Search Results (353)

Objective: Previous reports showed that periodontopathic bacteria induce epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Fisetin, a foodborne flavonoid, is reportedly associated with anticancer potential in various carcinogenic processes. This study aimed to elucidate the effects of fisetin on Fusobacterium nucleatum- and Porphyromonas gingivalis-induced EMT in OSCC cells. Methods: OSCC cells were co-cultured with live and heat-killed forms of F. nucleatum and P. gingivalis. The concentration of fisetin was set at 10 μM. Morphological changes in the OSCC cells were observed under a light microscope. Cell viability was measured using the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, whereas migration was examined via wound healing. The mRNA expression of EMT-related markers was quantified using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and the expression of EMT-related markers and Wnt pathway-associated proteins was examined via Western blotting. Results: At a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 300:1 for F. nucleatum and 100:1 for P. gingivalis, OSCC cell viability remained unchanged; however, wound closure rates increased significantly relative to the control. Likewise, treatment with fisetin (10 µM) did not materially alter viability; nevertheless, it attenuated promigratory effects induced by heat-killed periodontal pathogens at 3 h and 6 h. The OSCC cells exhibited EMT-like morphological changes after 6 h of co-culture with heat-killed pathogens. Consistently, reverse-transcriptase quantitative PCR and Western blot analyses showed increased expression of TWIST, ZEB1, and N-cadherin, accompanied by decreased E-cadherin expression, which was more pronounced in F. nucleatum than in P. gingivalis. However, fisetin reversed these trends. Moreover, co-culture with heat-killed pathogens markedly elevated β-catenin protein levels. In line with modulation of canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling, fisetin and a Wnt inhibitor reduced β-catenin expression, whereas co-treatment with a Wnt agonist restored β-catenin levels in the presence of fisetin. Conclusions: Heat-killed F. nucleatum and P. gingivalis induced EMT in OSCC cells, with F. nucleatum exerting the strongest effect. Fisetin suppressed pathogen-driven EMT, at least partly via canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling, highlighting its potential therapeutic value and warranting further investigation. Full article

Biomass has long been a major source of energy for residential heating and, in recent decades, has regained attention as a renewable alternative to fossil fuels. This review explores the current state and prospects of domestic biomass-based heating technologies, including biomass-fired boilers, local space heaters, and hybrid systems that integrate biomass with complementary renewable energy sources to deliver heat, electricity, and cooling. The review was conducted to identify key trends, performance data, and innovations in conversion technologies, fuel types, and efficiency enhancement strategies. The analysis highlights that biomass is increasingly recognized as a viable energy carrier for energy-efficient, passive, and nearly zero-energy buildings, particularly in cold climates where heating demand remains high. The analysis of the available studies shows that modern biomass-fired systems can achieve high energy performance while reducing environmental impact through advanced combustion control, optimized heat recovery, and integration with low-temperature heating networks. Overall, the findings demonstrate that biomass-based technologies, when designed and sourced efficiently and sustainably, can play a significant role in decarbonizing the residential heating sector and advancing nearly zero-energy building concepts. Full article

Adenomyosis (AM) is a hormonally responsive uterine disorder defined by ectopic endometrial tissue within the myometrium, causing pain, abnormal bleeding, and subfertility. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs)—including microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs)—are post-transcriptional regulators implicated also in uterine remodeling. We systematically reviewed original studies evaluating ncRNAs in AM using human samples, in vitro and animal models, or bioinformatic approaches. Data sources included PubMed and Google Scholar (inception up to 10 August 2025). Forty-one studies were included and synthesized across mechanistic, diagnostic, and translational domains. miRNAs (n = 31) were the most studied subclass, followed by lncRNAs (n = 10) and circRNAs (n = 5). Recurrent miRNAs such as miR-10b and miR-30c-5p (downregulated, inhibitory) and miR-145 (upregulated, promotive) regulate epithelial invasion, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, and cytoskeletal remodeling via PI3K–AKT/MAPK and Talin1 signaling. The let-7a/LIN28B axis governed estrogen-sensitive proliferation in the junctional zone, while miR-21 exhibited compartment-specific roles in decidualization and ectopic cell survival. Extracellular-vesicle (EV)-bornemiRNAs (e.g., miR-92a-3p, miR-25-3p, miR-4669) contributed to immune polarization and show early diagnostic potential. lncRNAs and circRNAs acted via chromatin modifiers and ceRNA networks. Most findings remain at the discovery stage. Convergent dysregulation was observed in key signaling pathways, including JAK–STAT, Wnt/β-catenin, and Hippo–YAP. ncRNAs regulate critical axes of invasion, proliferation, immune modulation, and hormonal response in AM. Targets with preliminary causal support—miR-10b/ZEB1, let-7a/LIN28B, and miR-145/Talin1—warrant further validation. Circulating miRNAs—especially in EVs—offer promise for non-invasive diagnosis. Full article

