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New Trends in Biosciences
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New Trends in Biosciences

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 June 2021) | Viewed by 62374

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
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Dario Di Stasio

E-Mail Website
Co-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
Co-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
Co-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 “New Trends in Biosciences” invites worldwide investigators as well as clinicians who are confident in applied biosciences research to submit their most interesting overviews, reviews, and original articles that may 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, health informatics, bioinformatics, biotechnology, biomechanics, computational mechanobiology, microbiota, and the role of oral health and disease on contributing to general health and systemic conditions. The main focus is on novel developments and applications in biomedical relevant themes. 

New methodological paradigms that challenge current thinking in biomedical research, in vitro, in silico or in vivo models, clinical and “proof-of concept” studies to 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 welcome topics. Review studies, including those that use conceptual frameworks for any of the aforementioned topics, will also be welcomed.

Dr. Andrea Ballini
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
  • Systemic diseases
  • General health
  • Quality of life
  • Microbiota
  • Oral diseases
  • Periodontal diseases
  • Oral health
  • Oral cancer
  • Oral–systemic relationship
  • Geometry optimization of biomaterials
  • Microstructured surfaces
  • Cell adhesion
  • Computational mechanobiology
  • Additively manufactured materials

Published Papers (19 papers)

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Editorial

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5 pages, 198 KiB  
Editorial
New Trends in Biosciences
by Andrea Ballini, Dario Di Stasio, Antonio Boccaccio and Maria Contaldo
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(20), 9722; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11209722 - 18 Oct 2021
Viewed by 1030
Abstract
The regulation and evaluation of biosciences are increasing, and this is probably a healthy tendency—at least to a certain extent [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Biosciences)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review, Other

10 pages, 13344 KiB  
Article
Cranial Implant Design Applying Shape-Based Interpolation Method via Open-Source Software
by Johari Yap Abdullah, Abdul Manaf Abdullah, Low Peh Hueh, Adam Husein, Helmi Hadi and Zainul Ahmad Rajion
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(16), 7604; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11167604 - 19 Aug 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2656
Abstract
Reconstructing a large skull defect is a challenge, as it normally involves the use of sophisticated proprietary image processing and expensive CAD software. As an alternative, open-source software can be used for this purpose. This study aimed to compare the 3D cranial implants [...] Read more.
Reconstructing a large skull defect is a challenge, as it normally involves the use of sophisticated proprietary image processing and expensive CAD software. As an alternative, open-source software can be used for this purpose. This study aimed to compare the 3D cranial implants reconstructed from computed tomography (CT) images using the open-source MITK software with commercial 3-matic software for ten decompressive craniectomy patients. The shape-based interpolation method was used, in which the technique of segmenting every fifth and tenth slice of CT data was performed. The final design of patient-specific implants from both software was exported to STL format for analysis. The results of the Kruskal–Wallis test for the surface and volume of cranial implants designed using 3-matic and the two MITK techniques showed no significant difference, p > 0.05. The results of the Hausdorff Distance (HD) and Dice Similarity Coefficient (DSC) analyses for cranial implants designed using 3-matic software and the two different MITK techniques showed that the average points distance for 3-matic versus MITK was 0.28 mm (every tenth slice) and 0.15 mm (every fifth slice), and the similarity between 3-matic and MITK on every tenth and fifth slices were 85.1% and 89.7%, respectively. The results also showed that the open-source MITK software is comparable with the commercial software for designing patient-specific implants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Biosciences)
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16 pages, 6075 KiB  
Article
An Attempt to Model the Surface Pressures of Apples Using the Finite Element Method
by Daniel Szyjewicz, Łukasz Kuta, Paulina Działak and Roman Stopa
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(16), 7579; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11167579 - 18 Aug 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1639
Abstract
Apples are the most popular fruits grown in Polish orchards. In order to obtain the best quality fruit, it is necessary to improve plantation maintenance, fruit harvesting, and processing. Given that many fruits are exposed to external factors, including forces that adversely affect [...] Read more.
