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New Trends in Biosciences III
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New Trends in Biosciences III

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Applied Biosciences and Bioengineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 December 2023) | Viewed by 23631

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Andrea Ballini

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
Interests: translational research; biomedicine; stem cells; clinical biochemistry and clinical molecular biology; clinical microbiology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Michele Covelli

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Interuniversity Research Center "Population, Environment and Health" – CIRPAS, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70121 Bari, Italy
Interests: medicine and dentistry; history of medicine; oral diseases
Dr. Dario Di Stasio

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Multidisciplinary Department of Medical-Surgical and Odontostomatological Specialties, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Via Luigi De Crecchio, 6, 80138 Napoli, Italy
Interests: dentistry; oral medicine; oral pathology; oral immunology; imaging in oral diseases
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Antonio Boccaccio

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Dipartimento di Meccanica, Matematica e Management (DMMM), Campus "Ernesto Quagliariello", Politecnico di Bari, Via Edoardo Orabona, 4, I-70125 Bari, Italy
Interests: bioengineering; morphological optimization of biomaterials; modeling and simulation of biomedical devices and mechanobiological processes; optical techniques for reverse engineering; characterization of biomedical materials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Maria Contaldo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Multidisciplinary Department of Medical-Surgical and Odontostomatological Specialties, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
Interests: oral microbiome; oral microbiota; disbiosis; oral pathology and medicine; pediatric dentistry; dentistry; oral cancer; oral infections; oral mycology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The Special Issue, entitled “New Trends in Biosciences III”, invites worldwide investigators and clinicians who are confident in applied biosciences research to submit their most interesting overviews, reviews, and original articles that provide novel insights regarding multidisciplinary research in the field of biomedicine and biological engineering applications.

Potential topics include (but are not limited to) translational research, bioengineering types, clinical engineering, system modeling, biosignal processing, stem cells, bioscaffolds, biomedical devices, clinical biochemistry and molecular biology, microbiota and clinical microbiology, bioinformatics, biotechnology, biomechanics, computational mechanobiology, the history of medicine, and the role of oral health and disease in contributing to general health and systemic conditions. The main focus of this Special Issue is on novel developments and applications in biomedically relevant themes. 

Studies regarding new methodological paradigms that challenge current thinking in biomedical research, in vitro, in silico, or in vivo models, and clinical and “proof-of concept” studies in the extant body of literature addressing the roles of biosciences and bioengineering in translational research, good manufacturing practice protocols/conditions as an essential step toward clinical applications, and other similar studies are warmly welcomed. Review studies, including those that use conceptual frameworks for any of the aforementioned topics, will also be welcomed.

Dr. Andrea Ballini
Dr. Michele Covelli
Prof. Dr. Dario Di Stasio
Prof. Dr. Antonio Boccaccio
Dr. Maria Contaldo
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • translational research
  • stem cells
  • biomedicine
  • bioengineering
  • bioscaffolds
  • diseases
  • clinical microbiology
  • quality of life
  • microbiota
  • oral diseases
  • history of medicine
  • oral health
  • oral cancer
  • clinical biochemistry and clinical molecular biology
  • geometry optimization of biomaterials
  • microstructured surfaces
  • cell adhesion
  • computational mechanobiology
  • additively manufactured materials

Published Papers (16 papers)

