent and thus sustainable methodologies are required to dispose of and reutilize them. In this research, the waste ZSM-5 and waste PG were used to prepare a novel autoclaved aerated concrete. The effects of the different contents of disused ZSM-5 on the microstructures and performance of the PG-based AAC were determined. The results showed that the compressive strength and bulk density of the DZ4 sample were 2.6 MPa and 520 kg/m3, respectively. This study provides a novel and green approach to the reutilization of both waste PG and spent ZSM-5. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Study of Material Technology in Structural Engineering)
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16 pages, 5228 KiB  
Article
Weakened Contractile Performance and Mitochondrial Respiratory Complex Activity in Skeletal Muscle Improve during Interbout Arousal in Hibernating Daurian Ground Squirrel, Spermophilus dauricus
by Huiping Wang, Yuxi Guo, Wenjing Yan, Liqi Cao, Xiaozhuo Bai, Jing Zhao, Kai Dang and Yunfang Gao
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(21), 15785; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms242115785 - 30 Oct 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1630
Abstract
Mammalian hibernation is composed of multiple episodes of torpor bout, separated by phases of interbout arousal. During torpor, the skeletal muscles of mammals are undoubtedly inactive, but it has been proven to mitigate disuse atrophy. While interbout arousal has been implicated in the [...] Read more.
Mammalian hibernation is composed of multiple episodes of torpor bout, separated by phases of interbout arousal. During torpor, the skeletal muscles of mammals are undoubtedly inactive, but it has been proven to mitigate disuse atrophy. While interbout arousal has been implicated in the prevention of muscle atrophy, the underlying mechanisms sustaining muscle contraction remain to be explored. In the present study, Daurian ground squirrels (Spermophilus dauricus) were divided into four groups: pre-hibernation (PRE), torpor (TOR), interbout arousal (IBA), and post-hibernation (POST). The contractile performance of slow-twitch soleus muscle (SOL) and fast-twitch extensor digitorum longus muscle (EDL) was detected both in situ and in vitro. Concurrently, mitochondrial respiratory chain complex activity in these muscles was quantified. Our findings revealed that in situ contractile properties of both muscles, including force, power output, time duration, and force development/relaxation rates of twitch contraction, and force and power output of tetanic contraction declined in the TOR group compared to the PRE group, but improved in the IBA and POST groups. Fatigue resistance of muscles, determined by the power output of repetitive tetanic contractions in situ, decreased in the TOR group but recovered in the IBA and POST groups. In vitro studies demonstrated that tetanic contraction power output in isolated muscles increased with muscle temperature in both TOR and IBA groups. However, at the same temperature, power output was consistently lower in the TOR group compared to the IBA group. Moreover, the activity of the mitochondrial respiratory chain complex, especially Complexes I and II, decreased in the TOR group but showed recovery in the IBA and POST groups. These findings suggest that both the contractile performance and fatigue resistance of mammalian skeletal muscle are compromised during torpor but can be improved during interbout arousal and post-hibernation. The rebound in body temperature and rise in mitochondrial respiratory chain complex activity in skeletal muscle are involved in enhancing contractile performance and fatigue resistance. This study suggests that interbout arousal functions as a vital temporal interval during which skeletal muscles can transition from the inactivity induced by torpor to a state of restored contractile functionality. Thus, interbout arousal serves as a behavioral safeguard against disuse-induced damage to skeletal muscles during hibernation. Full article
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27 pages, 2010 KiB  
Review
Revisiting Resveratrol as an Osteoprotective Agent: Molecular Evidence from In Vivo and In Vitro Studies
by Haryati Ahmad Hairi, Putri Ayu Jayusman and Ahmad Nazrun Shuid
Biomedicines 2023, 11(5), 1453; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11051453 - 16 May 2023
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 4032
Abstract
Resveratrol (RSV) (3,5,4′-trihydroxystilbene) is a stilbene found in abundance in berry fruits, peanuts, and some medicinal plants. It has a diverse range of pharmacological activities, underlining the significance of illness prevention and health promotion. The purpose of this review was to delve deeper [...] Read more.