Apples are the most popular fruits grown in Polish orchards. In order to obtain the best quality fruit, it is necessary to improve plantation maintenance, fruit harvesting, and processing. Given that many fruits are exposed to external factors, including forces that adversely affect their structure—causing them to crack, bruise, or crush—it is necessary to provide conditions that do not adversely affect their quality. Therefore, the aim of this article was to develop a simplified model of an apple that could be tested under different loads using the finite element method. The parameters of the model were selected to reflect the actual apple as accurately as possible. To assess the apples under impact load, as well as the construction of the FEM model, concrete and wooden substrates were used, where apples were dropped from height of 10 mm and 30 mm. Due to this research, an apple model was obtained that reflects the actual object very well (high R2 coefficient). In addition, the layering and distribution of surface pressures of the real and model objects from the distribution are presented. This shows that the constructed model corresponds to the behaviour of the biological material, subjected to loads in real conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Biosciences)
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11 pages, 2404 KiB  
Article
A Comparison of Manual Nylon Bristle Toothbrushes versus Thermoplastic Elastomer Toothbrushes in Terms of Cleaning Efficacy and the Biological Potential Role on Gingival Health
by Andrea Ballini, Michele Di Cosola, Rajiv Saini, Caterina Benincasa, Elisabetta Aiello, Benedetta Marrelli, Sugandha Rajiv Saini, Francesco Mattia Ceruso, Riccardo Nocini, Skender Topi, Lucrezia Bottalico, Francesco Pettini and Stefania Cantore
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(16), 7180; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11167180 - 04 Aug 2021
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 4178
Abstract
Background: It is well-known that toothbrushing might be associated with the development of oral soft tissue lesions. There is currently a continuing increase in the demand for new safety and performing materials in daily homecare oral hygiene including soft and extra-soft toothbrush bristles [...] Read more.
Background: It is well-known that toothbrushing might be associated with the development of oral soft tissue lesions. There is currently a continuing increase in the demand for new safety and performing materials in daily homecare oral hygiene including soft and extra-soft toothbrush bristles that tend to be safer. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of plaque control and the potential effects on gingival health of two different toothbrush bristle models. Methods: In a three-month period, a total of forty subjects were evaluated for Oral Hygiene Index (OHI), Gingival Index (GI) and Plaque Index (PI) scores as well the Gingival Abrasion Assessment (GAA) between a toothbrush entirely made from a rubber-like material called thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) and a soft toothbrush (standard control with nylon bristles) in a clinical, single-blind, controlled, parallel-group trial. Results: The use of the TPE toothbrush allows a reduction in the PI, improves the OHI and modifies the GAA in the TPE group over a period of three months compared with a conventional soft bristle toothbrush applied for the same period, leading in this way evidence for a good influence of the TPE bristles on overall oral hygiene conditions. Conclusions: From the comparison between our data and the literature studies, we can state that the material and shape of the bristles of the toothbrush affect the home practice of oral hygiene. The TPE bristles reduce the presence of plaque formation and gingival bleeding, oral soft tissue injuries acquired during homecare oral hygiene. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Biosciences)
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7 pages, 1986 KiB  
Communication
The Stability of Vitamin A from Different Sources in Vitamin Premixes and Vitamin-Trace Mineral Premixes
by Pan Yang, Huakai Wang, Longxian Li, Nan Zhang and Yongxi Ma
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(8), 3657; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11083657 - 19 Apr 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2852
Abstract
This study was conducted to investigate the stability of five commercial vitamin A products in vitamin premixes and vitamin-trace mineral premixes. The five commercial products used were: Xinhecheng, Zhejiang medicine, Kingdomway, DSM, and BASF. The vitamin A products were stored in three vitamin [...] Read more.
