Restoration Of Architecture Research Articles

New insight into the role of isorhamnetin as a regulator of insulin signaling pathway in type 2 diabetes mellitus rat model: Molecular and computational approach

We intended to examine the molecular mechanism of action of isorhamnetin (IHN) to regulate the pathway of insulin signaling. Molecular analysis, immunofluorescence, and histopathological examination were used to assess the anti-hyperglycemic and insulin resistance lowering effects of IHN in streptozotocin /high fat diet-induced type 2 diabetes using Wistar rats. At the microscopic level, treatment with IHN resulted in the restoration of myofibrils uniform arrangement and adipose tissue normal architecture. At the molecular level, treatment with IHN at three different doses showed a significant decrease in m-TOR, IGF1-R & LncRNA-RP11-773H22.4. expression and it up-regulated the expression of AKT2 mRNA, miR-1, and miR-3163 in both skeletal muscle and adipose tissue. At the protein level, IHN treated group showed a discrete spread with a moderate faint expression of m-TOR in skeletal muscles as well as adipose tissues. We concluded that IHN could be used in the in ameliorating insulin resistance associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Reconstruction and restoration of monuments of white stone architecture on the example of the church of the Image of Edessa in Abramtsevo

The article deals with the topic of preserving the historical appearance of objects during the reconstruction and restoration of architectural masterpieces. The analysis of the historical experience of recreating samples of ancient Russian architecture with elements of sculptural white stone reliefs is carried out on the example of the group method of work of members of the Abramtsevo art circle, imitating the activities of the national art collective. Based on the analysis of historical experience in the framework of the Abramtsevo Art Circle and their own research, the authors have established the basic principles of reconstruction and restoration of architectural monuments. When conveying of white stone works as masterpieces of ancient Russian architecture, technological techniques must be based on the ideological basis of creating an emotional and artistic atmosphere of collective creativity of folk masters. During the reconstruction and restoration of white stone architecture, it is also necessary to reproduce the natural irregularities of the walls themselves as a stylistic and functional feature of the historical time, designed to give originality to ancient buildings, taking into account the specifics of the perception of the relief of the walls of the monument as a similarity to the terrain.

Preservation of the structure of the building in the process of renovation of industrial architecture

The renovation of industrial buildings has become relevant recently with increasing interest in former industrial areas that need to rethink their importance in the city without losing their identity. Based on the previous scientific works of the authors, we reveal one of the principles of preserving identity in the renovation of industrial buildings – the principle of preserving the structural identity of the building. In this scientific study, we analyze the existing experience of preserving structures during renovation and consider this principle in practice, namely, the renovation of the mill building erected in 1912 in the urban-type settlement of Apastovo, Republic of Tatarstan, Russia. The practical significance of the work lies in the possibility of applying the results of the study in modern architectural practice, in particular in the reconstruction of industrial buildings in historical cities of Russia. This work can become the basis for further research, identifying valuable areas for the development of industrial formations.

The external renders of the early 20th century architecture

External renders are an essential part of the architecture of the first half of the 20th century. The aesthetic effect of such plasterwork was achieved by surface treatment, colouring or by using various filler components that acted with their colour or structure. The binder of the plasters was most often Portland cement which played an important role in the processing of plasters or surface finishes, and in addition, formed the functional properties of the plasters (hardness, durability, resistance to external conditions).This paper summarizes the results of a survey focused on the characterization of components used for the creation of external rendering taken from several architecturally significant buildings in the city of Brno dating back to the first half of the 20th century (villas, apartment buildings, public apartment houses). The survey into the collected samples performed by means of petrographic (light polarizing microscopy) and phase (powder X-ray diffraction) analysis revealed interesting information concerning the wide range of materials (components) used and the craftsmanship involved in their processing, all of which fundamentally influence the art-craft and utility properties of the buildings. The information gathered can serve as an important source of information for the renovation of early 20th century architecture.

The Role of Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells and Hesperidin in Ameliorating Nephrotoxicity Induced by Cisplatin in Male Wistar Rats.