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Research

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11 pages, 892 KiB  
Article
Effect of Narrow-Band Ultraviolet B Therapy of Psoriasis Vulgaris on Skin Directional Reflectance, Skin Density and Epidermal Thickness
by Wiktoria Odrzywołek, Anna Deda, Julita Zdrada-Nowak, Barbara Błońska-Fajfrowska, Dominika Wcisło-Dziadecka and Sławomir Wilczyński
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(16), 9311; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13169311 - 16 Aug 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 838
Abstract
Psoriasis is an inflammatory dermatosis manifested by the appearance of brown-red papules on the body, covered with silver scales. One of the most common and effective treatments for psoriasis is narrow-band UVB phototherapy. Narrow-band UVB has a wavelength of 311 nm, which results [...] Read more.
Psoriasis is an inflammatory dermatosis manifested by the appearance of brown-red papules on the body, covered with silver scales. One of the most common and effective treatments for psoriasis is narrow-band UVB phototherapy. Narrow-band UVB has a wavelength of 311 nm, which results in shallow skin penetration, is absorbed only by the epidermis and the superficial layers of the dermis. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of narrow-band UVB 311 nm phototherapy on skin covered with psoriatic scales and without psoriatic lesions in patients with psoriasis vulgaris on the total directional hemispherical reflectance (DHR) of the skin, skin density and epidermis thickness. For this purpose, a 410 Solar DHR reflectometer and high-frequency ultrasonography DUB SkinScanner were used. A total of 48 volunteers were enrolled. There was a difference in the reflectance of skin without psoriatic scales and psoriatic skin. Depending on the wavelength range, the skin was characterized by different reflectance values. During the course of phototherapy, the reflectance values decreased, both in the psoriatic skin and skin without psoriatic scales. After the phototherapy, the epidermis thickness and SLEB layer decreased and skin density increased in the area with psoriatic plaque. The density of the skin without psoriasis after a series of 20 irradiations increased, while the thickness of the epidermis did not change. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Biosciences III)
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12 pages, 918 KiB  
Article
Volatile Organic Compounds Determination from Intestinal Polyps and in Exhaled Breath by Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry
by Antonella Maria Aresta, Nicoletta De Vietro, Arcangelo Picciariello, Maria Teresa Rotelli, Donato Francesco Altomare, Agnese Dezi, Gennaro Martines, Alessia Di Gilio, Jolanda Palmisani, Gianluigi De Gennaro and Carlo Zambonin
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(10), 6083; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13106083 - 15 May 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1091
Abstract
In this paper, a new protocol is described, based on solid phase microextraction (SPME) coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), to monitor ex vivo changes in endogenous volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released by surgically resected colonic tissues (normal colonic mucosa and adenomatous polyps) [...] Read more.
In this paper, a new protocol is described, based on solid phase microextraction (SPME) coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), to monitor ex vivo changes in endogenous volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released by surgically resected colonic tissues (normal colonic mucosa and adenomatous polyps) from seven patients undergoing operative colonoscopy to identify their molecular pattern. The exhalated volatile organic molecules from these patients were sampled by the ReCIVA® breath sampler, shortly before surgery, and analyzed by GC-MS. Comparing VOC patterns identified in the tissues and in the breath of the same patients, a possible correlation can be found between the levels of methylbenzene and benzaldehyde exhaled and the presence of colonic adenomatous polypoid lesions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Biosciences III)
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10 pages, 2877 KiB  
Communication
Influence of Ingestion of Lactulose on γ-Lactones Emanating from Human Skin Surface
by Yoshika Sekine, Shiori Uchiyama, Michihito Todaka, Yohei Sakai, Ryo Sakiyama, Hiroshi Ochi, Maho Muramatsu, Satomi Asai and Kazuo Umezawa
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(6), 3930; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13063930 - 20 Mar 2023
Viewed by 1654
Abstract
Lactulose is known to grow health-promoting bacteria, with an increase in the production of beneficial metabolites, such as lactic acid and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the colon. Ingestion of lactulose powder at a food dosage level is known to reduce the dermal [...] Read more.
