Editorial

2 pages, 179 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Special Issue “Celebrating Applied Sciences Reaches 20,000 Articles Milestone: Feature Papers in Applied Biosciences and Bioengineering Section”

by Magdalena Gorska-Ponikowska and Francesco Cappello

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(8), 3978; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12083978 - 14 Apr 2022

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Abstract

This Special Issue celebrates the publication of 20,000 articles in Applied Sciences [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Celebrating Applied Sciences Reaches 20,000 Articles Milestone: Feature Papers in Applied Biosciences and Bioengineering Section)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review, Other

14 pages, 1665 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

The Pharmacokinetics of Levetiracetam in Critically Ill Adult Patients: An Intensive Care Unit Clinical Study

by Sophia-Liberty Markantonis, Nikolaos Markou, Apostolos Karagkounis, Dionysia Koutrafouri, Helen Stefanatou, Rania Kousovista and Vangelis Karalis

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(3), 1208; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12031208 - 24 Jan 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3417

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate levetiracetam pharmacokinetics in critically ill adult intensive care patients and to identify pathophysiological factors affecting its kinetics. Fourteen critically ill patients in an intensive care unit were enrolled in the study and received intravenous levetiracetam. [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to investigate levetiracetam pharmacokinetics in critically ill adult intensive care patients and to identify pathophysiological factors affecting its kinetics. Fourteen critically ill patients in an intensive care unit were enrolled in the study and received intravenous levetiracetam. Blood samples were collected at specific time points to determine the levetiracetam pharmacokinetics. Patient characteristics such as renal function, demographics, disease severity, organ dysfunction, and biochemical laboratory tests were evaluated for their influence on the kinetics of levetiracetam. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) had a statistically significant (p = 0.001) effect on levetiracetam clearance. None of the other patient characteristics had a statistically significant effect on the pharmacokinetics. Simulations of dosing regimens revealed that even typically administered doses of levetiracetam may result in significantly increased concentrations and risk of drug toxicity in patients with impaired renal function. The Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score differed significantly among the three groups with different epileptic activity (p = 0.034). The same groups also differed in terms of renal function (p = 0.031). Renal dysfunction should be considered when designing levetiracetam dosage. Patients with a low APACHE II score had the lowest risk of experiencing epileptic seizures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Celebrating Applied Sciences Reaches 20,000 Articles Milestone: Feature Papers in Applied Biosciences and Bioengineering Section)

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12 pages, 11529 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Combining Yoga Exercise with Rehabilitation Improves Balance and Depression in Patients with Chronic Stroke: A Controlled Trial

by Yen-Ting Lai, Chien-Hung Lin, City C. Hsieh, Jung-Cheng Yang, Han-Hsing Tsou, Chih-Ching Lin, Szu-Yuan Li, Hsiang-Lin Chan and Wen-Sheng Liu

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(2), 922; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12020922 - 17 Jan 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3249

Abstract

Background: We combined yoga with standard stroke rehabilitation and compared it to the rehabilitation alone for depression and balance in patients. Methods: Forty patients aged from 30 to 80 who had suffered a stroke 90 or more days previously were divided evenly with [...] Read more.

Background: We combined yoga with standard stroke rehabilitation and compared it to the rehabilitation alone for depression and balance in patients. Methods: Forty patients aged from 30 to 80 who had suffered a stroke 90 or more days previously were divided evenly with age stratification and patients’ will (hence not randomized). In the intervention group 16 completed 8-week stroke rehabilitation combined with 1 h of yoga twice weekly. Another 19 patients completed the standard rehabilitation as the control group. Results: The yoga group showed significant improvement in depression (Taiwanese Depression Questionnaire, p = 0.002) and balance (Berg Balance Scale, p < 0.001). However, the control group showed improvement only in balance (p = 0.001) but not in depression (p = 0.181). Further analysis showed both sexes benefitted in depression, but men had a greater improvement in balance than women. Depression in left-brain lesion patients improved more significantly than in those with right-brain lesion, whereas balance improved equally despite lesion site. For patients under or above the age of 60, depression and balance both significantly improved after rehabilitation. Older age is significantly related to poor balance but not depression. Conclusions: Combining yoga with rehabilitation has the potential to improve depression and balance. Factors related to sex, brain lesion site and age may influence the differences. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Celebrating Applied Sciences Reaches 20,000 Articles Milestone: Feature Papers in Applied Biosciences and Bioengineering Section)

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14 pages, 3089 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of a Simple Spheroid Production Method Using Fluoropolymers with Reduced Chemical and Physical Damage

by Hidetaka Togo, Kento Yoshikawa-Terada, Yudai Hirose, Hideo Nakagawa, Hiroki Takeuchi and Masanobu Kusunoki

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(21), 10495; https://doi.org/10.3390/app112110495 - 08 Nov 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2857

Abstract

Establishing an in vitro–based cell culture system that can realistically simulate in vivo cell dynamics is desirable. It is thus necessary to develop a method for producing a large amount of cell aggregates (i.e., spheroids) that are uniform in size and quality. Various [...] Read more.