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BM-MSCs) and antioxidants opened the way for many effective therapeutic experiments against damaged organs like kidneys. Nephrotoxicity is the main complication of chemotherapeutic drugs. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the efficacy of BM-MSCs and hesperidin to treat cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Fifty rats were divided into five equal groups of 10 each. Group-I served as a control group, group-II received a single dose of cisplatin (7.5 mg/kg) intraperitoneally to induce nephrotoxicity, group-III received a daily dose of hesperidin (40 mg/kg) orally for four weeks, and on the 5th day cisplatin was administered an hour before hesperidin administration. Group-IV consisted of cisplatin-treated rats that were intravenously injected with 1х106 BM-MSCs cells/rat once per week. Group V contained cisplatin-treated rats that received a combination of hesperidin and BM-MSCs with the same dosage regimes. After four weeks, serum and kidney samples were collected for biochemical, histological, and immunohistochemical examinations were performed. Cisplatin administered rats showed deteriorated biochemical parameters and severe degenerative changes in renal tissue. Both single and combined hesperidin and BM-MSCs treatments restored the renal biochemical parameters. Histologically, the renal tissues significantly improved in the BM-MSCs treated group in comparison with the hesperidin treated group. Moreover, combined treatment (i.e., group V) showed complete restoration of the normal architecture in the renal tissue. Our data suggest that the combined treatment of BM-MSCs and hesperidin has a potent renoprotective efficacy against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity rather than the single treatment.

Phytophospholipid Complex of Caffeic Acid: Development, In vitro Characterization, and In Vivo Investigation of Antihyperlipidemic and Hepatoprotective Action in Rats

Caffeic acid (CA), a hydroxycinnamic acid possessing a variety of pharmacological activities, has caused a growing interest for the treatment of hyperlipidemia and associated conditions. This work endeavored to develop a novel formulation of CA-Phospholipon® 90H complex (CA-PC) using a solvent evaporation method. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry (FTIR), and powder X-ray powder diffraction (PXRD) was carried to confirm the formation of CA-PC. The CA-PC was functionally evaluated in terms of solubility, in vitro and ex vivo drug release, and in vivo bioavailability and efficacy studies. SEM, DSC, FTIR, and XRD studies indicated the physical interaction of CA with Phospholipon® 90H to form a complex. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) studies described particle size of 168 ± 3.9nm with a monodisperse distribution (PDI 0.17) and a negative zeta-potential of - 16.6 ± 2.1mV. The phospholipid complex significantly improved (4.2-fold) the solubility of CA. In vitro and ex vivo dissolution studies of the formulated CA-PC revealed a significantly higher release compared with the pure CA. The pharmacokinetic study of CA-PC in rats demonstrated a significant increase (4.79-fold) in oral bioavailability when compared with pure CA as well. Additionally, a significant improvement in serum lipid profile, serum liver biomarker enzyme levels and, restoration of hepatic tissue architecture to normal, in high-fat diet (HFD) induced hyperlipidemic model was obtained upon CA-PC administration when compared with pure CA. These findings indicated that CA-PC would serve as an effective and promising formulation for CA delivery with improved antihyperlipidemic and hepatoprotective activity.Graphical abstract.

TGF-β loaded exosome enhances ischemic wound healing in vitro and in vivo.

Rationale: With over seven million infections and $25 billion treatment cost, chronic ischemic wounds are one of the most serious complications in the United States. The controlled release of bioactive factor enriched exosome from finbrin gel was a promising strategy to promote wound healing.Methods: To address this unsolved problem, we developed clinical-grade platelets exosome product (PEP), which was incorporate with injectable surgical fibrin sealant (TISSEEL), to promote chronic wound healing and complete skin regeneration. The PEP characterization stimulated cellular activities and in vivo rabbit ischemic wound healing capacity of TISSEEL-PEP were performed and analyzed.Results: PEP, enriched with transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), possessed exosomal characteristics including exosome size, morphology, and typical markers including CD63, CD9, and ALG-2-interacting protein X (Alix). In vitro, PEP significantly promoted cell proliferation, migration, tube formation, as well as skin organoid formation. Topical treatment of ischemic wounds with TISSEEL-PEP promoted full-thickness healing with the reacquisition of hair follicles and sebaceous glands. Superior to untreated and TISSEEL-only treated controls, TISSEEL-PEP drove cutaneous healing associated with collagen synthesis and restoration of dermal architecture. Furthermore, PEP promoted epithelial and vascular cell activity enhancing angiogenesis to restore blood flow and mature skin function. Transcriptome deconvolution of TISSEEL-PEP versus TISSEEL-only treated wounds prioritized regenerative pathways encompassing neovascularization, matrix remodeling and tissue growth.Conclusion: This room-temperature stable, lyophilized exosome product is thus capable of delivering a bioactive transforming growth factor beta to drive regenerative events.