Lactulose is known to grow health-promoting bacteria, with an increase in the production of beneficial metabolites, such as lactic acid and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the colon. Ingestion of lactulose powder at a food dosage level is known to reduce the dermal emanation of ammonia, a typical human skin gas which potentially affects body odour. However, no study has reported the effect of lactulose on human skin gases other than ammonia. In this study, the influence of lactulose ingestion on the dermal emissions of γ-lactones, volatile cyclic esters with sweet smells, was investigated in healthy subjects. Healthy participants ingested the lactulose powder with a food dosage of 4 g d−1 once a day for 2 weeks. γ-lactones emanating from the skin surface were collected from each participant’s forearm by using a passive flux sampler, and six kinds of γ-lactones, namely, γ-hexalactone (C6), γ-heptalactone (C7), γ-octalactone (C8), γ-nonalactone (C9), γ-decalactone (C10), and γ-undecalactone (C11), were determined by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Quantification of bifidobacteria in faeces collected before and after ingestion of lactulose for 2 weeks was carried out by using real-time PCR. The results showed a significant increase in the dermal emission fluxes of sweet-smelling C10 and C11 lactones as the number of bifidobacteria increased in the faeces, presumably mediated by SCFAs produced in the colon. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Biosciences III)
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14 pages, 14815 KiB  
Article
The Potency of Graphitic Carbon Nitride (gC3N4) and Bismuth Sulphide Nanoparticles (Bi2S3) in the Management of Foliar Fungal Pathogens of Maize
by Akinlolu Olalekan Akanmu, Timothy Oladiran Ajiboye, Masego Seleke, Sabelo D. Mhlanga, Damian C. Onwudiwe and Olubukola Oluranti Babalola
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(6), 3731; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13063731 - 15 Mar 2023
Viewed by 1472
Abstract
Maize (Zea mays L.) is the most significant grain crop in South Africa. Despite its importance, the cereal is ravaged by several foliar fungal pathogens, which reduce maize quality and quantity at harvest. Hence, this study investigates the fungi associated with foliar [...] Read more.
Maize (Zea mays L.) is the most significant grain crop in South Africa. Despite its importance, the cereal is ravaged by several foliar fungal pathogens, which reduce maize quality and quantity at harvest. Hence, this study investigates the fungi associated with foliar diseases of maize in Molelwane, North-West Province, South Africa. The fungi were isolated, characterized and subjected to in vitro nanoparticle control. Samples of diseased maize leaves were aseptically collected from two maize-growing farms. Fungi associated with the samples were isolated and characterized using standard procedures. Bi2S3 (metal-containing) and gC3N4 (non-metallic carbon-based) nanoparticles were synthesized and used to challenge the pathogens using standard procedures. Foliar fungal pathogens isolated from the diseased maize leaves in this study were characterized as Bipolaris zeicola, Phoma herbarum, Epicoccum nigrum, Alternaria alternata and Fusarium brachygibbosum. Phoma herbarium > A. alternata > B. zeicola > F. brachygibbosum > E. nigrum was the order of percentage fungal inhibition by the nanoparticles. Bi2S3 was more effective against the pathogens at lower concentrations and gC3N4 at higher concentration levels. The two nanoparticle types evaluated in vitro shows potential for managing the foliar fungal pathogens, and this needs to be further validated in field studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Biosciences III)
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10 pages, 1655 KiB  
Communication
Lichens as a Natural Source of Compounds Active on Microorganisms of Human Health Interest
by Carla Condò, Igor Anfelli, Luca Forti, Carla Sabia, Patrizia Messi and Ramona Iseppi
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(3), 1976; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13031976 - 03 Feb 2023
Viewed by 2004
Abstract
The antimicrobial properties of two lichen extracts (LC1 and LC2 solutions extracted in acetone and cyclohexane, respectively) were investigated against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative microorganisms through the agar well diffusion assay. Results displayed that both samples were similarly effective against all the indicator [...] Read more.
