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The integration of blockchain and digital twins (DT) for better building-lifecycle data management has recently received much attention from researchers in the field. In this respect, the adoption of enabling technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud and edge computing, Big Data analytics, etc., has also been investigated in an abundance of studies. The present review inspects the recent studies to shed light on the foremost among those enabling technologies and their scope, challenges, and integration potential. To this end, 86 scientific papers, recognized and retrieved from the Scopus and Web of Science databases, were reviewed and a thorough bibliometric analysis was performed on them. The obtained results demonstrate the nascency of the research in this field and the necessity of further implementation of practical methods to discover and prove the real potential of these technologies and their fusion. It was also found that the integration of these technologies can be beneficial for addressing the implementation challenges they face individually. In the end, an abstract descriptive model is presented to provide a better understanding of how the technologies can become integrated into a unified system for smartening the built environment.

Purpose The purpose of this study is to focus on structured data provision and asset information model maintenance and develop a data provenance model on a blockchain-based digital twin smart and sustainable built environment (DT) for predictive asset management (PAM) in building facilities.Design/methodology/approach Qualitative research data were collected through a comprehensive scoping review of secondary sources. Additionally, primary data were gathered through interviews with industry specialists. The analysis of the data served as the basis for developing blockchain-based DT data provenance models and scenarios. A case study involving a conference room in an office building in Stockholm was conducted to assess the proposed data provenance model. The implementation utilized the Remix Ethereum platform and Sepolia testnet.Findings Based on the analysis of results, a data provenance model on blockchain-based DT which ensures the reliability and trustworthiness of data used in PAM processes was developed. This was achieved by providing a transparent and immutable record of data origin, ownership and lineage.Practical implications The proposed model enables decentralized applications (DApps) to publish real-time data obtained from dynamic operations and maintenance processes, enhancing the reliability and effectiveness of data for PAM.Originality/value The research presents a data provenance model on a blockchain-based DT, specifically tailored to PAM in building facilities. The proposed model enhances decision-making processes related to PAM by ensuring data reliability and trustworthiness and providing valuable insights for specialists and stakeholders interested in the application of blockchain technology in asset management and data provenance.

PurposeEach building project demands an integrated method for information and requirement management in its life cycle. The main purpose of this paper is to explore the major obstacles in integrated life cycle information management and recognize the potentials of CoClass as the new Swedish digital classification system to tackle them throughout asset life cycle.Design/methodology/approachThe industry viewpoint toward the current status of asset information management considering ISO 19650-1 principles and the existing obstacles and the industry practitioners' ideas regarding CoClass capabilities and applicability were captured and analyzed. A total of 13 semistructured interviews were conducted with the AECO industry professionals to have an understanding of information requirement management. Then the results were analyzed qualitatively, using the NVivo 12 software. Different attributes of a component (heating panel) in a meeting room according to CoClass and data deviations throughout the asset life cycle were elaborated.FindingsThis study reveals some obstacles in information management process in seven categories in relation to: (1) the need to employ information exchange platforms as common data environments (CDEs) by all actors from early stages; (2) the communication issues caused by lack of utilizing common languages; (3) the costly and time-consuming implementation process; (4) the misunderstandings in terms of data communication between service providers and owners; (5) the definition and fulfillment of information requirements as well as keeping track of data deviations throughout asset life cycle; (6) the information update difficulty; and (7) the need for training practitioners dealing with new systems such as CoClass.Originality/valueThe research explores the major obstacles in information requirement management concerning the practical implementation of the new Swedish classification system, CoClass, supporting the asset life cycle.

Osteoarthritis (OS) is the most frequent degenerative condition in the joints, disabling many adults. Several abnormalities in the articular cartilage, subchondral bone, synovial tissue, and meniscus have been detected in the course of OA. Destruction of articular cartilage, the formation of osteophytes, subchondral sclerosis, and hyperplasia of synovial tissue are hallmarks of OA. More recently, several investigations have underscored the regulatory roles of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in OA development. Different classes of non-coding RNAs, including long ncRNAs (lncRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), have been reported to affect the development of OA. The expression level of these transcripts has also been used as diagnostic tools in OA. In the present article, we aimed at reporting the role of these transcripts in this process. We need to give a specific angle on the pathology to provide meaningful thoughts on it.