Protective effect of standardised fruit extract of Garcinia cowa Roxb. ex Choisy against ethanol induced gastric mucosal lesions in Wistar rats

Background and aim The fruit of Garcinia is a rich and valuable source of bioactive compounds and is traditionally used for treating wounds and ulcers. The present study was carried out to investigate the protective effect of chromatographically standardized fruit extract of Garcinia cowa (GCE) on ethanol-induced gastric lesions in rats and its possible mechanisms. Methods The effect of GCE (200 and 400 mg/kg body weight) was evaluated by determining various gastric ulcer parameters like gastric wall mucus, non-protein sulfhydryls (NP-SH) content, microvascular permeability, endogenous antioxidant enzyme, and gastric histopathological study. Results and conclusions Oral administration of GCE at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg exhibited significant (p < .01) dose-dependent inhibition of ulcer index by 18.94–44.02%, respectively. Pre-treatment of rats with GCE (400 mg/kg) significantly restored the depleted gastric wall mucus level by 34.09% and NP-SH content by 33.35% induced by ethanol administration. In addition, GCE (400 mg/kg) showed a significant decrease in microvascular permeability of Evans Blue by 47.43%, rationalizing its protective effect. Furthermore, a significant increase in oxidative enzyme levels with reduction in malondialdehyde level and elevation of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was observed in the GCE treated group as compared to the ulcer control group. The histopathological assessment also confirmed the protective nature of GCE. HPTLC analysis showed the presence of 0.27%, 0.11% w/w gallic acid, and amentoflavone, respectively in GCE. The content of α-mangostin and xanthochymol in the G. cowa extract sample quantified by HPLC-PDA method was 0.72 and 8.46%, respectively. The results obtained indicate that the protective effect of GCE against gastric ulcers in rats through multiple actions confirmed by the reduction of oxidative stress and restoration of adhered gastric mucus, NP-SH content, and histological architecture. KEY MESSAGES Ethanol is the most typical ulcerogenic agent and has been shown to extend the risk of ulcer in humans. Natural products are promising alternative medication for the development of new drugs to regulate gastrointestinal diseases. Garcinia cowa protects the gastric mucosa through multiple actions that include restoration of adhered gastric mucus and inhibition of lipid peroxidation.

Suitability of modified low carbon Roman cements for architectural restoration

Article is devoted to the investigation of suitability of low carbon Roman cement for restoration and finishing works. The history of the development of Roman cement as a natural hydraulic binder, which was commonly used to decorate building facades in the 19th and early 20th centuries, is presented. The properties of mortars based on Roman cement make it an excellent product for architectural restoration and conservation, as they are characterized by fast setting, high porosity typical for lime mortars, high resistance to weather conditions, high initial strength. At the same time, due to the high surface activity and increased water demand for cement, with the age of hardening, shrinkage deformations can develop, which leads to the formation of main cracks on the surface of the products. It is shown that the addition of gypsum is an effective regulator of the setting time of Roman cement and contributes to an increase in the strength of the cement paste. Analogs of Roman cement based on multicomponent cement binders modified with plasticizing and air-entraining additives are presented.