The antimicrobial properties of two lichen extracts (LC1 and LC2 solutions extracted in acetone and cyclohexane, respectively) were investigated against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative microorganisms through the agar well diffusion assay. Results displayed that both samples were similarly effective against all the indicator strains. The antimicrobial activity was maintained up to 30 days against Candida albicans ATCC 10231 with an inhibition zone of 38 mm and 37 mm for the LC1 and LC2 solutions extracted, respectively. In order to separate the single chemical components and to associate them with the biological activity, the two extracts were subjected to an activity-guided fractionation followed by a liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC–MS) Ion Trap 6310A for the chemical characterization. Chromatogram analysis of each sample that maintained an antimicrobial activity revealed the presence of a significant peak, at a retention time (tR) of 10.8 min, corresponding to a scabrosin derivative that could likely be associated with the antimicrobial activity. Results obtained in the present investigation, especially against the opportunistic pathogen C. albicans, are encouraging and could represent a preliminary step to a future solution toward a microorganism responsible for fungal infections, mainly occurring in immunocompromised patients and recently caused by drug-resistant strains. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Biosciences III)
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12 pages, 3341 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Oxygen Tension on the Differentiation of Outgrowth Cells from Embryoid Bodies Produced by Mouse Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
by Hisashi Yano, Takashi Inoue, Satoshi Murakami and Hiroyuki Kaneko
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(2), 1215; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13021215 - 16 Jan 2023
Viewed by 1433
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of oxygen tension on mouse induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells by assessing differentiation in terms of embryoid body (EB) size and mRNA and protein expression levels of collagen type 1 and Runx2. EBs [...] Read more.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of oxygen tension on mouse induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells by assessing differentiation in terms of embryoid body (EB) size and mRNA and protein expression levels of collagen type 1 and Runx2. EBs and outgrowth cells (OGCs) were cultured in conditions of hypoxia (2%), normoxia (21%) and hyperoxia (35%). Significantly larger EBs were observed in the hyperoxia and normoxia groups compared to the hypoxia group on Days 8 and 10. The hyperoxia group had significantly higher mRNA and protein expression levels of collagen type 1 and Runx2 compared to the hypoxia and normoxia groups on Days 10 and 26, and these expression levels in the hypoxia group were significantly lower than the normoxia group on Days 10 and 26. These results suggest that hyperoxia accelerates the enlargement in EBs and the differentiation of iPS cells. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Biosciences III)
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11 pages, 1352 KiB  
Article
Wide pH Range Potentiometric and Spectrophotometric Investigation into the Acidic Constants of Quercetin, Luteolin and l-Ascorbic Acid in Aqueous Media
by Luana Malacaria and Emilia Furia
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(2), 776; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13020776 - 05 Jan 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1166
Abstract
It is now well established that the dissociation constants of an organic compound are characteristic of the types of groups, or the combinations of groups, contained in it. Furthermore, the acid–base dissociation constants are important parameters to fully understand the properties of a [...] Read more.
It is now well established that the dissociation constants of an organic compound are characteristic of the types of groups, or the combinations of groups, contained in it. Furthermore, the acid–base dissociation constants are important parameters to fully understand the properties of a molecule in biological systems. In this framework, the aim of the present study was to determine the acidic constants of three natural molecules with well-known antioxidant properties, namely quercetin, luteolin and l-ascorbic acid. The evaluation was carried out in aqueous media (i.e., 0.16 M NaCl) at 37 °C in a wide pH range by using a combined approach based on potentiometric and spectrophotometric measurements. The results underline the necessity to employ both experimental techniques to obtain accurate values for acidic constants, preventing uncertainties related to undesirable oxidation reactions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Biosciences III)
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20 pages, 3662 KiB  
Article
Machine Learning in Bioequivalence: Towards Identifying an Appropriate Measure of Absorption Rate
by Vangelis D. Karalis
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(1), 418; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13010418 - 28 Dec 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2918
Abstract
In this study, the modern tool of machine learning is used to address an old problem from a new perspective. Traditionally, the scientific basis for determining bioequivalence is based on a pharmacokinetic comparison, specifically the rate and extent of absorption between two products. [...] Read more.