Resveratrol (RSV) (3,5,4′-trihydroxystilbene) is a stilbene found in abundance in berry fruits, peanuts, and some medicinal plants. It has a diverse range of pharmacological activities, underlining the significance of illness prevention and health promotion. The purpose of this review was to delve deeper into RSV’s bone-protective properties as well as its molecular mechanisms. Several in vivo studies have found the bone-protective effects of RSV in postmenopausal, senile, and disuse osteoporosis rat models. RSV has been shown to inhibit NF-κB and RANKL-mediated osteoclastogenesis, oxidative stress, and inflammation while increasing osteogenesis and boosting differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells to osteoblasts. Wnt/β-catenin, MAPKs/JNK/ERK, PI3K/AKT, FoxOs, microRNAs, and BMP2 are among the possible kinases and proteins involved in the underlying mechanisms. RSV has also been shown to be the most potent SIRT1 activator to cause stimulatory effects on osteoblasts and inhibitory effects on osteoclasts. RSV may, thus, represent a novel therapeutic strategy for increasing bone growth and reducing bone loss in the elderly and postmenopausal population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Bone and Cartilage Diseases 2.0)
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17 pages, 10416 KiB  
Article
Preventing Disused Bone Loss through Inhibition of Advanced Glycation End Products
by Cong-Jin Liu, Xiao Yang, Shou-Hui Wang, Xin-Tong Wu, Yan Mao, Jing-Wen Shi, Yu-Bo Fan and Lian-Wen Sun
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(5), 4953; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24054953 - 3 Mar 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2988
Abstract
Bone loss occurs in astronauts during long-term space flight, but the mechanisms are still unclear. We previously showed that advanced glycation end products (AGEs) were involved in microgravity-induced osteoporosis. Here, we investigated the improvement effects of blocking AGEs formation on microgravity-induced bone loss [...] Read more.
Bone loss occurs in astronauts during long-term space flight, but the mechanisms are still unclear. We previously showed that advanced glycation end products (AGEs) were involved in microgravity-induced osteoporosis. Here, we investigated the improvement effects of blocking AGEs formation on microgravity-induced bone loss by using the AGEs formation inhibitor, irbesartan. To achieve this objective, we used a tail-suspended (TS) rat model to simulate microgravity and treated the TS rats with 50 mg/kg/day irbesartan, as well as the fluorochrome biomarkers injected into rats to label dynamic bone formation. To assess the accumulation of AGEs, pentosidine (PEN), non-enzymatic cross-links (NE−xLR), and fluorescent AGEs (fAGEs) were identified in the bone; 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) was analyzed for the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level in the bone. Meanwhile, bone mechanical properties, bone microstructure, and dynamic bone histomorphometry were tested for bone quality assessment, and Osterix and TRAP were immunofluorescences stained for the activities of osteoblastic and osteoclastic cells. Results showed AGEs increased significantly and 8-OHdG expression in bone showed an upward trend in TS rat hindlimbs. The bone quality (bone microstructure and mechanical properties) and bone formation process (dynamic bone formation and osteoblastic cells activities) were inhibited after tail-suspension, and showed a correlation with AGEs, suggesting the elevated AGEs contributed to the disused bone loss. After being treated with irbesartan, the increased AGEs and 8-OHdG expression were significantly inhibited, suggesting irbesartan may reduce ROS to inhibit dicarbonyl compounds, thus suppressing AGEs production after tail-suspension. The inhibition of AGEs can partially alter the bone remodeling process and improve bone quality. Both AGEs accumulation and bone alterations almost occurred in trabecular bone but not in cortical bone, suggesting AGEs effects on bone remodeling under microgravity are dependent on the biological milieu. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biochemistry)
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16 pages, 7574 KiB  
Article
Changes in the Mechanical Properties of Fast and Slow Skeletal Muscle after 7 and 21 Days of Restricted Activity in Rats
by Sergey A. Tyganov, Svetlana P. Belova, Olga V. Turtikova, Ivan M. Vikhlyantsev, Tatiana L. Nemirovskaya and Boris S. Shenkman
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(4), 4141; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24044141 - 18 Feb 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2471
Abstract
Disuse muscle atrophy is usually accompanied by changes in skeletal muscle structure, signaling, and contractile potential. Different models of muscle unloading can provide valuable information, but the protocols of experiments with complete immobilization are not physiologically representative of a sedentary lifestyle, which is [...] Read more.