Establishing an in vitro–based cell culture system that can realistically simulate in vivo cell dynamics is desirable. It is thus necessary to develop a method for producing a large amount of cell aggregates (i.e., spheroids) that are uniform in size and quality. Various methods have been proposed for the preparation of spheroids; however, none of them satisfy all requirements, such as cost, size uniformity, and throughput. Herein, we successfully developed a new cell culture method by combining fluoropolymers and dot patterned extracellular matrix substrates to achieve size-controlled spheroids. First, the spheroids were spontaneously formed by culturing them two-dimensionally, after which the cells were detached with a weak liquid flow and cultured in suspension without enzyme treatment. Stable quality spheroids were easily produced, and it is expected that the introduction and running costs of the technique will be low; therefore, this method shows potential for application in the field of regenerative medicine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Celebrating Applied Sciences Reaches 20,000 Articles Milestone: Feature Papers in Applied Biosciences and Bioengineering Section)

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11 pages, 1094 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Application of Thermodynamics and Protein–Protein Interaction Network Topology for Discovery of Potential New Treatments for Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

by Chang Yu, Edward A. Rietman, Hava T. Siegelmann, Marco Cavaglia and Jack A. Tuszynski

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(17), 8059; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11178059 - 31 Aug 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2064

Abstract

In this paper, we propose a bioinformatics-based method, which introduces thermodynamic measures and topological characteristics aimed to identify potential drug targets for pharmaco-resistant epileptic patients. We apply the Gibbs homology analysis to the protein–protein interaction network characteristic of temporal lobe epilepsy. With the [...] Read more.

In this paper, we propose a bioinformatics-based method, which introduces thermodynamic measures and topological characteristics aimed to identify potential drug targets for pharmaco-resistant epileptic patients. We apply the Gibbs homology analysis to the protein–protein interaction network characteristic of temporal lobe epilepsy. With the identification of key proteins involved in the disease, particularly a number of ribosomal proteins, an assessment of their inhibitors is the next logical step. The results of our work offer a direction for future development of prospective therapeutic solutions for epilepsy patients, especially those who are not responding to the current standard of care. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Celebrating Applied Sciences Reaches 20,000 Articles Milestone: Feature Papers in Applied Biosciences and Bioengineering Section)

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18 pages, 24367 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sea Purslane as an Emerging Food Crop: Nutritional and Biological Studies

by Arona Pires, Sílvia Agreira, Sandrine Ressurreição, Joana Marques, Raquel Guiné, Maria João Barroca and Aida Moreira da Silva

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(17), 7860; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11177860 - 26 Aug 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4107

Abstract

Halophyte plants are highly adapted to salt marsh ecosystems due to their physiological and ecological characteristics. Halimione portulacoides (L.) Aellen is one abundant halophyte shrub that belongs to a Chenopodiaceae family and Caryophyllales order and is found on sandy or muddy coastlines and [...] Read more.

Halophyte plants are highly adapted to salt marsh ecosystems due to their physiological and ecological characteristics. Halimione portulacoides (L.) Aellen is one abundant halophyte shrub that belongs to a Chenopodiaceae family and Caryophyllales order and is found on sandy or muddy coastlines and salt marshes. In this study, the leaves of sea purslane (H. portulacoides) grown in Figueira da Foz (Portugal) were characterized at nutritional and mineral concentration. Moreover, different methanolic extracts were obtained from the leaves, and the antioxidant activity was assessed by several methods. From a nutritional point of view, this halophyte plant may be considered a good source of dietary fiber, protein, natural minerals such as calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper, and potassium. The primary sugar found in leaves of sea purslane is maltose, followed by sucrose, glucose, and fructose. Finally, leaves showed a high content of phenolic compounds and considerable antioxidant activity. The novel products butter and pasta enriched with powder dried leaves of H. portulacoides revealed the plant’s potential to be used as a salt substitute and a good alternative to enhance the sensory characteristics of products, with additional health benefits. The nutritional characteristics and the phytochemical value highlight H. portulacoides as a potential candidate crop in saline agriculture and to be used as a new vegetable, especially as a premium food in the novel “salty veggies” market or as a kitchen salt substitute. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Celebrating Applied Sciences Reaches 20,000 Articles Milestone: Feature Papers in Applied Biosciences and Bioengineering Section)