In this study, the modern tool of machine learning is used to address an old problem from a new perspective. Traditionally, the scientific basis for determining bioequivalence is based on a pharmacokinetic comparison, specifically the rate and extent of absorption between two products. Even though it is generally agreed that the peak plasma concentration (Cmax) should be used to measure the rate of absorption, several studies have raised concerns. Thus, alternative pharmacokinetic metrics have been proposed to address Cmax shortcomings. The aim of this study is to utilize unsupervised (principal component analysis) and supervised (random forest) machine learning algorithms to uncover the relationships among the pharmacokinetic parameters and identify the most suitable metric for absorption rate. One actual and three simulated donepezil bioequivalence datasets were utilized. For the needs of this study, a population pharmacokinetic model of donepezil was also developed and further used for the simulation of BE datasets with different absorption kinetics. Among the pharmacokinetic metrics explored, the newly proposed Cmax/Tmax ratio is also investigated. The latter was found to better reflect the absorption rate, regardless of the kinetic properties of absorption. This is one of the first studies utilizing machine learning in the field of bioequivalence. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Biosciences III)
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15 pages, 2469 KiB  
Article
Impact of Quarantine and Vaccination Policies on Viral Load
by Dimitrios Koumatzidis, Ioannis Seimenis, Constantinos Loukas, Theodoros Constantinidis and Adam Adamopoulos
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(1), 396; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13010396 - 28 Dec 2022
Viewed by 1253
Abstract
Epidemics and pandemics are a field of scientific research since ancient times. The intensity of the repeated phenomena demonstrates their cyclicality in time. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, also known as the coronavirus pandemic, confirmed observations made in previous disease outbreaks. Epidemics are mainly [...] Read more.
Epidemics and pandemics are a field of scientific research since ancient times. The intensity of the repeated phenomena demonstrates their cyclicality in time. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, also known as the coronavirus pandemic, confirmed observations made in previous disease outbreaks. Epidemics are mainly characterized by two factors: (a) the population dynamics and (b) the nature of the disease. This article uses continuous mathematical models, on the basis of a scalable compartmental approach, characterized by systems of ordinary differential equations under the condition that individuals can freely move from one compartment to another. Numerous experiments were carried out to examine the impact of quarantine and vaccination policies, separately or in combination, on cumulative viral load, a measure adopted to reflect the cumulative viral burden of an infected population for a given time period. Current findings demonstrate that quarantine may play a crucial role in controlling an epidemic at its early stages, as well as the importance of early and widespread implementation of a vaccination program. The suggested approach may be utilized to study specific quarantine and vaccination scenarios, by manipulating various parameters such as the duration and extent of social distancing measures or the effectiveness and compliance to vaccination policies, and thus assist in decision making. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Biosciences III)
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14 pages, 10116 KiB  
Article
Laboratory Investigations of Mold Growth on Transverse and Longitudinal Wood Surfaces
by Pavla Ryparová, Pavel Kopecký, Kamil Staněk, Jan Richter and Jan Tywoniak
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(1), 228; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13010228 - 24 Dec 2022
Viewed by 1831
Abstract
The possible influence of anatomical sections of wood on mold growth was investigated by means of a laboratory experiment. The selected fungi, Aspergillus sp., Penicillium sp., and Alternaria sp. were inoculated by spraying on the surface of wood specimens prepared from pine ( [...] Read more.