In recent years, European and national policies on energy efficiency and sustainable construction have promoted a profound rethinking of building practices and strategies for upgrading the existing building stock. With the conversion of Law Decree No. 34 of 19 May 2020 (Decreto Rilancio) into Law No. 77 of 17 July 2020, and of Law Decree No. 76 of 16 July 2020 (Decreto Semplificazioni) into Law No. 120 of 11 September 2020, the tax deduction rate was increased to 110% for expenses related to specific interventions such as seismic risk reduction, energy retrofit, installation of photovoltaic systems, and charging infrastructures for electric vehicles in buildings—commonly known as the Superbonus 110%. Furthermore, the category of “building renovation,” as defined in Presidential Decree No. 380 of 6 June 2001 (art. 3, paragraph 1, letter d), was expanded with specific reference to demolition and reconstruction of existing buildings, allowing—under certain conditions—interventions that do not comply with the original footprint, façades, site layout, volumetric features, or typological characteristics. These measures were designed not only to positively affect household investment levels, thereby significantly contributing to national income growth, but also to support the broader objective of decarbonising the building sector while improving seismic safety. Within this regulatory and policy framework, instruments such as the Superbonus 110% have acted as a driving force for the diffusion of renovation projects aimed at enhancing energy performance and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, in line with the objectives of the European Green Deal and the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). This paper is situated within such a context and examines a real-world case of bio-based renovation admitted to fiscal incentives under the Superbonus 110%. The focus is placed on the procedural framework as well as on the technical, economic, and evaluative aspects, adopting a multidimensional perspective that combines regulatory, operational, and financial considerations. The case study concerns the demolition and reconstruction of a single-family residential chalet, designed according to near-Zero-Energy Building (nZEB) standards, located in the municipality of San Roberto, in the province of Reggio Calabria. The intervention is set within an environmentally and culturally sensitive area, being situated in the Aspromonte National Park and subject to landscape protection restrictions under Article 142 of Legislative Decree No. 42/2004. The aim of the study is to highlight, through the analysis of this case, both the opportunities and the challenges of applying the Superbonus 110% in protected contexts. By doing so, it seeks to contribute to the scientific debate on the interplay between incentive-based regulations, energy sustainability, and landscape–environmental protection requirements, while providing insights for academics, practitioners, and policymakers engaged in the ecological transition of the construction sector. Full article

Buildings in Indonesia’s tropical climate face significant barriers to energy efficiency due to high cooling loads and electricity intensity. Previous studies have primarily addressed technical optimization or policy frameworks, but few have provided an integrated and data-driven evaluation model for tropical conditions. This study develops an Internet of Things (IoT) and EDGE-based hybrid framework to support the transition toward Net-Zero-Energy Buildings (NZEBs) while maintaining occupant comfort. The research combines real-time IoT monitoring at the LLDIKTI Region XIII Office Building in Banda Aceh with simulation-based assessment using Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies (EDGE). Baseline energy performance was established from architectural data, historical electricity use, and live monitoring of HVAC systems, lighting, temperature, humidity, and CO₂ concentration. Intervention scenarios—including building envelope enhancement, lighting optimization, and adaptive HVAC control—were simulated and validated against empirical data. Results demonstrate that integrating IoT-driven control with passive design measures achieves up to 31.49% reduction in energy use intensity, along with 24.7% improvement in water efficiency and 22.3% material resource savings. These findings enhance indoor environmental quality and enable adaptive responses to user behavior. The study concludes that the proposed IoT–EDGE framework offers a replicable and context-sensitive pathway for achieving net-zero energy operations in tropical office buildings, with quantifiable environmental benefits that support sustainable public facility management in Indonesia. Full article