This study was conducted to investigate the stability of five commercial vitamin A products in vitamin premixes and vitamin-trace mineral premixes. The five commercial products used were: Xinhecheng, Zhejiang medicine, Kingdomway, DSM, and BASF. The vitamin A products were stored in three vitamin premixes (for suckling, weanling, and finishing pigs) or in vitamin-trace mineral (VTM) premixes (for suckling, weanling, and finishing pigs). Vitamin premixes were stored in an environmentally controlled chamber set at 25 °C and 60% humidity. The VTM premixes were stored at room temperature (approximately 22 °C). Sampling was performed on d 0, 90, 180, 270, and 360. Stability was reported as the residual vitamin A activity (% of initial) at each sampling point. For the stability of vitamin premixes, all interactive and main effects of storage time and vitamin A product were not significant. For the stability of VTM premixes, there was no significant interaction effects between storage time, vitamin A product and main effect of vitamin A product, but the main effect of storage time was significant (p < 0.01). In conclusion, a longer storage time reduced vitamin A activity in VTM premixes but there was no difference in the stability of commercially available vitamin A. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Biosciences)
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14 pages, 3629 KiB  
Article
Non-Invasive Prediction of Site-Specific Coronary Atherosclerotic Plaque Progression using Lipidomics, Blood Flow, and LDL Transport Modeling
by Antonis I. Sakellarios, Panagiota Tsompou, Vassiliki Kigka, Panagiotis Siogkas, Savvas Kyriakidis, Nikolaos Tachos, Georgia Karanasiou, Arthur Scholte, Alberto Clemente, Danilo Neglia, Oberdan Parodi, Juhani Knuuti, Lampros K. Michalis, Gualtiero Pelosi, Silvia Rocchiccioli and Dimitrios I. Fotiadis
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(5), 1976; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11051976 - 24 Feb 2021
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2423
Abstract
Background: coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is a first line non-invasive imaging modality for detection of coronary atherosclerosis. Computational modeling with lipidomics analysis can be used for prediction of coronary atherosclerotic plaque progression. Methods: 187 patients (480 vessels) with stable coronary artery disease [...] Read more.
Background: coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is a first line non-invasive imaging modality for detection of coronary atherosclerosis. Computational modeling with lipidomics analysis can be used for prediction of coronary atherosclerotic plaque progression. Methods: 187 patients (480 vessels) with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) undergoing CCTA scan at baseline and after 6.2 ± 1.4 years were selected from the SMARTool clinical study cohort (Clinicaltrial.gov Identifiers NCT04448691) according to a computed tomography (CT) scan image quality suitable for three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of coronary arteries and the absence of implanted coronary stents. Clinical and biohumoral data were collected, and plasma lipidomics analysis was performed. Blood flow and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) transport were modeled using patient-specific data to estimate endothelial shear stress (ESS) and LDL accumulation based on a previously developed methodology. Additionally, non-invasive Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR) was calculated (SmartFFR). Plaque progression was defined as significant change of at least two of the morphological metrics: lumen area, plaque area, plaque burden. Results: a multi-parametric predictive model, including traditional risk factors, plasma lipids, 3D imaging parameters, and computational data demonstrated 88% accuracy to predict site-specific plaque progression, outperforming current computational models. Conclusions: Low ESS and LDL accumulation, estimated by computational modeling of CCTA imaging, can be used to predict site-specific progression of coronary atherosclerotic plaques. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Biosciences)
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15 pages, 2993 KiB  
Article
Towards Management of Residual Limb Volume: Monitoring the Prosthetic Interface Pressure to Detect Volume Fluctuations—A Feasibility Study
by Chakaveh Ahmadizadeh, Brittany Pousett and Carlo Menon
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(19), 6841; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app10196841 - 29 Sep 2020
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2124
Abstract
(1) Motivation: Variations in the volume of the residual limb negatively impact various aspects of prosthesis use including the prosthetic socket fit. Although volume adjustment systems mitigate corresponding fit problems to some extent, some users still find the management of these systems challenging. [...] Read more.
(1) Motivation: Variations in the volume of the residual limb negatively impact various aspects of prosthesis use including the prosthetic socket fit. Although volume adjustment systems mitigate corresponding fit problems to some extent, some users still find the management of these systems challenging. With the ultimate goal of creating a feedback system that assists users with the management of their volume adjustment systems, this study demonstrates the feasibility of detecting variations in the volume of the residual limb. (2) Methods: Measurements of the interface force at the bottom of the prosthetic socket were used as indicators of variations in the volume of the residual limb. Force sensitive resistors (FSRs) were placed at the bottom of participants’ prosthetic sockets to monitor the interface limb–socket force as participants walked on a flat surface. Two phases of experiments were carried out: The first phase considered variations simulated by three prosthetic sock plies, established the feasibility of detecting variations in the volume of the limb based on the interface force, and further determined the locations at which the interface force could be used to detect variations in the limb’s volume. Having validated the effectiveness of the proposed method in the first phase, the second phase was carried out to determine the smallest detectable variation of the limb’s volume using the proposed method. In this phase, variations simulated by one and two prosthetic sock plies were considered. Four and three volunteers with transtibial amputations participated in the first and the second phases, respectively. (3) Results: Results of the first phase showed that an increase in the volume of the limb resulted in a decrease in the force measured at the distal location of the prosthetic sockets of all participants; however, the smallest detected variation could not be statistically confirmed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Biosciences)
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8 pages, 1650 KiB  
Article
Beta-Catenin in Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome
by Joanna Stafiej, Marta Hałas-Wiśniewska, Magdalena Izdebska, Maciej Gagat, Alina Grzanka and Grażyna Malukiewicz
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(18), 6199; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app10186199 - 07 Sep 2020
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1587
Abstract
To find whether it is possible that beta-catenin, associated with the development of serious systemic diseases, as well as the neoplastic process, plays a role in the development of pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX). If so, identifying PEX, an age-related, vision-threatening disorder of elastic fibers, [...] Read more.