The possible influence of anatomical sections of wood on mold growth was investigated by means of a laboratory experiment. The selected fungi, Aspergillus sp., Penicillium sp., and Alternaria sp. were inoculated by spraying on the surface of wood specimens prepared from pine (Pinus sylvestris) and spruce (Picea abies). The incubation was carried out under stable environmental conditions (temperature of 22 °C, relative humidity of 75, 87, and 95%) over three months. Mold growth was evaluated based on regular microscopic and macroscopic observations. The recorded mold coverage fractions and the qualitative indicators of mold development were later expressed by a dimensionless mold index. The differences in mold growth in the anatomical sections of wood were found to be relatively insignificant. In contrast, comparison of measured data with other experimental studies showed large differences, especially in the initial growth phase. The discrepancy is probably related to differences among the experimental protocols. It is concluded that laboratory mold growth studies would be improved if a common standardized methodology was developed and followed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Biosciences III)
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17 pages, 3849 KiB  
Article
Neuroprotective Effect of the Mixture of Gastrodiae elata and Glycyrrhizae uralensis In Vitro
by Su-Ha Hwang, Su-Bin Park, Da-Young Yu, Jae-Yeon Cho, Won-Woo Lee, Mi-Ran Park, Jang-Won Lee and Yong-Deok Jeon
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(1), 190; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13010190 - 23 Dec 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1398
Abstract
Background: This study investigated the effect of a mixture of Gastrodiae elata and Glycyrrhizae uralensis (GGW) on β-amyloid-induced neuronal damage in vitro. Methods: For finding the appropriate GGW ratio, we performed MTT assays using the ratios of 5:5, 6:4, 7:3, 8:2 [...] Read more.
Background: This study investigated the effect of a mixture of Gastrodiae elata and Glycyrrhizae uralensis (GGW) on β-amyloid-induced neuronal damage in vitro. Methods: For finding the appropriate GGW ratio, we performed MTT assays using the ratios of 5:5, 6:4, 7:3, 8:2 and 9:1 in SK-N-SH cell and SH-SY-5Y cell. Treatment with β-amyloid (10 μM) caused cell death and overexpression of acetylcholinesterase (ACHE) in SH-SY-5Y cells. β-amyloid treatment increased the expression of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). In addition, we detected the antioxidant activity of GGW using DCF-DA staining of SK-N-SH cells. To determine the effect of GGW on oxidative stress, we used a hydrogen peroxidase-induced in vitro model. Results: We selected the ratios of 5:5 and 7:3 mixtures with the least cytotoxicity. The 7:3 ratio of GGW (GGW73) decreased the mRNA expression of ACHE in SH-SY-5Y cell more than the 5:5 ratio of GGW (GGW55). GGW73 suppressed p-ERK protein expression in β-amyloid-treated SH-SY-5Y cells. Additionally, GGW73 regulated reactive oxygen species (ROS) in vitro. GGW73 treatment regulated apoptotic factors in β-amyloid-stimulated neuronal cells. Conclusions: These results suggest that GGW73 exerts neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects in vitro. These results also showed that GGW73 had a protective effect against H2O2 induced cell damage in an in vitro model. These results indicate the potential of GGW as a therapeutic agent for cognitive disorders. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Biosciences III)
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11 pages, 976 KiB  
Article
Numerical Modelling of Erythrocyte Sticking Mechanics
by Raimondas Jasevičius
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(24), 12576; https://doi.org/10.3390/app122412576 - 08 Dec 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1117
Abstract
The mechanics of thrombus formation includes the interaction of platelets, fibrin, and erythrocytes. The interaction was analyzed as the erythrocyte approaches the activated platelet and fibrin thrombus formation. The discrete element method (DEM) was used for the numerical experiment. Details of numerical experiments [...] Read more.
The mechanics of thrombus formation includes the interaction of platelets, fibrin, and erythrocytes. The interaction was analyzed as the erythrocyte approaches the activated platelet and fibrin thrombus formation. The discrete element method (DEM) was used for the numerical experiment. Details of numerical experiments are presented by analyzing the dynamics of an erythrocyte in the process of interaction; a history of force, velocity, and displacement is given. It is usually assumed that the objects modeled by the DEM can oscillate during the sticking process. Modeling only this requires specialized knowledge and long-term research. However, by taking into account the influence of the fluid and modeling a soft biological cell, a completely different behavior can be achieved using the DEM method. The results of the numerical experiment show the different behavior of the erythrocyte when it interacts with a certain surface. Without taking into account the influence of the fluid in the sticking process, oscillations of the erythrocyte are observed. Meanwhile, after evaluating the influence of the liquid on the sticking process, there are no oscillations and unloading processes, which are typical for ultrafine objects. It is hoped that this will contribute to the study of the complex process of thrombus formation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Biosciences III)
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Review