The building sector plays a key role in the transition toward climate neutrality, with national regulations across the EU requiring the construction of nearly zero-energy buildings (nZEBs). However, while energy performance has been extensively studied, less attention has been given to the problem of ensuring user comfort—both indoors and in the surrounding outdoor areas—under nZEB design constraints. This gap raises two key research objectives: (1) to evaluate whether a well-designed nZEB with extensive glazing maintains acceptable indoor thermal comfort and (2) to assess whether residents experience greater outdoor thermal comfort and satisfaction in small, sun-exposed private gardens or in larger, shaded communal green spaces. To address these objectives, a newly built residential estate near Kraków (Poland) was analyzed. The investigation included simulation-based assessments during the design phase and in situ measurements during building operation, complemented by a user survey on spatial preferences. Indoor comfort was evaluated for rooms with large glazed façades, as well as rooms with standard-sized windows, while outdoor comfort was assessed in both private gardens and a shared green courtyard. Results show that shading the southwest-oriented glazed façade with an overhanging terrace provided slightly lower temperatures in ground-floor rooms compared to rooms with standard unshaded windows. Outdoors, users experienced lower thermal comfort in small, unshaded gardens than in the larger, vegetated communal area (pocket park), which demonstrated greater capacity for temperature moderation and thermal stress reduction. Survey responses further indicate that potential future residents prefer the inclusion of a shared green–blue infrastructure area, even at the expense of building some housing units in semi-detached form, instead of maximizing the number of detached units with unshaded individual gardens. These findings emphasize the importance of addressing both indoor and outdoor comfort in residential nZEB design, showing that technological efficiency must be complemented by user-centered design strategies. This integrated approach can improve the well-being of residents while supporting climate change adaptation in the built environment. Full article

Background: A range of cancer cells are significantly inhibited by FTY720. It is unknown, nevertheless, how FTY720 influences the onset of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Using bioinformatics techniques, we analyzed and the possible molecular mechanisms and targets of FTY720 for the treatment of NSCLC. Methods: DEGs (Differentially expressed genes) were acquired by differential analysis of the dataset GSE10072. Obtained FTY720 target genes and NSCLC disease genes from databases such as Swiss-TargetPrediction and GeneCard. Subsequently, target and disease genes, as well as DEGs, were merged for Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis, gene ontology (GO), and protein interaction analysis. The overlapping genes of DEGs and target genes, and disease genes were also obtained separately and subjected to survival as well as expression analyses. We constructed the regulatory network of miRNAs and transcription factors (TFs) on hub genes. Finally, the immune cell association of hub genes was evaluated using the ssGSEA method, molecular docking of FTY720 to hub genes was carried out utilizing Autodock, and molecular dynamics simulations were conducted. Results: In this study, 444 DEGs, 232 target genes of FTY720, and 466 disease genes were obtained. Moreover, a total of 1062 genes were obtained by removing duplicate values after merging, among which PIK3R1, Akt1, and S1PR1 had the highest DEGREE values in the protein interactions network, and these genes were primarily enriched in MAPK, PI3K-Akt signaling pathways, with the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway being the most prominent. Among the overlapping genes, three potential targets of FTY720 for NSCLC treatment were found: S1PR1, ZEB2, and HBEGF. ZEB2 and S1PR1 were determined to be hub genes and to significantly affect NSCLC prognosis by survival analysis. Furthermore, hsa-miR-132-3p, hsa-miR-192-5p, and hsa-miR-6845-3p were strongly associated with FTY720 for the treatment of NSCLC; CTBP1 (carboxy-terminal binding protein 1), EZH2 (protein lysine N-methyltransferase), and ZNF610 (zinc-finger protein 610) may all influence the expression of ZEB2 and S1PR1. Hub genes had a substantial negative link with memory B cells and a significant positive correlation with memory CD8 T cells and Th17 helper T cells. The molecular docking and kinetic simulation results of FTY720 with the two hub genes indicate that the protein-ligand complex has good stability. Conclusion: Our research indicates that FTY720 may inhibit NSCLC via possible targets ZEB2 and S1PR1, further laying the theoretical foundation for the utilization of FTY720 in NSCLC treatment. Full article

