A comparative suitability study between classification systems for BIM in heritage

The research outlined in this paper is part of a collaborative fund to propose an innovative classification framework for restoration of historical/cultural heritage assets. Most of the previous research/applications in applying BIM to Heritage have focused on the physical or geometric reporting of assets. This typically involves laser scanning for creating as-built models and recording asset components, for operations and maintenance. However to efficiently identify/record general asset component requirements, standardised classification systems must be used which categorise different components, their characteristics, attributes, and maintenance requirements. Furthermore as will be demonstrated, current database, knowledge and classification systems available for new builds might not be suitable to categorise components in historical buildings, which differ according to historical eras and architectural periods, hence might render their restoration process inefficient. There is currently no research dedi- cated towards investigating appropriate classification systems to be used for heritage buildings. This paper provides a comparative study between current international classification systems within the construction industry, and investigates their suitability for heritage buildings. This includes CI/SFB, CAW, SFG20, Omniclass, Uniclass versions etc. Properties of suitability will also be investigated e.g. object types, hierarchy of tables/schedules, depth levels and appropriateness for different archi- tectural styles and parametric geometries (e.g. origin, material, allowed stresses, proportions etc.). This study provides evidence for the lack of appropriate classification systems for Heritage and provides recommendations for a taxonomical representation for suitable classification systems of Heritage assets from different historical and architectural periods. This includes information descriptors of hierarchical classes, historical, social and technological context, allowing usage of standardised Heritage BIM data for documentation, operations, maintenance and restoration management, and also allowing searching for similarities/differences between different buildings in the global heritage domain, replacement components and comparing artefacts, which might impact historical significance

Rad5, HLTF, and SHPRH: A fresh view of an old story

Not only have helicase-like transcription factor (HLTF) and SNF2 histone-linker PHD-finger RING-finger helicase (SHPRH) proved to be important players in post-replication repair like their yeast counterpart, Rad5, but they are also involved in multiple biological functions and are associated with several human disorders. We provide here an updated view of their functions, associated diseases, and potential therapeutic approaches

Optimal relay coordination of an adaptive protection scheme using modified PSO algorithm.

Recently, future smart grids are described by a dominantly fluctuating character due to the power consumption change from peak to off-peak loading conditions, the operation of micro-grids in grid-connected or islanded mode and other possible network topologies resulting in an effective change in network impedances and short circuit current level. Therefore, the situation from protection sensitivity, selectivity and speed may become more and more challenging. In this paper, Adaptive protection scheme is proposed to respond to structural variations occurred in interconnected power systems. A designed software based on Modified Particle Swarm Optimization (MPSO) algorithm is suggested to solve the relay coordination problem in modern distribution networks. In this study, the 14 IEEE bus system is tested via three power system scenarios showing the effect of adding and disconnecting of DG units and the occurrence of sudden line outages on the system. The obtained results show that the proposed algorithm has achieved optimum relay settings for each existing network topology

Role of quercetin and arginine in ameliorating nano zinc oxide-induced nephrotoxicity in rats

BACKGROUND: Nanoparticles are small-scale substances (<100 nm) with unique properties. Therefore, nanoparticles pose complex health risk implications. The objective of this study was to detect whether treatment with quercetin (Qur) and/or arginine (Arg) ameliorated nephrotoxicity induced by two different doses of nano zinc oxide (n-ZnO) particles. METHOD: ZnO nanoparticles were administered orally in two doses (either 600 mg or 1 g/Kg body weight/day for 5 conscutive days) to Wister albino rats. In order to detect the protective effects of the studied antioxidants against n-ZnO induced nepherotoxicity, different biochemical parameters were investigated. Moreover, histopathological examination of kidney tissue was performed. RESULTS: Nano zinc oxide-induced nephrotoxicity was confirmed by the elevation in serum inflammatory markers including: tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6); and C-reactive protein (CRP). Moreover, immunoglobulin (IGg), vascular endothelium growth factor (VEGF), and nitric oxide (NO) were significantly increased in rat serum. Serum urea and creatinine levels were also significantly increased in rats intoxicated with n-ZnO particles compared with the control group. Additionally, a significant decrease in the non-enzymatic antioxidant reduced glutathione (GSH) was shown in kidney tissues and serum glucose levels were increased. These biochemical findings were supported by a histopathological examination of kidney tissues, which showed that in the animals that received a high dose of n-ZnO, numerous kidney glomeruli underwent atrophy and fragmentation. Moreover, the renal tubules showed epithelial desquamation, degeneration and necrosis. Some renal tubules showed casts in their lumina. Severe congestion was also observed in renal interstitium. These effects were dose dependent. Cotreatment of rats with Qur and/or Arg along with n-ZnO significantly improved most of the deviated tested parameters. CONCLUSIONS: The data show that Qur has a beneficial effect against n-ZnO oxidative stress and related vascular complications. Also, its combination with Arg proved to be even more effective in ameliorating nano zinc oxide nephrotoxicity