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8 pages, 1262 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association between Serum Heat Shock Proteins and Gamma-Delta T Cells—An Outdated Clue or a New Direction in Searching for an Anticancer Strategy? A Short Report

by Dorota Pawlik-Gwozdecka, Justyna Sakowska, Maciej Zieliński, Magdalena Górska-Ponikowska, Francesco Cappello, Piotr Trzonkowski and Maciej Niedźwiecki

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(16), 7325; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11167325 - 09 Aug 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1554

Abstract

HSPs demonstrate a strong association with gamma-delta (γδ) T cells. Most of the studies regarding interactions between the parameters were conducted in the 1990s. Despite promising results, the concept of targeting γδ T cells by HSPs seems to be a forgotten direction due [...] Read more.

HSPs demonstrate a strong association with gamma-delta (γδ) T cells. Most of the studies regarding interactions between the parameters were conducted in the 1990s. Despite promising results, the concept of targeting γδ T cells by HSPs seems to be a forgotten direction due to potent non-peptidic phosphoantigens rather than HSPs have been found to be the essential stimulatory components for human γδ cells. Currently, with greater knowledge of lymphocyte diversity, and more accurate diagnostic methods, we decided to study the correlation once again in the neoplastic condition. Twenty-one children with newly diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) were enrolled on the study. Serum HSP90 concentrations were evaluated by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), subsets of γδ T cells (CD3+ γδ, CD3+ γδ HLA/DR+, CD4+ γδ and CD8+ γδ) by flow cytometry. We have shown statistically relevant correlations between serum HSP90 and CD3+ HLA/DR+ γδ T cells in paediatric ALL at diagnosis (R = 0.53, p < 0.05), but not after induction chemotherapy. We also have demonstrated decreased levels of both serum HSP90 and CD3+ HLA/DR+ γδ T cells before treatment, which may indirectly indicate dose-dependent unknown interaction between the parameters. The results of our study may be a good introduction to research on the association between HSPs and CD3+ HLA/DR+ γδ T cells, which could be an interesting direction for the development of anti-cancer strategies, not just for childhood ALL. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Celebrating Applied Sciences Reaches 20,000 Articles Milestone: Feature Papers in Applied Biosciences and Bioengineering Section)

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14 pages, 23958 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Changes in Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) Juice Concentrate Polyphenols during Storage

by Cláudia M. B. Neves, António Pinto, Fernando Gonçalves and Dulcineia F. Wessel

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(15), 6941; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11156941 - 28 Jul 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2319

Abstract

Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) juice concentrate is highly rich in polyphenols, particularly anthocyanins and flavonols, which have been associated with a wide range of health-promoting properties. Phenolic compounds, in particular anthocyanins, are unstable and may change during storage, which might influence the [...] Read more.

Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) juice concentrate is highly rich in polyphenols, particularly anthocyanins and flavonols, which have been associated with a wide range of health-promoting properties. Phenolic compounds, in particular anthocyanins, are unstable and may change during storage, which might influence the product color quality and its potential health effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in the polyphenols profile of elderberry juice concentrate produced at an industrial scale during seven months of storage at 5 °C and at room temperature. The total phenolic content, the total monomeric anthocyanins, the percent polymeric color, and the ABTS^•+ scavenging activity were monitored over time. In addition, the profile and content of the main individual phenolic compounds were also assessed by HPLC-DAD. The results show that cyanidin-3-O-sambubioside, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, cyanidin-3-O-sambubioside-5-O-glucoside, cyanidin-3,5-O-diglucoside, chlorogenic acid, rutin, and quercetin-3-O-glucoside were the main phenolic compounds identified. Storage at room temperature resulted in a strong reduction in total monomeric anthocyanin content accompanied by an increase in percent polymeric color values. Cyanidin-3-O-sambubioside and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside degraded faster than cyanidin-3,5-O-diglucoside and cyanidin-3-O-sambubioside-5-O-glucoside. Concentration of chlorogenic acid also decreased over storage, whereas rutin and quercetin-3-O-glucoside were quite stable. Storage at 5 °C caused a lower impact on the contents of anthocyanins and chlorogenic acid and the percent polymeric color was not affected. The total phenolic content and the in vitro antioxidant activity remained quite similar over the time, for both temperatures, suggesting that elderberry concentrates still preserve their health benefits of antioxidant capacity after seven months of storage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Celebrating Applied Sciences Reaches 20,000 Articles Milestone: Feature Papers in Applied Biosciences and Bioengineering Section)