Turkey is in the process of developing national strategies to reach the NZEB standard. There is a gap in the literature regarding the life-cycle costs of the passive and active solutions that increase energy efficiency and have significant potential in the widespread adoption of the NZEB standard. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the economic feasibility of improvement alternatives for an existing building in Turkey. In accordance with the objectives involved in achieving NZEBs, national standards (TS 825-2008, TS 825-2024) and passive and active improvement strategies under the EnerPHit framework were identified, and a residential building located in Izmir, which is in a warm climate zone, was modelled using DesignBuilder (version 7.3.1.003) software. A comparison of the current configuration with those predicted by TS 825-2008, TS 825 2024, and EnerPHit indicates energy savings of 29%, 36%, and 54%, respectively. In addition, the benefit–cost ratios, payback periods, and life-cycle costs of the alternatives were determined. The lowest LCC was determined to be the USD 5.424 for the improved EnerPHit-compliant alternative using PV integration. Moreover, it was determined that achieving a plus-energy building is possible even when electric vehicles are charged in the improved building. In Turkey, the retrofitting of buildings similar to that of the case study into plus-energy buildings has been deemed economically viable, provided certain EnerPHit-compliant improvements are implemented. Full article

This article analyses the possibility of using Li-ion batteries removed from battery electric vehicles (BEVs) as short-term energy storage devices in a near-zero energy building (nZEB) in conjunction with a rooftop photovoltaic (PV) system. The technical and economic feasibility of this solution was compared to that of a standard commercial LIB (Lithium-Ion battery) BESS Battery Energy Storage System). Two generations of the same BEV model battery were tested to analyse their suitability for powering a building. The necessary changes to the setup of such a battery for building power supply purposes were analysed, as well as its suitability. As a result, analyses of profitability over the predicted life span and NPV (net present value) of SLEVBs (second-life BEV batteries) for building power were carried out. The study also conducted preliminary research on the effectiveness of such projects and their pros and cons in terms of security. The author calculates the profitability of a ready-made PV BESS with a set of SLEVBs, estimating the payback periods for such investments relative to electricity prices in Poland. The article concludes on the potential of SLEVBs to support self-consumption in nZEB buildings and its environmental impact on the European circular economy. Full article

In the context of retrofitting existing buildings into nearly zero-energy buildings (NZEBs), in situ assessment methods have proven reliable for evaluating the performance of building components, including glazing systems. However, these methods are often time-consuming, intrusive to occupants, and disruptive to building operations. This study investigates the potential of a machine learning approach—multiple linear regression (MLR)—to predict the dynamic performance of an office building’s glazing system by analyzing surface temperature variations and their impact on nearby thermal comfort. The models were trained using in situ data collected over just two weeks—one in September and one in December—but were applied to predict the glazing performance on multiple other dates with diverse weather conditions. Results show that MLR predictions closely matched nighttime measurements, while some discrepancies occurred during the daytime. Nevertheless, the machine learning model achieved a daytime prediction accuracy of approximately 1.5 °C in terms of root mean square error (RMSE), which is lower than the values reported in previous studies. For thermal comfort evaluation, the MLR model identified the periods with thermal discomfort with an overall accuracy of approximately 92%. However, during periods when the difference between predicted and measured operative temperatures exceeded 1 °C, the thermal comfort predictions showed greater deviation from actual measurements. The study concludes by acknowledging its limitations and recommending a future approach that integrates machine learning with laboratory-based techniques (e.g., hot-box setups and solar simulators) and in situ measurements, together with a broader variety of glazing samples, to more effectively evaluate and enhance prediction accuracy, robustness, and generalizability. Full article

Background: Breast cancer is a complex, multifactorial malignancy characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of epithelial cells, with certain subtypes exhibiting resistance to conventional therapies. Plant-derived essential oils have been proposed as potential anticancer agents due to their bioactive compounds. Recent studies have demonstrated that Decatropis bicolor essential oil exhibits activity against breast cancer, attributed to diverse secondary metabolites such as δ-cadinene. Aberrant expression of adhesion and invasion proteins, including MMPs, CD44, N-cadherin, and ZEB-2, are key signs of breast cancer progression and metastasis; they represent relevant molecular targets. Objectives: To investigate the interaction of δ-cadinene with these proteins using in silico approaches and in vitro evaluations. Methods: In silico analyses were conducted to assess the interaction and stability of δ-cadinene with target proteins. In vitro assays, including cytotoxicity, morphological analysis, and cell invasion assays, were performed using MDA-MB-231 and MCF10-A cell lines. Results: Interaction analysis suggest that δ-cadinene interacts with key catalytic residues in MMP-2, sharing features with Quercetin. Blind docking revealed a second high-affinity site in the Fibronectin type II domain. Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed the stability of these complexes. In vitro studies showed that δ-cadinene significantly reduced MDA-MB-231 cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner, without affecting MCF10-A cells, and significantly inhibited invasion and MMP-2 activity after 24 h. Conclusions: δ-cadinene exhibits selective cytotoxic and anti-invasive activity in MDA-MB-231 cells, likely through dual inhibition of the catalytic and adhesion domains of MMP-2. These findings support δ-cadinene as a potential candidate for future therapeutic development in metastatic breast cancer. Full article