is a popular traditional herb that has been used in complementary and alternative medicine in eastern Asia, and it possesses pharmacologically active compounds like ginsenosides (GSs). This study aimed to investigate the impact of ginseng extract (PGE) at different concentrations on in vitro follicular function and development in a three-dimensional (3D) culture system fabricated using sodium alginate after 12 days of culture. In this experimental study, preantral follicles (n=661) were mechanically isolated from the ovaries of 14-day-old female NMRI mice using 29-gauge insulin syringes. Follicles were individually capsulated within sodium alginate, and divided into four groups including control and experimental groups 1, 2, and 3. Then, they were cultured for 12 days in the medium supplemented with different concentrations of PGE (0, 50, 100, and 500 μg/ mL, for control groups and groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively). At the end of the culture period, the mean diameter and maturation of follicles, follicular steroid production, mRNA expression level of proliferating cell nuclear antigen ( ) and follicle stimulating hormone receptor ( ), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in collected metaphase-II (MII) oocytes were determined. The mean diameter of follicles in group 2 was significantly increased as compared to other groups (P<0.001). The percentages of the survival and maturation rate and levels of secreted hormones were higher in group 2 than the other groups (P<0.05). Follicles cultured in the presence of PGE 100 μg/mL had higher levels of proliferation cell nuclear antigen ( ) and follicle stimulating hormone receptor ( ) mRNA expression in comparison to other groups (P<0.05). Moreover, oocytes collected from groups 2 and 3 had lower levels of ROS as compared to other groups (P<0.05). Our results suggest that PGE at the concentration of 100 μg/mL induces higher follicular function and development in the 3D culture system.

Background: The aim of this study was to design and assess the effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Matricaria chamomilla (MC) on preantral follicle culture of mouse ovaries in a three-dimensional culture system. Methods: Isolated preantral follicles were randomly divided into three main groups: the control group containing 10% fetal bovine serum without MC extract (G1), the first experimental group supplemented with 25 μg/ml hydroalcoholic extract of chamomile (G2), and the second experimental group supplemented with 50 μg/ml hydroalcoholic extract of chamomile (G3). Results: After 12 days of culture, the survival rate (P < 0.05), antrum formation (P < 0.01), metaphase two oocytes (P < 0.01), and the expression of PCNA (P < 0.05) and FSHR (P < 0.05) genes significantly decreased in G3 as compared with G1. On the other hand, at the last day of culture (day 12), the mean diameter of follicles cultured in the medium which was supplemented with 50 μg/ml hydroalcoholic extract of chamomile significantly decreased as compared with the G1 (P < 0.05). In addition, the levels of progesterone and dehydroepiandrosterone hormones significantly increased in the medium of G3 relative to G1 (P < 0.01), while in the medium of G1, the level of 17β-estradiol was significantly higher than that of other groups (P < 0.01). Reactive oxygen species levels of metaphase II oocytes were significantly decreased in G2 as compared with G1 (P < 0.01). Conclusion: Adding chamomile extract to culture media appeared to decrease follicular function and development.

Objective This study aims to evaluate the effects of epithelial-off corneal cross-linking (CXL) on the ocular surface and corneal topographic and optical parameters in progressive keratoconus (KCN) cases. Study design Prospective single-arm interventional study. Methods Thirty eyes of 25 progressive KCN cases needing corneal CXL entered the study. All the included eyes underwent an epi-off corneal CXl procedure following the Dresden protocol. The ocular surface parameters, including tear break-up time (TBUT), Schirmer I test, and Ocular surface disease index (OSDI), were evaluated at baseline, one and 6 months after the procedure. The corneal imaging with Pentacam (Oculus Inc.) was conducted at these visits, measuring topographic parameters (e.g., K max , K 1 , K 2 , and corneal thickness), indices (e.g., ISV, IVA, KI IHA), and aberrations. Results The median age of the patients was 24.0 (IQR:21.0–26.5) with a baseline BCVA of 0.045 LogMAR (IQR:0.000–0.301). The BCVA had no significant change in the last follow-up (p:1.000). The baseline median values for TBUT, Schirmer test, and OSDI were 11.0s, 13.0mm, and 28.12, demonstrating a significant ocular surface malfunction. These ocular surface parameters showed no significant change 6 months after CXL (p: 0.662, 0.534, and 0.372, respectively). The K 1 and K 2 values decreased significantly at the last follow-up compared to the baseline (44.4 vs. 45.6 (p:0.019) and 48.0 vs. 48.1 (p:0.008), respectively). The only topographic indices that improved 6 months after CXL was the index of surface variance (ISV) (70.50 vs. 61.70, p:0.036). The corneal front surface higher-order aberrations, including spherical aberration, coma, and trefoil, showed no significant change 6 months after CXL. Conclusion Progressive KCN cases cope with some ocular surface problems, such as dry eye, but the corneal CXL is safe for these cases without causing any deterioration in the ocular surface problems. The corneal CXL might not improve the topographic indices and corneal aberrations 6 months after the procedure. Graphical Abstract