Disuse muscle atrophy is usually accompanied by changes in skeletal muscle structure, signaling, and contractile potential. Different models of muscle unloading can provide valuable information, but the protocols of experiments with complete immobilization are not physiologically representative of a sedentary lifestyle, which is highly prevalent among humans now. In the current study, we investigated the potential effects of restricted activity on the mechanical characteristics of rat postural (soleus) and locomotor (extensor digitorum longus, EDL) muscles. The restricted-activity rats were kept in small Plexiglas cages (17.0 × 9.6 × 13.0 cm) for 7 and 21 days. After this, soleus and EDL muscles were collected for ex vivo mechanical measurements and biochemical analysis. We demonstrated that while a 21-day movement restriction affected the weight of both muscles, in soleus muscle we observed a greater decrease. The maximum isometric force and passive tension in both muscles also significantly changed after 21 days of movement restriction, along with a decrease in the level of collagen 1 and 3 mRNA expression. Furthermore, the collagen content itself changed only in soleus after 7 and 21 days of movement restriction. With regard to cytoskeletal proteins, in our experiment we observed a significant decrease in telethonin in soleus, and a similar decrease in desmin and telethonin in EDL. We also observed a shift towards fast-type myosin heavy chain expression in soleus, but not in EDL. In summary, in this study we showed that movement restriction leads to profound specific changes in the mechanical properties of fast and slow skeletal muscles. Future studies may include evaluation of signaling mechanisms regulating the synthesis, degradation, and mRNA expression of the extracellular matrix and scaffold proteins of myofibers. Full article
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20 pages, 4404 KiB  
Article
Mechanical Characterization of Masonry Built with iCEBs of Granite Residual Soils with Cement–Lime Stabilization
by Ana Briga-Sá, Rui A. Silva, Norma Gaibor, Vânia Neiva, Dinis Leitão and Tiago Miranda
Buildings 2022, 12(9), 1419; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12091419 - 9 Sep 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2526
Abstract
The environmental impact due to the overexploitation of nonrenewable resources, the processing and transportation of materials, and waste production is a global concern that the construction industry must urgently address, since it is among the greatest contributors. Earth construction can be seen as [...] Read more.
The environmental impact due to the overexploitation of nonrenewable resources, the processing and transportation of materials, and waste production is a global concern that the construction industry must urgently address, since it is among the greatest contributors. Earth construction can be seen as an alternative building solution, enhancing sustainability, despite traditional techniques being nowadays in disuse in most developed countries. Construction with interlocking compressed earth blocks (iCEBs) is a recently developed technique, put in evidence in the last few decades, for overcoming many earth construction limitations. Here, this technique is studied as a sustainable building solution for Northern Portugal, where the typical soils are sandy, granitic residual soils with low clay content. These soils typically demand cement stabilization to produce earthen materials, which compromise the sustainability of the construction solution. In order to improve sustainability, stabilization with hydraulic lime is proposed as a partial replacement of cement. For this purpose, the properties of the selected soil were characterized through a set of geotechnical tests, with different percentages of cement and lime in the mixture composition tested, concerning the compressive strength of the specimens. A mixture composed of 87.5% of soil, 7.5% of cement, and 5% of lime was shown to be the most suitable for producing iCEBs with adequate mechanical performance. The compressive behavior of the iCEBs masonry was characterized by testing prisms and wallettes, considering both dry stack and mortar joints cases. The obtained results showed that using mortar in the bed joints allows for the improvement of the compressive strength (a 5%–18% increase) and Young’s modulus (a 65%–92% increase) of the masonry. Thus, it can be concluded that masonry built with locally produced iCEBs and stabilized with cement and lime is a feasible building solution, for a sustainable earth masonry built from sandy granitic residual soils, where the mechanical behavior is substantially enhanced by using bed-joint mortar. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strength and Performance of Building Materials)
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14 pages, 2863 KiB  
Article
An Innovative Approach for the Enhancement of Public Real Estate Assets
by Benedetto Manganelli, Sabina Tataranna, Marco Vona and Francesco Paolo Del Giudice
Sustainability 2022, 14(14), 8309; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14148309 - 7 Jul 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2346
Abstract
In a context of dwindling resources and growing financial constraints for public administrations, available real estate assets can become an important economic resource both for debt reduction through their alienation, and for carrying out public works through rehabilitation and defunctionalisation using private capital. [...] Read more.