This study presents a simulation-based analysis of a steel modular building that integrates technologies that support the energy transition in the built environment. The focus is placed on the implementation of building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPVs), with photovoltaic modules incorporated into the façade and balcony railings. Several modern photovoltaic façade systems were examined. In addition, the study considers the application of photovoltaic glazing enhanced with active quantum coatings. Seven distinct BIPV modules were analysed, each characterised by unique features, with particular emphasis on the influence of colour in tinted variants. A performance degradation analysis was conducted for railing-mounted modules with varying glass tints. The simulation results were correlated with the building’s electricity demand. Full article

Buildings represent approximately 40% of the total energy consumption. Net-zero energy buildings (NZEBs) have lower energy demands than conventional buildings due to improved thermal insulation combined with other passive design strategies. Thermal mortars, used in insulating plasters, help improve buildings’ energy efficiency in a cost-effective manner, with minimal added thickness, even on irregular surfaces. Brewer’s spent grain (BSG) accounts for 85% of the total by-products of the brewing industry. It is a cellulosic wood material, with a composition rich in protein (20%) and fiber (70%). Considering these properties, it has potential for use as a natural aggregate in mortars and as a sustainable material for buildings aligned with circular economy principles. This work aims to characterize BSG as a natural by-product for use in thermal mortars and identify different incorporation percentages. First, BSG was characterized in terms of its water content, particle size and volume mass. Then, mortars with BSG and fine sand, with different water contents, were produced and compared to a reference mortar and two commercially available thermal mortars. The performance of the mixtures was evaluated in terms of water absorption, mechanical behavior (namely, compressive and flexural strength) and thermal behavior. BSG mortars with a 0.25 w/c ratio presented a water absorption coefficient similar to that of the reference mortar. Overall, BSG mortars presented a mechanical strength profile similar to that of conventional thermal mortars. In the thermal test, the best BSG mortar (BSG75-w/c-0.25) achieved a stationary temperature difference between surfaces that was 8% lower than that of a commercial thermal mortar and 110% higher than that of the reference mortar. In sum, the best BSG mortars had a lower w/c ratio. Full article

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has a well-established propensity to form grossly visible tumour thrombi; however a comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms is still lacking. The epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been implicated in the progression of many carcinomas, including RCC; however, its exact role in the formation of venous tumour thrombi remains unclear. This study aims to explore the involvement of the EMT in venous invasion in RCC. In 14 patients with WHO/ISUP grade 2/3 clear cell RCC with venous invasion, the expression of main EMT markers (the miR-200 family, miR-205, SNAI1/2, TWIST1, ZEB2, and CDH1) was analyzed by qPCR in the selected tumour regions—the tumour centre (TC), the tumour periphery (TP), the venous tumour thrombus (VTT)—and compared to the corresponding non-neoplastic kidney tissue (N). Expression of E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and ZEB2 was analyzed immunohistochemically. The miR-200 family was downregulated in all areas examined compared to the corresponding N. When comparing the VTT with the TC, upregulation of miR-200c and miR-429 was observed. CDH1 was downregulated when the TP was compared with N, while SNAI2 was downregulated in all tumour regions. There was a strong correlation between the expression of all members of the miR-200 family. Our results demonstrate the presence of distinct molecular signatures between the selected ccRCC regions. The upregulation of two miRNAs in the VTT compared to the TC and their correlation with CDH1 expression could indicate a reversal of the EMT towards a more epithelial cell state in the VTT. Full article

Sustainable investments in construction are essential for the development of communities and for reducing environmental impacts. This study analyzes two scenarios: rehabilitation of an existing building and construction of a new NZEB-compliant building, based on a life cycle cost–benefit analysis. The results show that both scenarios generate negative Net Present Values (NPVs) due to the social nature of the project, but the new NZEB building presents superior performance (NPV: USD –2.61 million vs. USD –3.05 million for rehabilitation) and lower operational costs (USD 1.49 million vs. USD 1.92 million over 30 years). Key financial indicators (IRR, CBR), sensitivity analysis, and discount rate variation support the conclusion that the NZEB scenario ensures greater economic resilience. This study highlights the relevance of extended LCCBA in guiding sustainable investment decisions in social infrastructure. Full article