The Intuitive Bioclimatism and Embedded Sustainability of Cypriot Vernacular Farmhouses, as Principles for their Strategic Restoration and Reuse

This research aims to investigate the bioclimatic design, sustainability and environmental behaviour of Cypriot vernacular farmhouses, as part of small-scale family-owned farmsteads. These farmhouses, located in village outskirts, are still in operation, greatly supporting the primary sector of Cypriot economy. Current uses have conduced arbitrary modifications in their morphology, layout, construction and usage, which in the past had contributed positively to thermal comfort and household autonomy. In the present, these modifications caused farmhouses to become climatically inept, devoid of Bioclimatism and Sustainability. This research employs multiple case studies with a fully-integrated mixed-methods design. Findings are drawn via triangulation of qualitative and quantitative data from ethnographic participant observation, post-occupancy evaluation survey, interviews, in-situ documentation and environmental monitoring. Initial findings show that there is a tangible and intangible relationship between the dwelling, its inhabitants and the environment, strengthened in time due to tradition, accumulated knowledge and experience, and born out of necessity, scarcity and practicality. It is an interdependent, dynamic and adaptive reciprocity, induced by the complex interplay of socio-cultural, economic, technological, aesthetic and environmental factors. The end result was for bioclimatic design to be applied intuitively and sustainability to be embedded in the form, configuration, construction and operational modes of farmhouses. As Cyprus attempts to conform to its EU obligations regarding the sustainable development of rural environments and make the transition towards nearly-zero energy buildings, the Cypriot vernacular farmhouse can offer valuable lessons in building design and performance, whilst provide clear guidance for its strategic restoration and reuse

Diagnostic value of immunohistochemistry for the detection of the BRAF V600E mutation in colorectal carcinoma

Purpose: V600E is the most common activating BRAF mutation in colorectal carcinomas (CRCs). It is a crucial biomarker for patient selection and response to targeted therapy with BRAF V600E inhibitors. Previous studies using immunohistochemistry (IHC) have shown different results. In this study, we evaluated the IHC expression of the mutated BRAF protein in archival material from CRC specimens and correlated it with DNA sequence analysis. Methods: 51 cases of primary colon adenocarcinoma were stained with BRAF V600E-specific clone VE1 antibody against mutated BRAF protein. DNA sequence analysis was performed and the results were compared. Results: BRAF V600E protein was detected in the cytoplasm of neoplastic cells in 15 of the 51 examined cases (29.4%). The correlation between IHC staining and DNA sequence analysis showed 93.75% sensitivity and 100% specificity. Conclusions: Our data show that IHC could be used in routine clinical practice as a screening method for BRAF V600E mutant protein detection in CRC patients

HIF-1α in colorectal carcinoma: Review of the literature

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide and despite the abundance of molecular pathways and markers continually being reported, the mortality rates remain high. Hypoxia inducible f actor lalpha (HIF-1a) plays a major role in the response of tumors to hypoxia, and contributes to tumor aggressiveness, invasiveness and resistance to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Targeting HIF-la is an attractive strategy, with the potential for disrupting multiple pathways crucial for tumor growth. In the current study, HIF-la immunohistochemical expression in CRC is reviewed along with the relation to clinical outcome and prognosis. In addition, the significant correlation of HIF-la to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression is reported, as well as the possible role of HIF-la in predicting the therapeutic response to anti-EGFR therapies. Herein, an overview of the HIF-la expression in CRC is presented. This review delineates the crucial role that HIF-1a plays in carcinogenesis, tumor angiogenesis and cancer progression. The evaluation of HIF-la in patient biopsies could be useful as a prognostic and/or predictive biomarker in personalized cancer treatment

Antioxidant and Antiaging Properties of a Novel Synergistic Nutraceutical Complex: Readouts from an In Cellulo Study and an In Vivo Prospective, Randomized Trial

Aging is a dynamic procedure that is developed in multiple layers and characterized by distinct hallmarks. The use of biomarkers that target different hallmarks of aging is substantial in predicting adverse outcomes during the aging process, implementing specifically designed antiaging interventions and monitoring responses to these interventions. The present study aimed to develop a novel composition of plant extracts, comprising identified active ingredients that synergistically target different hallmarks of aging in cellulo and in vivo. The selected single extracts and the developed composition were tested through a powerful set of biomarkers that we have previously identified and studied. The composition of selected extracts simultaneously increased cellular lifespan, reduced the cellular oxidative load and enhanced antioxidant defense mechanisms by increasing proteasome activity and content. In addition, the combination prevented telomere attrition and preserved optimum DNA methylation levels. Remarkably, biomarker profiling of healthy volunteers who received the identified combination in the form of a nutritional supplement within the frame of a prospective, randomized, controlled 3-month trial revealed an unprecedented antioxidant capacity in humans. In conclusion, our results support the notion that interventions with specifically designed combinations of natural compounds targeting multiple hallmarks of aging represent an effective way to improve healthspan and well-being. © 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland

HIF-1a in colorectal carcinoma: review of the literature

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide and despite the abundance of molecular pathways and markers continually being reported, the mortality rates remain high. Hypoxia inducible factor 1alpha (HIF-1 alpha) plays a major role in the response of tumors to hypoxia, and contributes to tumor aggressiveness, invasiveness and resistance to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Targeting HIF-1 alpha is an attractive strategy, with the potential for disrupting multiple pathways crucial for tumor growth. In the current study, HIF-1 alpha immunohistochemical expression in CRC is reviewed along with the relation to clinical outcome and prognosis. In addition, the significant correlation of HIF-1 alpha to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression is reported, as well as the possible role of HIF-1 alpha in predicting the therapeutic response to anti-EGFR therapies. Herein, an overview of the HIF-1 alpha expression in CRC is presented. This review delineates the crucial role that HIF-1 alpha plays in carcinogenesis, tumor angiogenesis and cancer progression. The evaluation of HIF-1 alpha in patient biopsies could be useful as a prognostic and/or predictive biomarker in personalized cancer treatment