In a context of dwindling resources and growing financial constraints for public administrations, available real estate assets can become an important economic resource both for debt reduction through their alienation, and for carrying out public works through rehabilitation and defunctionalisation using private capital. The latter requires the adoption of innovative policies and strategies to enhance the value of the assets, especially those that are disused or abandoned, which very often represent a critical element in the overall management of public administrations. This study proposes a strategy for the enhancement of public assets using a little-experimented contractual form of public–private partnership. This approach, through a complex exchange transaction, avoids the total disposal of the assets, thus guaranteeing the social and environmental sustainability of the intervention, and also allows for the enhancement of the property with a financially convenient solution for both partners. The balance between the benefits of the two parties is in fact the basis of the model proposed for the final solution. Full article
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32 pages, 7981 KiB  
Review
Polyphenols and Their Effects on Muscle Atrophy and Muscle Health
by Takeshi Nikawa, Anayt Ulla and Iori Sakakibara
Molecules 2021, 26(16), 4887; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26164887 - 12 Aug 2021
Cited by 84 | Viewed by 12713
Abstract
Skeletal muscle atrophy is the decrease in muscle mass and strength caused by reduced protein synthesis/accelerated protein degradation. Various conditions, such as denervation, disuse, aging, chronic diseases, heart disease, obstructive lung disease, diabetes, renal failure, AIDS, sepsis, cancer, and steroidal medications, can cause [...] Read more.
Skeletal muscle atrophy is the decrease in muscle mass and strength caused by reduced protein synthesis/accelerated protein degradation. Various conditions, such as denervation, disuse, aging, chronic diseases, heart disease, obstructive lung disease, diabetes, renal failure, AIDS, sepsis, cancer, and steroidal medications, can cause muscle atrophy. Mechanistically, inflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction are among the major contributors to muscle atrophy, by modulating signaling pathways that regulate muscle homeostasis. To prevent muscle catabolism and enhance muscle anabolism, several natural and synthetic compounds have been investigated. Recently, polyphenols (i.e., natural phytochemicals) have received extensive attention regarding their effect on muscle atrophy because of their potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Numerous in vitro and in vivo studies have reported polyphenols as strongly effective bioactive molecules that attenuate muscle atrophy and enhance muscle health. This review describes polyphenols as promising bioactive molecules that impede muscle atrophy induced by various proatrophic factors. The effects of each class/subclass of polyphenolic compounds regarding protection against the muscle disorders induced by various pathological/physiological factors are summarized in tabular form and discussed. Although considerable variations in antiatrophic potencies and mechanisms were observed among structurally diverse polyphenolic compounds, they are vital factors to be considered in muscle atrophy prevention strategies. Full article
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19 pages, 6235 KiB  
Article
Study Analysis of Thermal, Dielectric, and Functional Characteristics of an Ethylene Polyethylene Diene Monomer Blended with End-of-Life Tire Microparticles Amounts
by Marc Marín-Genescà, Ramon Mujal-Rosas, Jordi García-Amorós, Miguel Mudarra, Xavier Ramis Juan and Xavier Colom Fajula
Polymers 2021, 13(4), 509; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13040509 - 8 Feb 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3160
Abstract
The recycling and disposal of disused tires is a topic of great concern to today’s companies, researchers, and society in general. In this sense, our research aims to recycle end-of-life tires (GTRs) through the separation of the fraction of vulcanized rubber from the [...] Read more.
The recycling and disposal of disused tires is a topic of great concern to today’s companies, researchers, and society in general. In this sense, our research aims to recycle end-of-life tires (GTRs) through the separation of the fraction of vulcanized rubber from the other compounds in order to later grind this fraction and separate it into lower particle sizes. Finally, we aim to incorporate these GTR particles as a filler of an ethylene-polyethylene-diene monomer (EPDM). The obtained composites with EPDM and GTR are tested (5%, 10%, 20%) comparing these values with neat EPDM as a control sample. Thermal tests such as differential calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) as well as dielectric tests (DEA) are performed in order to characterize these materials and check their viability as dielectric or semiconductor, for industrial use. It is checked how the presence of GTR increases functional properties such as conductivity/permittivity. The influence of temperature (40 to 120 °C) and addition of GTR particles in electrical properties has also been analyzed. The dielectric behavior of these composites is fully characterized, analyzing the different types of relaxation with increasing frequency (10 mHz to 3 MHz), using the electric modulus, and Argand diagrams among other measures. The influence of GTR and temperature in the dielectric and thermal behavior of these materials has been analyzed, where CB of GTR creates interfacial polarization phenomena in the dielectric behavior of the composite and increases the permittivity (real and imaginary) as well as the conductivity. Finally, with these obtained properties, the possible application of EPDM/GTR composites as industrial dielectrics has been studied. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer-Based Dielectric Materials)
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19 pages, 2705 KiB  
Article
A Methodological Approach on Disused Public Properties in the 15-Minute City Perspective
by Ginevra Balletto, Mara Ladu, Alessandra Milesi and Giuseppe Borruso
Sustainability 2021, 13(2), 593; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13020593 - 9 Jan 2021
Cited by 76 | Viewed by 12473
Abstract
Accessibility and Walkability represent, today, some of the most striking challenges contemporary cities are facing, particularly in light of the goals from UN Agenda 2030, aimed at a sustainable city, and particularly in terms of a livable, healthy and inclusive city. This can [...] Read more.