THE USING OF TERRESTRIAL LASER (POINT CLOUD) SCANNING TECHNOLOGIES ON URBAN SCALE: EXAMPLE OF THE HISTORICAL URBAN TEXTURE OF LAPSEKİ

Aim: This study aims to comparatively evaluate the use potential of orthophoto images obtained by terrestrial laser scanning technologies on an urban scale through the "Old Lapseki Finds Life Project" prepared using terrestrial laser scanning technologies and the "Enez Historical City Square Project" prepared using traditional methods. Method: In the study, street improvement projects of 29.210 m2 Lapseki and 29.214 m2 Enez city designed on an urban scale were evaluated and compared with descriptive statistics based on different parameters. Results: In the study, it has been determined that terrestrial laser (point cloud) technologies are 99,9% accurate when compared to traditional methods, save time by 83,08% and reduce workforce by 80%. In addition, it has been determined that terrestrial laser scanning technologies accelerate project processes compared to traditional methods. Conclusion: In this study, the use of laser scanning technologies, which are basically reverse engineering applications, in architectural restoration projects, determination of the current situation and damage, architectural documentation of structures and preparation of three-dimensional models, in terms of efficiency in survey studies are evaluated. It has been observed that orthophoto images obtained by terrestrial laser scanning technologies in architectural relief-restoration-restitution projects have potentials' worth using in different stages of the project.

Chitosan and gelatin biopolymer supplemented with mesenchymal stem cells (Velgraft®) enhanced wound healing in goats (Capra hircus): Involvement of VEGF, TGF and CD31

AimCell-based therapy has emerged as promising strategy for chronic and impaired wounds treatment. Current research is focused on developing biomaterial systems that act as a niche for mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to promote wound healing through paracrine molecular cascading. This study was aimed to evaluate the wound healing potential of Velgraft, a ready-to-use biodegradable artificial skin substitute, on excision wound in goats. Materials and methodsTwelve male goats were randomized divided in to three groups of four animals each. After infliction of surgical wound, Velgraft and Soframycin were applied on wounds of the animals of Groups II and III while Group I (sham operated) served as control. Wound diameters were measured at pre-defined time-points for determination of progressive wound healing up to 28 days. Skin sections were stained using Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) for examining the histoarchitectural changes, Masson trichome staining for ascertaining collagen synthesis and immunohistochemistry for expression of CD31, VEGF and TGF-β1 proteins to determine post-treatment angiogenesis in the inflicted wounds. ResultsVelgraft application appreciably enhanced wound closure by day 21 which was confirmed through restoration of the normal skin architecture as evident based on histopathological examination and characterized by complete regeneration of epidermal layers, collagen fibers, blood capillaries and hair follicular formation. Stimulation of angiogenesis markers was also observed at different time-points post-Velgraft application; which is suggestive of the improved angiogenesis and vasculogenesis. ConclusionVelgraft facilitates wound healing by augmenting early wound closure, enhancing collagen synthesis and deposition, trichosis development and promoting revascularization and epidermal layers restoration.

Архитектурно-археологические обследования и реставрация церкви Спаса на Берестове в 1909-1914 гг. под руководством П. П. Покрышкина

Статья посвящена истории изучения киевского храма Спаса на Берестове. Началом фундаментального комплексного архитектурно-археологического исследования этого храма стали работы, проведённые выдающимся учёным, основателем современной методики изучения древнерусской архитектуры, академиком П. П. Покрышкиным во время капитального ремонта-реставрации церкви в 1909-1914 гг. Однако данные о раскопках П. П. Покрышкина (дневники, отчёты, обмеры) отсутствуют, поскольку работы прервались с началом Первой мировой войны и все материалы, за исключением фотографий, были утеряны. В данной работе на основании всех имеющихся данных, в том числе неопубликованных архивных источников, с которыми мы ознакомились, воссоздается картина архитектурно-археологических исследований и ремонтно-реставрационных работ церкви Спаса на Берестове в 1909-1914 гг., произведенных под руководством сотрудника Императорской археологической комиссии, академика архитектуры П. П. Покрышкина. Приведён ряд выработанных и применённых им на этом объекте методологических принципов и мер, позволивших значительно повысить степень научной достоверности восстановления памятника. В результате исследования показано, какую роль в формировании современных исходных принципов научной реставрации памятников архитектуры сыграло восстановление этого храма. The article is devoted to the history of the study of the Kiev Church of the Savior on Berestovo. The beginning of the fundamental complex architectural and archaeological research of this temple was the work carried out by the outstanding scientist, the founder of the modern method of studying ancient Russian architecture, academician P. P. Pokryshkin during the overhaul and restoration of the church in 1909-1914. However, data on the excavations of P.P. Pokryshkin (diaries, reports, measurements) are absent, since the work was interrupted due to the outbreak of the First World War and all materials, with the exception of photographs, were lost. In this work, on the basis of all available data, including unpublished archival sources with which we got acquainted, a picture of architectural and archaeological research and repair and restoration work of the Church of the Savior on Berestovo in 1909-1914, carried out under the guidance of an employee of the Imperial Archaeological commission, academician of architecture P.P. Pokryshkin. A number of methodological principles and measures are given that were developed and applied by P.P. Pokryshkin at this monument, which made it possible to significantly increase the degree of scientific reliability of the restoration of the monument. As a result of the study, it is shown what role the restoration of this temple played in the formation of the modern initial principles of the scientific restoration of architectural monuments.