To find whether it is possible that beta-catenin, associated with the development of serious systemic diseases, as well as the neoplastic process, plays a role in the development of pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX). If so, identifying PEX, an age-related, vision-threatening disorder of elastic fibers, which is manifested in eyes by the accumulation of an abnormal fibrillar material on the tissues of the anterior segment, with its poorly understood pathogenesis, may be an early indicator of other systemic diseases. The specimens of anterior lens capsules were obtained during routine cataract surgeries from patients with PEX (study group) and those without it (control group). Patients with previously diagnosed renal, cardiac or neoplasm diseases were excluded. In order to determine the localization of β-catenin at the ultrastructural level, the post-embedding colloidal gold (AU) method was used. For the analysis of the presence of proteins involved in cell–cell junctions, including β-catenin, fluorescence staining was performed. An enhanced accumulation of AU in the area of cell junctions in the PEX group was observed in comparison to control patients. A statistically significant increase in the level of β-catenin expression in lens epithelial cells (LECs) for the PEX group (MFI = 808.98) in comparison to the control patients (MFI = 731.6) was also noted. Our study presented the increase in the β-catenin in LECs of PEX group in comparison to control patients. It might be possible for PEX, due to it being easily recognizable, to be the first indicator of serious kidney or cardiac diseases, as well as cancer metastases. Further studies are needed in order to confirm this hypothesis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Biosciences)
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15 pages, 464 KiB  
Article
Effects of Vitamin Forms and Levels on Vitamin Bioavailability and Growth Performance in Piglets
by Pan Yang, Jinbiao Zhao, Huakai Wang, Longxian Li and Yongxi Ma
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(14), 4903; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app10144903 - 17 Jul 2020
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2914
Abstract
The objective of this study was to quantify the relative bioavailability of microencapsulated vitamins A and E in nursery pigs and compare the effects of vitamin forms and vitamin levels on the plasma vitamin content and growth performance of weaned piglets. In experiment [...] Read more.
The objective of this study was to quantify the relative bioavailability of microencapsulated vitamins A and E in nursery pigs and compare the effects of vitamin forms and vitamin levels on the plasma vitamin content and growth performance of weaned piglets. In experiment (Exp.) 1, 12 nursery pigs (fitted with jugular catheters) were supplied at 0 h with non-microencapsulated or microencapsulated vitamin A and E. Blood samples were collected at 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 16, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 36, 48, and 72 h after feeding to compare the bioavailability of oral vitamins A and E. In Exp. 2, a total of 216 crossbred weaned piglets were assigned to six treatments. This experiment was a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement, with two factors for vitamin forms (non-microencapsulated and microencapsulated) and three factors for vitamin levels (the National Research Council level of vitamins, 75% commercial recommendations of vitamins (CRV) level, and a 100% CVR level). In Exp. 1, the relative bioavailability of microencapsulated vitamin E was significantly greater than that of non-microencapsulated vitamin E. In Exp. 2, the pigs fed diets containing 75% or 100% CRV levels of vitamins increased their growth performance and plasma vitamin concentrations compared to the control group. In conclusion, microencapsulation can improve the bioavailability of vitamins, and supplementation with high levels of vitamins was able to improve the growth performance of the piglets. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Biosciences)
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11 pages, 3906 KiB  
Article
Real Time In Vivo Confocal Microscopic Analysis of the Enamel Remineralization by Casein Phosphopeptide-Amorphous Calcium Phosphate (CPP-ACP): A Clinical Proof-of-Concept Study
by Maria Contaldo, Dario Di Stasio, Fedora della Vella, Dorina Lauritano, Rosario Serpico, Rossella Santoro and Alberta Lucchese
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(12), 4155; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app10124155 - 17 Jun 2020
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 2920
Abstract
Enamel defects (EDs) are qualitative and/or quantitative disturbances of the dental surface. To date, the responsiveness to remineralizing treatments has been studied ex vivo, on dental sections from extracted teeth. The present research aims to establish if in vivo reflectance confocal laser scanning [...] Read more.