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16 pages, 2206 KiB  
Review
Finite Element Modeling of Cells Adhering to a Substrate: An Overview
by Lorenzo Santoro, Lorenzo Vaiani, Antonio Boccaccio, Luciano Lamberti, Lorenzo Lo Muzio, Andrea Ballini and Stefania Cantore
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(6), 2596; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14062596 - 20 Mar 2024
Viewed by 460
Abstract
In tissue formation and regeneration processes, cells often move collectively, maintaining connections through intercellular adhesions. However, the specific roles of cell–substrate and cell-to-cell mechanical interactions in the regulation of collective cell migration are not yet fully understood. Finite element modeling (FEM) may be [...] Read more.
In tissue formation and regeneration processes, cells often move collectively, maintaining connections through intercellular adhesions. However, the specific roles of cell–substrate and cell-to-cell mechanical interactions in the regulation of collective cell migration are not yet fully understood. Finite element modeling (FEM) may be a way to assess more deeply the biological, mechanical, and chemical phenomena behind cell adhesion. FEM is a powerful tool widely used to simulate phenomena described by systems of partial differential equations. For example, FEM provides information on the stress/strain state of a cell adhering to a substrate, as well as on its mechanobiological behavior. This review paper, after briefly describing basic principles of cell adhesion, surveys the most important studies that have utilized FEM to investigate the structural response of a cell adhering to a substrate and how the forces acting on the cell–substrate adhesive structures affect the global cell mechanical behavior. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Biosciences III)
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22 pages, 1842 KiB  
Review
Extracellular Vesicles and Artificial Intelligence: Unique Weapons against Breast Cancer
by Enrica Serretiello, Annafrancesca Smimmo, Andrea Ballini, Domenico Parmeggiani, Massimo Agresti, Paola Bassi, Giancarlo Moccia, Antonella Sciarra, Alessandra De Angelis, Paola Della Monica, Maria Michela Marino and Marina Di Domenico
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(4), 1639; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14041639 - 18 Feb 2024
Viewed by 766
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) caused 685,000 deaths globally in 2020, earning the title of the most common type of tumor among females. With a multifactorial genesis, BC is influenced by several factors such as age, genetic and epigenetic predisposition, and an individual’s exposome, and [...] Read more.
Breast cancer (BC) caused 685,000 deaths globally in 2020, earning the title of the most common type of tumor among females. With a multifactorial genesis, BC is influenced by several factors such as age, genetic and epigenetic predisposition, and an individual’s exposome, and its classification is based on morphological/histological, invasiveness, and molecular futures. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are cell-derived lipid-bilayer-delimited nanoparticles, which are distinguishable by size, genesis, and the markers expressed in exosomes (40 to 150 nm), microvesicles (40 to 10,000 nm), and apoptotic bodies (100–5000 nm). Produced in physiological and pathological cellular contexts, EVs are shuttles of biological material and are implicated in cell-to-cell communications, thus attracting significant interest in diagnostic and drug delivery research. We report and discuss the latest evidence regarding the important role of EVs in BC, deepening their implication in tumorigenesis and metastatic mechanisms. On the other hand, the use of BC-derived EVs as prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic approaches is undergoing investigation. Hence, EVs have become new weapons in precision medicine; however, only with the support of advanced algorithms such as artificial intelligence (AI) can we develop a wide range of information. Looking ahead, it is possible to see the application of AI in the prognosis and diagnosis of different pathologies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Biosciences III)
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18 pages, 176857 KiB  
Review
Nerve Injury and Photobiomodulation, a Promising Opportunity: A Scoping Review on Laser Assisted Protocols for Lesions in the Oral Region
by Andrea Scribante, Matteo Pellegrini, Federica Pulicari, Massimo Porrini, Moreno Bosotti and Francesco Spadari
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(16), 9258; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13169258 - 15 Aug 2023
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Abstract
The currently available therapeutic options for restoring function and sensitivity in long-term nervous injuries pose challenges. Microsurgery interventions for direct nerve repair often lead to serious complications and limited success. Non-surgical methods, although somewhat effective, have limited benefits. These methods involve drug administration, [...] Read more.
The currently available therapeutic options for restoring function and sensitivity in long-term nervous injuries pose challenges. Microsurgery interventions for direct nerve repair often lead to serious complications and limited success. Non-surgical methods, although somewhat effective, have limited benefits. These methods involve drug administration, such as with analgesics or corticosteroids. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) has emerged as a promising approach based on clinical and laboratory studies. PBMT stimulates the migration and proliferation of neuronal fiber cellular aggregates, as reported in the literature. Experimental studies on animal models with peripheral nerve compression injuries have shown that PBMT can enhance the functionality of damaged nerves, preserving their activity and preventing scar tissue formation. The mechanism of action depends on the wavelength, which can positively or negatively affect photo acceptor resonances, influencing their conformation and activities. These findings suggest that photobiomodulation may accelerate and improve nerve regeneration. This review explores various methodologies used in photobiomodulation for regenerating nerve sensitivity after surgical trauma involving nerve structures, in the oral and peri-oral region. Research was conducted to evaluate which laser-assisted therapeutic protocols are used to improve the recovery of nervous sensitivity, using the JBI methodology for scoping reviews and following the PRISMA methodology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Biosciences III)
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Systematic Review
A Meta-Analysis on Dual Protocols for Chronic Stroke Motor Recovery: Robotic Training and tDCS
by Rye-Kyeong Kim, Nyeonju Kang, Zeel Desai and James H. Cauraugh
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(3), 1992; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13031992 - 03 Feb 2023
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Abstract
Two popular chronic stroke rehabilitation protocols are robotic-assisted movements and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). Separately, both protocols have produced encouraging motor recovery improvements. An intriguing question remains: what happens to motor recovery when both protocols are administered together? Do the two protocols [...] Read more.
Two popular chronic stroke rehabilitation protocols are robotic-assisted movements and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). Separately, both protocols have produced encouraging motor recovery improvements. An intriguing question remains: what happens to motor recovery when both protocols are administered together? Do the two protocols together produce additive dual effects? This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the dual effect of combining robotic training and tDCS. We investigated the potential effects of tDCS protocols in addition to robotic-training programs on motor recovery of the upper and lower extremities post-stroke. A systematic literature search identified 20 qualified studies that used robotic training combined with tDCS protocols for upper limb (i.e., 15 studies) and lower limb (i.e., 5 studies) post-stroke rehabilitation. Individuals in the subacute and chronic stages of recovery were investigated. The 20 included studies compared additive effects of the combined protocols with robotic training sham control groups. Further, we estimated short-term and long-term treatment effects of the combined protocols. The random-effects model meta-analyses failed to find any significant short-term and long-term motor improvements in the upper extremities after the combined treatments. However, robotic-assisted movements combined with tDCS protocols revealed significant moderate transient and sustained improvements in functions of the lower limbs post-stroke. These meta-analytic findings suggest clinical implications concerning coupled top-down and bottom-up training protocols (i.e., robotic training and tDCS combined), which will allow us to make progress toward post-stroke motor recovery. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Biosciences III)
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