Accessibility and Walkability represent, today, some of the most striking challenges contemporary cities are facing, particularly in light of the goals from UN Agenda 2030, aimed at a sustainable city, and particularly in terms of a livable, healthy and inclusive city. This can be also performed thanks to a set of high quality public services and a set of important and central services and infrastructures. These principles, however, are constrained by an overall, general fragmentation affecting many urban areas, particularly as an outcome of the vehicular accessibility needs. Scholars have debated through the years on the nature of cities and on the preference for centrality of services compared to the distribution of services towards dispersed neighborhood units. Recently, a need for a wider, minimum set of services that is easily reachable to most citizens is filling the scholars and city mayors’ agendas in order to improve urban performances. This is also coupled with a huge surge in the heritage of abandoned urban items coming from previous periods of time and alternative uses. The aim of this research is to evaluate the role of abandoned urban assets—particularly big-size buildings and compounds and their areas—to facilitate the implementation of the concept of a 15-minute city, a city that is capable of granting a wider social equality and access to main urban services to citizens and city users. To do this, we developed a set of indexes, capable of detecting porosity, crossing and attractiveness. This latter index in particular represents a combined index that can be used to improve the accessibility of pedestrians in urban central locations. In the present research, we decided to limit the analysis to a subset of disused public buildings in the historic center of a sample city, as Cagliari (Sardinia, Italy). This was done in order to understand if and in which terms they can contribute, after their redevelopment, to the development of the 15-minute city, as well as reducing the “enclave–effect: they are, at present, playing in the historic urban fabric. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Regeneration of Degraded Urban Structures and Fabric)
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13 pages, 3670 KiB  
Article
NeuroHeal Improves Muscle Regeneration after Injury
by Sara Marmolejo-Martínez-Artesero, David Romeo-Guitart, Vanesa Venegas, Mario Marotta and Caty Casas
Cells 2021, 10(1), 22; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells10010022 - 24 Dec 2020
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4075
Abstract
Musculoskeletal injuries represent a challenging medical problem. Although the skeletal muscle is able to regenerate and recover after injury, the process engaged with conservative therapy can be inefficient, leading to a high re-injury rate. In addition, the formation of scar tissue implies an [...] Read more.
Musculoskeletal injuries represent a challenging medical problem. Although the skeletal muscle is able to regenerate and recover after injury, the process engaged with conservative therapy can be inefficient, leading to a high re-injury rate. In addition, the formation of scar tissue implies an alteration of mechanical properties in muscle. There is still a need for new treatments of the injured muscle. NeuroHeal may be one option. Published studies demonstrated that it reduces muscle atrophy due to denervation and disuse. The main objective of the present work was to assess the potential of NeuroHeal to improve muscle regeneration after traumatic injury. Secondary objectives included characterizing the effect of NeuroHeal treatment on satellite cell biology. We used a rat model of sport-induced injury in the gastrocnemius and analyzed the effects of NeuroHeal on functional recovery by means of electrophysiology and tetanic force analysis. These studies were accompanied by immunohistochemistry of the injured muscle to analyze fibrosis, satellite cell state, and fiber type. In addition, we used an in vitro model to determine the effect of NeuroHeal on myoblast biology and partially decipher its mechanism of action. The results showed that NeuroHeal treatment advanced muscle fiber recovery after injury in a preclinical model of muscle injury, and significantly reduced the formation of scar tissue. In vitro, we observed that NeuroHeal accelerated the formation of myotubes. The results pave the way for novel therapeutic avenues for muscle/tendinous disorders. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Skeletal Muscle Atrophy: Mechanisms at a Cellular Level)
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