Enamel defects (EDs) are qualitative and/or quantitative disturbances of the dental surface. To date, the responsiveness to remineralizing treatments has been studied ex vivo, on dental sections from extracted teeth. The present research aims to establish if in vivo reflectance confocal laser scanning microscopy is able to visualize the changes in the enamel architecture on living teeth, before, during and after remineralizing treatments by casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP). As proof-of-concept study, 17 consecutive children affected by EDs were enrolled and 38 EDs were considered. A CPP-ACP mousse was applied twice a week for 6 weeks and clinical and microscopic images were collected before, during and after the treatment for evaluating the changes occurred. For in vivo microscopic imaging, a reflectance confocal laser scanning microscope (RCM) for in vivo use was adopted. In this study RCM was proven to be able to visualize in vivo and at microscopic resolution the changes occurred during the remineralizing processes without needing for dental extractions and histopathological procedures. This in vivo RCM capability could encourage its clinical application in monitoring responsiveness to enamel therapies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Biosciences)
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13 pages, 1746 KiB  
Article
Antibacterial Activity of Indolicidin-Coated Silver Nanoparticles in Oral Disease
by Carla Zannella, Surbhi Shinde, Mariateresa Vitiello, Annarita Falanga, Emilia Galdiero, Amir Fahmi, Biagio Santella, Ludovica Nucci, Roberta Gasparro, Marilena Galdiero, Mariarosaria Boccellino, Gianluigi Franci and Marina Di Domenico
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(5), 1837; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app10051837 - 07 Mar 2020
Cited by 28 | Viewed by 3868
Abstract
(1) Background: In dentistry, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have progressively earned great interest as antimicrobial drugs and are widely used in several biomedical fields. Recent progress in the analysis of complex bacterial communities has demonstrated the richness of the oral microbiota and the presence [...] Read more.
(1) Background: In dentistry, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have progressively earned great interest as antimicrobial drugs and are widely used in several biomedical fields. Recent progress in the analysis of complex bacterial communities has demonstrated the richness of the oral microbiota and the presence of numerous previously unexplained strains. Several efforts have been dedicated to the investigation of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Those peptides are a widespread group of small peptides against invading microbes. We report the production of a hybrid molecule composed of AgNPs and indolicidin, a well-known antibacterial peptide. (2) Methods: Spectroscopy and microscopy were used to analyze the optical features and to determine the size of the generated AgNPs. The AgNP antibacterial activity was evaluated versus oral Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. (3) Results: The coated nanoparticles’ antibacterial activity strongly inhibited the growth of microorganisms, with very low minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values in the range of 5–12.5 μg/mL. We hypothesize that this effect depended on the specific characteristics of the metal surface coated with indolicidin. The second result was that the coated nanoparticles observed cellular toxicity, was lower with respect to the toxicity of peptide and the naked AgNPs when used individually. (4) New investigations regarding antimicrobial effect of AgNPs coated with AMPs in oral infections are an urgent task. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Biosciences)
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12 pages, 830 KiB  
Article
Early Intervention Using Fecal Microbiota Transplantation Combined with Probiotics Influence the Growth Performance, Diarrhea, and Intestinal Barrier Function of Piglets
by Quanhang Xiang, Xiaoyu Wu, Ye Pan, Liu Wang, Yuwei Guo, Chenbin Cui, Lingling Hu, Lingling Zhu, Jian Peng and Hongkui Wei
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(2), 568; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app10020568 - 13 Jan 2020
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2795
Abstract
Early intervention with fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) improves the growth performance and intestinal barrier function of piglets. Accelerating intestinal oxygen concentration is beneficial for symbiotic bacterial colonization. Saccharomyces boulardii (SB) is an aerobic fungus, which may contribute to the colonization of anaerobic symbiotic [...] Read more.