Adrenal medulla of AS/AGU rats: a histological and immunohistochemical study

Background: The outcome of the autograft therapy for Parkinson’s disease including autologous cells from adrenal medulla was disappointing. This could be attributed to the pathological process in Parkinson’s disease affecting cells of the adrenal medulla. This study was performed to investigate the histopathological changes in the adrenal medulla of AS/AGU rat, a model of Parkinson’s disease, in comparison with Albino Swiss (AS) rats. Materials and methods: A total of 24 male AS rats were divided into four groups, each of 6 animals: AS W1 — AS rats aged 1 week; AS adult — AS adult rats; AS/ /AGU W1 — AS/AGU rats aged 1 week; and AS/AGU adult — AS/AGU adult rats. The rats were sacrificed and the adrenal glands were dissected and processed for histological staining with haematoxylin and eosin and periodic acid Schiff and for immunohistochemical staining for S100 protein, ubiquitin and tyrosine hydroxylase. Results: The histological investigation of the adrenal medulla of AS/AGU rats showed vascular congestion, inflammatory cellular infiltration, pyknotic nuclei, necrotic chromaffin cells and medullary inclusion bodies. The immunohistochemical investigation of AS/AGU rats showed a statistically significant decrease in the expression of S100 protein, ubiquitin and tyrosine hydroxylase compared to AS rats. Conclusions: The histological and immunohistological changes in the adrenal medulla could explain the failure of outcome of adrenal autograft therapy in Parkinson’s disease.

Collagen types I and II distribution: a relevant indicator for the functional properties of articular cartilage in immobilised and remobilised rabbit knee joints

The objective of the present work was to study changes in collagen type I and type II distribution in the articular cartilage of immobilised and remobilised rabbit knee joints. Twenty-four adult male rabbits were divided into three groups. One of the groups was a control group with free movement. The right knee joints of animals of the other two groups were immobilised for 4 weeks, followed by a period of 10 weeks of remobilisation for animals of group 3. Collagen type I and type II in the articular cartilage of tibial medial condyle of the right knee joint were estimated immunohistochemically in all groups. A degenerative process was evident after 4 weeks of immobilisation of rabbit knee joint leading to a partial shift in the density of collagen composition from type II to type I. After a period of 10 weeks of remobilisation, regenerative processes, evidenced by a restoration of collagen type II to normal, proceeded on top of degenerative processes, evidenced by the significantly higher content of collagen type I compared with normal. The present study pointed to the importance of assessment of collagen distribution as a relevant indicator for the functional properties of articular cartilage in immobilised and remobilised joints

Curcumin ameliorates experimental autoimmune acute myocarditis in rats as evidenced by decrease in thioredoxin immunoreactivity