Sustainable Design, Construction, Refurbishment and Restoration of Architecture: A Review

Considering the serious challenges our planet is facing, the building environment and construction sector must minimize their high negative impacts and maximize their contribution to sustainability. Many alternatives could promote this change, but to effectively optimize our architecture, we must take the step of quantifying and qualifying the sustainability of our constructions by choosing the best assessment alternative in each case. Many assessment methodologies and tools exist and there have been numerous reviews of them. The main objective and novelty of this review is to present an updated critical overview of all the sustainability evaluation alternatives developed in research studies in the fields of architectural design, construction, refurbishment and restoration. To achieve this, the analysis follows a specific methodology based on recent similar reviews. The result is a database with 1242 eligible documents analyzed in this review and attached as supplementary material available for future studies. As a main conclusion, rating tools and life cycle methods were found to be the most commonly applied methodologies, while the most recent tendencies use combined methods and probabilistic scenarios. This review could be useful to move towards a more sustainable building environment.

Aerogel-Based Plasters and Energy Efficiency of Historic Buildings. Literature Review and Guidelines for Manufacturing Specimens Destined for Thermal Tests

This paper presents a literature review about aerogel-based products for building, focusing on the plasters used within the architectural restoration sector. Aerogel has entered the construction field in the last two decades as a component of many insulation products, due to its high thermal performance. Aerogel-based plasters allow the matching of high thermal performance and limited thickness. This makes them suitable when retrofitting an existing building and also when restoring a heritage building. We analyze the results of recent research, focusing on the most commonly used methods for assessing the thermal performances and durability of aerogel-based plasters. As a result of this review, we propose a guideline for manufacturing samples destined for laboratory tests.

Protective Effect of N-Acetyl Cysteine in Acrylamide-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Albino Rats

ABSTRACT Background: purification of drinking and waste water needs acrylamide which is also used in sprays, paper and pulp industry and soil stabilizers, so it has a significant risk for our health. Objective (Aim): studying the possible protective role of N- acetyl cysteine against hepatotoxic effect of acrylamide. Material and methods: randomly divided forty male albino rats into four equal groups (10 rats each) were used: group I (control group), group II (sham control), group III (acrylamide-treated group): receiving 50 mg/kg body weight acrylamide by an oral gavage daily for 21 successive days. Group IV (acrylamide and N-acetyl cysteine treated group) was received 50 mg/kg body weight acrylamide and 150 mg/kg body weight N-acetyl cysteine both by an oral gavage daily for 21 successive days Results: Group III showed disrupted hepatic architecture in comparison with the groups I, II, and marked degenerative changes especially at portal triads, as well as in form of dilated sinusoids, pyknotic nuclei and Ito cells. Group IV showed restoration of the normal hepatic architecture seen in control groups with improvement of the degenerative changes. Conclusions: Antioxidant effect of N-acetyl cysteine reduces the oxidative stress of acrylamide and decreasing its hepatotoxic effects.

Undoing Babel: The Tower of Babel in Anglo-Saxon Literature. Tristan Major. Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 2018. Pp. xiii+289.

<i>Undoing Babel: The Tower of Babel in Anglo-Saxon Literature</i>. Tristan Major. Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 2018. Pp. xiii+289.