Early intervention with fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) improves the growth performance and intestinal barrier function of piglets. Accelerating intestinal oxygen concentration is beneficial for symbiotic bacterial colonization. Saccharomyces boulardii (SB) is an aerobic fungus, which may contribute to the colonization of anaerobic symbiotic bacteria by competing for oxygen. Clostridium butyricum (CB) improves intestinal barrier function and performance, via regulating the gut microbiota composition of piglets. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of early intervention with FMT combining CB and SB on growth performance, diarrhea, and intestinal barrier function in piglets. A total of 77 litters of neonatal piglets assigned to one of six treatments, which treated with antibiotics (AB), placebo (CON), and FMT (FMT), FMT-added CB (FMT+C), FMT-added SB (FMT+S), and FMT-added CB and SB (FMT+C+S), respectively. FMT+C+S treated piglets had higher body weight (BW) and average daily gain (ADG) both in weaning and finial period, and it significantly increased the levels of fecal mucin-2 (MUC2), fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and relative abundance of fecal Lactobacillus spp., and Bifidobacterium genus. Moreover, early intervention with FMT+C+S reduced the diarrhea rate during the experiment. FMT+C+S also decreased the level of plasma diamine oxidase (DAO) and D-lactate (D-LA), and relative abundance of fecal E. coli during the suckling period. In summary, early intervention with FMT combining CB and SB improved the growth performance, intestinal barrier function, fecal SCFAs concentration, and fecal Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium of piglets. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Biosciences)
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10 pages, 522 KiB  
Article
Gut Microbiota Imbalance is Related to Sporadic Colorectal Neoplasms. A Pilot Study
by Lorenzo Polimeno, Michele Barone, Adriana Mosca, Maria Teresa Viggiani, Alfredo Di Leo, Lucantonio Debellis, Marco Troisi, Antonella Daniele and Luigi Santacroce
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(24), 5491; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app9245491 - 13 Dec 2019
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3466
Abstract
(1) Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) development is sustained by multiple factors including the gut microbiota, as suggested by a growing body of evidence. Most CRCs have a sporadic (non-hereditary) onset and develop from sporadic colorectal adenomas/polyp (SCA/P). In the present study, we investigated [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) development is sustained by multiple factors including the gut microbiota, as suggested by a growing body of evidence. Most CRCs have a sporadic (non-hereditary) onset and develop from sporadic colorectal adenomas/polyp (SCA/P). In the present study, we investigated the characteristic of anaerobic microorganisms in stool samples obtained from 20 patients with SCA/P and 20 subjects without evidence of proliferative lesions at colonoscopy (Controls). (2) Material and Methods: We designed this clinical trial using adaptive randomization by minimization. Selective culture media and Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time of Flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry techniques were used to identify the components of microbiota. The data obtained revealed a different variability of gut microbiota in stool samples of controls and SCA/P subjects. (3) Results: The most interesting difference was observed for Bacteroides species, which represent the 50% of all bacterial species identified in the stool samples: two species, Bacteroides stercoris and Parabacteroides distasonis, were found only in the feces from control group, whereas Bacteroides fragilis and Prevotella melaningenica species were presents only in SCA/P patients. Among Gram+ bacteria also, specific species were found in the two groups of feces: Clostridium clostridioforme, Propionibacterium avidum and Pediococcus pentasaceus were identified only in controls, while Eubacterium limosum, Clostridium innocuum and Corybebacterium xerosus were identified in SCA/P stool samples only. (4) Conclusions: Our findings suggest that, compared to control stool samples, a different intestinal microbiota is present in SCA/P stool samples, that may create a micro-environment predisposing for the development of proliferative phenomena. As a consequence, gut microbiota manipulation could be a future target for personalized treatments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Biosciences)
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Review

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12 pages, 1037 KiB  
Review
The Potential of Visible and Far-Red to Near-Infrared Light in Glaucoma Neuroprotection
by Loredana Bergandi, Francesca Silvagno, Giulia Grisolia, Antonio Ponzetto, Emilio Rapetti, Mariarosa Astori, Antonio Vercesi and Umberto Lucia
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(13), 5872; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11135872 - 24 Jun 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4017
Abstract
Alternative treatment strategies are necessary to reduce the severity of glaucoma, a group of eye conditions that progressively damage the optic nerve and impair vision. The aim of this review is to gain insight into potentially exploitable molecular mechanisms to slow down the [...] Read more.