This study was performed to investigate the effect of curcumin on cardiac myosin-induced autoimmune myocarditis in rats and the change in thioredoxin (TRX) immunoreactivity in cardiomyocytes following curcumin treatment. Twenty-four six-week-old male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into 4 groups of 6 rats each. Group I received neither curcumin nor myosin. Group II received an oral solution of 1 g/kg/day of curcumin daily, from day 1 to day 21. To induce myocarditis, animals of both group III and group IV were injected by 1 mg of porcine cardiac myosin on days 1 and 8. In addition, animals of group IV received an oral solution of 1 g/kg/day of curcumin daily, from day 1 to day 21. Serum levels of creatine phosphokinase, troponin-T, tumour necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6 were estimated. Hearts were processed for histopathological and immunohistochemical studies. Serum biomarkers levels were significantly increased in myocarditis group as compared to other groups. The intake of curcumin significantly reduced the deviation in these markers. Sections of the wall of the heart from myocarditis group were characterised by inflammatory cell infiltration. Most of cardiomyocytes showed pyknotic nuclei and increased sarcoplasmic eosinophilia with strong immunoreactivity for TRX. Sections from myocarditis-curcumin group showed normal architecture with moderate immunoreactivity for TRX. The present study demonstrated that curcumin ameliorates acute myocarditis in rats and encouraged the estimation of serum level of TRX as a relevant indicator for the evaluation of the progress of acute myocarditis

Thymoquinone and curcumin modify inducible nitric oxide synthase, caspase 3, and thioredoxin immunohistochemical expression in acetaminophen hepatotoxicity

Background: Acetaminophen (APAP) hepatotoxicity is characterised by an extensive oxidative stress due to depletion of glutathione (GSH), which results in massive lipid peroxidation and subsequent liver injury. The current paradigm suggests that mitochondria are the main source of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which impair mitochondrial function and are responsible for cell signalling resulting in cell death. This study was designed to compare the potential impact of thymoquinone (THQ), and/or curcumin (CURC) on liver injury induced by APAP toxicity in rats. Materials and methods: Serum levels of alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, total bilirubin, and total protein were measured. In addition, liver nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde, reduced glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were estimated. Moreover, these biochemical parameters were confirmed by histopathological and immunohistochemical investigations for the expression of thioredoxin, iNOS and caspase 3. Results: Acetaminophen toxicity elevated most of the above-mentioned parameters but decreased GSH, SOD, and total protein levels. Histologically, liver sections demonstrated liver injury characterised by hepatocellular necrosis with nuclear pyknosis, karyorrhexis and karyolysis. Immunohistochemical study revealed increased expression of iNOS and caspase 3 proteins, while the thioredoxin protein expression was decreased. Conclusions: Treatment with the THQ and CURC regulated the biochemical and histopathological alterations induced by APAP toxicity. It was concluded that the combination strategy of THQ and CURC might be considered as a potential antidote in combating liver injury induced by APAP with minimal side effects

Anoctamin1 and c-Kit immunohistochemical study of interstitial cells of Cajal in the muscularis externa of human gastrointestinal tract

Background: Interstitial cells of Cajal )ICC) are widely distributed in human gastrointestinal (GI) tract  specially in the layer of muscularis externa between neurons and smooth muscles. They play a very important role of coordination of GI tract motility. The aims of this research were to study the morphology and distribution of ICC in the muscularis externa of the GI tract, using immunohistochemistry staining methods, to determine the distribution of immune reactivity of Anoctamin1 (Ano1) compared with c-Kit, and to determine if Ano1 is a reliable marker for ICC in human GI tract. Materials and methods: Specimens from the wall of stomach, small intestine, and colon were taken from human cadavers and processed for histological and immunohistochemical study using c-Kit and Ano1 primary antibodies. Results: ICC appeared as bipolar cells, not forming network, in both the circular and longitudinal muscle layers, while in the myenteric area they appeared as multipolar interconnected cells. They were unevenly distributed in and between the muscle layers of the muscularis externa of human GI tract. They were more numerous in the stomach followed by the colon then the small intestine, and more numerous in the myenteric area followed by the circular muscle layer then the longitudinal muscle layer, in the three organs. Our results also showed that Ano1 is a more reliable marker for human ICC than c-kit. Conclusions: ICC differed in morphology and were unevenly distributed between muscle layers of muscularis externa and between different parts of human GI tract