Education and training in heritage practices – the case of heritage craft education at University of Gothenburg as an opportunity for Albania

The intention of this article is to discuss the challenges in organising higher education in heritage practices and craft skills. The development of the Department of Conservation, University of Gothenburg, its establishment of a Craft laboratory, and the certification of craft skills in an Albanian context, is used as a case. Based on the activities of the Craft Laboratory in Sweden, the paper investigates the possibilities for a similar development in Albania. The background for the specific subject rests in a long-standing cooperation between the Department of Conservation and Cultural heritage without Borders Albania (CHwBA), in terms of skills development for improving restoration practices. Through the paper it is clear that the same kind of context are not in place in Albania, and that the needs are different. It is also obvious that CHwBA is functioning as a de facto Craft Laboratory in Albania and the need for an outfit like that are more focused on improving competences, standards and qualities in the architectural restoration area, leading to economic development, employability, establishment of small craft companies, and formal branch networks. The article discusses the challenges facing the higher education systems in developing education as well as vocational training in the subject areas of heritage practices and craft skills.

A Methodological Approach for the Study of Domes

Domes still represents a prickly subject, large dimensions coupled with a limited accessibility making their study difficult and time-consuming. Although throughout history this problem has been tackled in different ways, relevant methodological and operational issues have until now limited the success of these efforts. Digital technologies have radically changed this scenario. 3D active and passive capturing systems currently allow for a dense and accurate surveying while modelling software provides powerful tools to build virtual counterparts of surfaces and to investigate their geometric properties. The aim of this paper is to present three different projects developed by a research group in the Department of History, Representation and Restoration of Architecture—Sapienza University of Rome. Based on their results, the group has set up and tested a protocol that can guide users from acquisition through modelling and, finally, to the reading of the geometric properties of domes.

Protective Effect of Procambarus Clarkia Hemolymph against Acute Kidney Injury Induced by Gentamicin in Rats

Background: P.clarkii hemolymph has several pharmacological activities against inflammation, bacteria and tumor. The current study aimed to explore the efficacy of P.clarkii hemolymph against the renal toxicity induced by Gentamicin (GM) in rats. Methods: The animals were divided randomly into three groups (six per group): control, GM and P.clarkii. Tissues toxicity was established after injection of GM daily for eight days at a dose 100 mg/kg. Kidney functions, liver functions, oxidative stress markers and histopathology of tissues were investigated in the study. Results: P.clarkii treated rats showed a significant decrease in urea, creatinine, uric acid, ALT, AST, and MDA levels while GSH and CAT levels increased. The histology of kidney investigation showed partial restoration of renal architecture. Conclusion: The study results revealed the protective role of p.clarkii hemolymph against gentamicin-induced acute kidney injury in rats.

A comparative study between the therapeutic role of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and that of histamine2 receptor antagonists (nizatidine) in the management of ibuprofen induced gastric ulcer in adult albino rats

Introduction: One of the widely used gastro protective agents are H2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs). But these drugs may induce several adverse effects. Recent studies have shown that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) play an important role in the healing of gut injuries. Aim of the work: To evaluate the role of bone marrow- mesenchymal stem cells (BM- MSCs) in the treatment of gastric ulcer, and to compare their efficacy with H2RAs therapy. Methods: 10 out of the 50 adult albino rats used in this study served as donors for stem cells and the other 40 rats were divided into four groups: Group I (control group). Group II (Gastric ulcer group ), rats received 200mg /kg ibuprofen suspended in CMC-Na 1% given orally by gastric tube. Group III (Nizatidine treated group), rats with gastric ulcer were treated with 31.25 mg/kg nizatidine, given orally by gastric tube. Group IV (BM-MSCs treated group ), rats with gastric ulcer were injected with BMMSCs in the rat tail vein. Results: MSCs-treated group revealed improvement of histological structure and restoration of the normal architecture of the gastric mucosa. Nizatidine-treated group demonstrated nearly similar results to that of MSCs treated group. A significant decrease of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) expression was observed in MSCs-treated group as well as nizatidine-treated group when compared to ulcer group (P<0.01). Conclusion: MSCs could be a safer alternative therapy than H2RAs, with the benefit of avoiding the side effects of these drugs.