Alternative treatment strategies are necessary to reduce the severity of glaucoma, a group of eye conditions that progressively damage the optic nerve and impair vision. The aim of this review is to gain insight into potentially exploitable molecular mechanisms to slow down the death of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), a fundamental element in the pathophysiology of all forms of glaucoma, and to stimulate adult optic nerve repair. For this purpose, we focus our analysis on both visible and far-red to near-infrared light photobiomodulation (PBM) as phototherapeutic agents, which were recently proposed in RGCs, and on the nerve lamina region neural progenitor cell (ONLR-NPC) niche. Both are suggested as potential strategies in glaucoma neuroprotection. We discuss the impact of beneficial molecular effects of PBM on both mitochondrial derangement and the alteration of ion fluxes that are considered important causes of RGC damage, as well as on the stimulation of progenitor cells. We suggest these are the most promising approaches to prevent excessive neuronal cell loss. We describe the experimental evidence supporting the validity of PBM therapy which, despite being a safe, non-invasive, inexpensive, and easy to administer procedure, has not yet been fully explored in the clinical practice of glaucoma treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Biosciences)
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12 pages, 536 KiB  
Review
Oral Manifestations in Patients with Glycogen Storage Disease: A Systematic Review of the Literature
by Antonio Romano, Diana Russo, Maria Contaldo, Dorina Lauritano, Fedora della Vella, Rosario Serpico, Alberta Lucchese and Dario Di Stasio
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(19), 6720; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app10196720 - 25 Sep 2020
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2734
Abstract
(1) Background: Glycogen storage disease (GSD) represents a group of twenty-three types of metabolic disorders which damage the capacity of body to store glucose classified basing on the enzyme deficiency involved. Affected patients could present some oro-facial alterations: the purpose of this review [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Glycogen storage disease (GSD) represents a group of twenty-three types of metabolic disorders which damage the capacity of body to store glucose classified basing on the enzyme deficiency involved. Affected patients could present some oro-facial alterations: the purpose of this review is to catalog and characterize oral manifestations in these patients. (2) Methods: a systematic review of the literature among different search engines using PICOS criteria has been performed. The studies were included with the following criteria: tissues and anatomical structures of the oral cavity in humans, published in English, and available full text. Review articles and paper published before 1990 were excluded. (3) Results: 757 articles were identified in the initial search. In the end, 45 articles that met the selection criteria has been analyzed. The information extracted from the articles was classified according to the type of GSD (Ia; Ib; II; III; V; XIV). Oral manifestations range from dental caries to severe periodontitis in paediatric patients, from diffuses and recurrent oral ulcers in the cleft lip and palate. (4) Conclusions: Although considered a rare disease, GSD can present a varied number of oral manifestations. Therefore, it is of great importance for the oral medicine specialist to know and classify them. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Biosciences)
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20 pages, 750 KiB  
Review
Polyphenols as Potential Agents in the Management of Temporomandibular Disorders
by Stefania Moccia, Ludovica Nucci, Carmela Spagnuolo, Fabrizia d’Apuzzo, Maria Grazia Piancino and Giuseppe Minervini
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(15), 5305; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app10155305 - 31 Jul 2020
Cited by 41 | Viewed by 2934
Abstract
Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) consist of multifactorial musculoskeletal disorders associated with the muscles of mastication, temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and annexed structures. This clinical condition is characterized by temporomandibular pain, restricted mandibular movement, and TMJ synovial inflammation, resulting in reduced quality of life of affected [...] Read more.
Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) consist of multifactorial musculoskeletal disorders associated with the muscles of mastication, temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and annexed structures. This clinical condition is characterized by temporomandibular pain, restricted mandibular movement, and TMJ synovial inflammation, resulting in reduced quality of life of affected people. Commonly, TMD management aims to reduce pain and inflammation by using pharmacologic therapies that show efficacy in pain relief but their long-term use is frequently associated with adverse effects. For this reason, the use of natural compounds as an effective alternative to conventional drugs appears extremely interesting. Indeed, polyphenols could represent a potential therapeutic strategy, related to their ability to modulate the inflammatory responses involved in TMD. The present work reviews the mechanisms underlying inflammation-related TMD, highlighting the potential role of polyphenols as a promising approach to develop innovative management of temporomandibular diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Biosciences)
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Graphical abstract

11 pages, 709 KiB  
Review
Computational Drug Repositioning: Current Progress and Challenges
by Younhee Ko
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(15), 5076; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app10155076 - 23 Jul 2020
Cited by 22 | Viewed by 6852
Abstract
Novel drug discovery is time-consuming, costly, and a high-investment process due to the high attrition rate. Therefore, many trials are conducted to reuse existing drugs to treat pressing conditions and diseases, since their safety profiles and pharmacokinetics are already available. Drug repositioning is [...] Read more.