In recent years, new delivery systems have been emerged in the food industry by developing structures to control the release of bioactive compounds. To design a potential delivery system, evaluating parameters that affect release behavior of bioactive compounds should be considered. Therefore, the major objective of this study is to focus on the effect of structural and environmental conditions on the release patterns of bioactive compounds. Encapsulation systems and controlled-release packings are the most common structures to deliver bioactive compounds. The release behaviors of bioactive compounds from delivery systems depends on types of allocated materials and methods, affecting factors the structure of delivery systems, and environmental conditions. These parameters will be thoroughly discussed in this review paper by providing the results of recent studies.

Background and Aims Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the main cause of dementia and over the 55 million people live with dementia worldwide. We aimed to establish the first database called the Iranian Alzheimer's Disease Registry to create a powerful source for future research in the country. In this report, the design and early results of the Iranian Alzheimer's Disease Registry will be described. Methods We performed this multicenter investigation and patients' data including age, sex, educational level, disease status, Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE), and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) from 2018 to 2021 were collected, registered, and analyzed by GraphPad Prism software. Results Totally 200 AD patients were registered in our database. 107 (54%) were women and age of 147 (74%) were over 65. The mean age for men and women was 76.20 ± 8.29 and 76.40 ± 8.83 years, respectively. 132 (66%) were married and 64 (32%) were illiterate. Also, 94 (47%) were in the moderate stage of disease, and 150 (75%) lived at home together with their families. The most frequent neurological comorbidity was psychosis (n = 72, 36%), while hypertension was the most common non‐neurological comorbidity (n = 104, 52%). The GDS score of women in the mild stage (5.23 ± 2.9 vs. 6.9 ± 2.6, p = 0.005) and moderate stage (5.36 ± 2.4 vs. 8.21 ± 2.06, p = <0.001) of the disease was significantly greater than men. In univariate analysis, MMSC score was remarkably associated with stroke (β = −2.25, p = 0.03), psychosis (β = −2.18, p = 0.009), diabetes (β = 3.6, p = <0.001), and hypercholesteremia (β = 1.67, p = 0.05). Also, the MMSE score showed a notable relationship with stroke (β = −2.13, p = 0.05) and diabetes (β = 3.26, p = <0.001) in multivariate analysis. Conclusion Iranian Alzheimer's Disease Registry can provide epidemiological and clinical data to use for purposes such as enhancing the current AD management in clinical centers, filling the gaps in preventative care, and establishing effective monitoring and cure for the disease.

Background Free gingival graft (FGG) is a highly predictable method to increase the width of keratinized gingiva. Various materials have been reported to accelerate the wound healing process. Considering the positive effect of EPO on dermal wound healing this study aimed to investigate the effects of EPO on the rate of healing and degree of inflammation in free gingival grafts. Methods Seventeen patients with bilateral lack of keratinized gingiva in mandible were selected for this clinical trial. The surgical intervention was performed after phase I periodontal therapy. Recipient site was prepared apical to the mucogingival line, and FGG was harvested from the palate. Before graft placement, the test side and control side were treated with 1 ml of EPO 4000 IU/ml and distilled water, respectively, for 2 min. On days 7, 14, 21, 28, 60, and 90 after surgery, the grafted sites were examined by blinded observers to compare the healing and inflammation of the areas. Results All the 17 patients completed the surgeries and follow-up examinations. Direct examination revealed significantly better healing in EPO group only on the 28th day. Assessment of the photographs showed a significant value in favor of the test group at some other time points as well. The EPO group demonstrated less inflammation, which was statistically significant in many time points. The graft area was 80.88 ± 30.21 mm 2 and 71.35 ± 15.62 mm 2 in the EPO and control groups, respectively. The difference was not significant, though. Conclusions Topical application of erythropoietin can accelerate the healing of gingival grafts and reduce the inflammation during healing period. The final graft outcome, nevertheless, does not seem to be influenced by EPO. Trial registration This was a split-mouth randomized controlled clinical trial (IRCT201201278830N1). The first registration date: 2016-10-22