Novel drug discovery is time-consuming, costly, and a high-investment process due to the high attrition rate. Therefore, many trials are conducted to reuse existing drugs to treat pressing conditions and diseases, since their safety profiles and pharmacokinetics are already available. Drug repositioning is a strategy to identify a new indication of existing or already approved drugs, beyond the scope of their original use. Various computational and experimental approaches to incorporate available resources have been suggested for gaining a better understanding of disease mechanisms and the identification of repurposed drug candidates for personalized pharmacotherapy. In this review, we introduce publicly available databases for drug repositioning and summarize the approaches taken for drug repositioning. We also highlight and compare their characteristics and challenges, which should be addressed for the future realization of drug repositioning. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Biosciences)
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Other

6 pages, 891 KiB  
Hypothesis
Mesenchymal Stem Cells: The Secret Children’s Weapons against the SARS-CoV-2 Lethal Infection
by Mario Giosuè Balzanelli, Pietro Distratis, Orazio Catucci, Angelo Cefalo, Rita Lazzaro, Francesco Inchingolo, Diego Tomassone, Sergey K. Aityan, Andrea Ballini, Kieu C. D. Nguyen and Ciro Gargiulo Isacco
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(4), 1696; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11041696 - 14 Feb 2021
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 6783
Abstract
Due to the promising effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in the treatment of various diseases, this commentary aimed to focus on the auxiliary role of MSCs to reduce inflammatory processes of acute respiratory infections caused by the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Since [...] Read more.
Due to the promising effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in the treatment of various diseases, this commentary aimed to focus on the auxiliary role of MSCs to reduce inflammatory processes of acute respiratory infections caused by the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Since early in 2020, COVID-19, a consequence of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has rapidly affected millions of people world-wide. The SARS-CoV-2 infection in children appears to be an unusual event. Despite the high number of affected adult and elderly, children and adolescents remained low in amounts, and marginally touched. Based on the promising role of cell therapy and regenerative medicine approaches in the treatment of several life-threatening diseases, it seems that applying MSCs cell-based approaches can also be a hopeful strategy for improving subjects with severe acute respiratory infections caused by COVID-19. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Biosciences)
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10 pages, 2187 KiB  
Case Report
Double Filtration Plasmapheresis Treatment of Refractory Multiple Sclerosis Relapsed on Fingolimod: A Case Report
by Roberto De Masi, Stefania Orlando and Salvatore Accoto
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(21), 7404; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app10217404 - 22 Oct 2020
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2087
Abstract
Double filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP) is an emerging semi-selective apheretic method for treating immuno-mediated neurological diseases. Here we report the first case of steroid-refractory relapsed multiple sclerosis (MS) on Fingolimod (FTY), treated effectively by this technique, in a 37-year-old woman. This condition is thought [...] Read more.
Double filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP) is an emerging semi-selective apheretic method for treating immuno-mediated neurological diseases. Here we report the first case of steroid-refractory relapsed multiple sclerosis (MS) on Fingolimod (FTY), treated effectively by this technique, in a 37-year-old woman. This condition is thought to be caused by soluble inflammatory species, but its demyelinating pattern is unknown; moreover, despite megadoses of intravenous 6-methyl prednisolone, it induces severe neurological deterioration, but dramatically responded to DFPP in our patient. The clinical improvement was driven by a strong DFPP-induced anti-inflammatory effect, with significant reduction of C3/C4 components, total gamma globulin concentrations (IgG), and gamma-fibrinogen (FGG), resulting in a brain pseudoatrophy phenomenon. Our findings are: first, the steroid-refractory relapsed MS on FTY, however serious, can be treated with DFPP; second, given the good clinical improvement due to the DFPP-induced neuroinflammatory components removal, this clinical condition can be associated with a Lucchinetti pattern II of demyelination. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Biosciences)
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