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9 pages, 245 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Validation of a Commercial Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP)-Based Kit for the Detection of Salmonella spp. According to ISO 16140:2016

by Calogero Di Bella, Antonella Costa, Sonia Sciortino, Giuseppa Oliveri, Gaetano Cammilleri, Francesco Geraci, Daniela Lo Monaco, Davide Carpintieri, Giuseppe Lo Bue, Carmelo Bongiorno, Alessandro Altomare, Valentina Ciprì, Rosario Pitti, Carmine Lanzillo, Giuseppe Arcoleo and Rosalinda Allegro

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(15), 6669; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11156669 - 21 Jul 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2155

Abstract

The traditional cultural method (PCR and Real-Time PCR) for Salmonella spp. detection and identification is laborious and time-consuming. A qualitative LAMP method detecting Salmonella spp. was validated in compliance with ISO 16140:2016. The results show a relative accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of 100% [...] Read more.

The traditional cultural method (PCR and Real-Time PCR) for Salmonella spp. detection and identification is laborious and time-consuming. A qualitative LAMP method detecting Salmonella spp. was validated in compliance with ISO 16140:2016. The results show a relative accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of 100% in comparison with the reference method ISO 6579-1:2017; the LOD50 was set as 0.4 CFU/g. Additionally, a field study was carried out comparing the LAMP kit, a commercially available Real-Time PCR kit (FoodProof Salmonella, Biotecon Diagnostics), and the reference cultural method. The Salmonella spp. LAMP kit was suitable for reliable detection of Salmonella spp., simplifying and reducing the extent and the steps of the analytical process. A total of 105 samples of raw poultry meat were screened for the presence of Salmonella spp. according to three methods: the LAMP kit Salmonella spp. (Enbiotech), the Real-Time PCR kit FoodProof Salmonella (Biotecon), and the reference cultural method. Using these three methods, only one sample out of the 105 (0.95%) tested was positive for Salmonella spp. This sample was further investigated using the reference method described in ISO 6579-3:2014, in order to characterise the Salmonella strain. Following this further biochemical identification and serological typing, the isolate was characterised as Salmonella Infantis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Celebrating Applied Sciences Reaches 20,000 Articles Milestone: Feature Papers in Applied Biosciences and Bioengineering Section)

10 pages, 67452 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Hsp60 Quantification in Human Gastric Mucosa Shows Differences between Pathologies with Various Degrees of Proliferation and Malignancy Grade

by Alessandro Pitruzzella, Stefano Burgio, Pietro Lo Presti, Sabrina Ingrao, Alberto Fucarino, Fabio Bucchieri, Daniela Cabibi, Francesco Cappello, Everly Conway de Macario, Alberto J. L. Macario, Sabrina David and Francesca Rappa

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(8), 3582; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11083582 - 16 Apr 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1624

Abstract

Background: Stomach diseases are an important sector of gastroenterology, including proliferative benign; premalignant; and malignant pathologies of the gastric mucosa, such as gastritis, hyperplastic polyps, metaplasia, dysplasia, and adenocarcinoma. There are data showing quantitative changes in chaperone system (CS) components in inflammatory pathologies [...] Read more.

Background: Stomach diseases are an important sector of gastroenterology, including proliferative benign; premalignant; and malignant pathologies of the gastric mucosa, such as gastritis, hyperplastic polyps, metaplasia, dysplasia, and adenocarcinoma. There are data showing quantitative changes in chaperone system (CS) components in inflammatory pathologies and tumorigenesis, but their roles are poorly understood, and information pertaining to the stomach is scarce. Here, we report our findings on one CS component, the chaperone Hsp60, which we studied first considering its essential functions inside and outside mitochondria. Methods: We performed immunohistochemical experiments for Hsp60 in different samples of gastric mucosa. Results: The data obtained by quantitative analysis showed that the average percentages of Hsp60 were of 32.8 in normal mucosa; 33.5 in mild-to-moderate gastritis; 51.8 in severe gastritis; 58.5 in hyperplastic polyps; 67.0 in intestinal metaplasia; 89.4 in gastric dysplasia; and 92.5 in adenocarcinomas. Noteworthy were: (i) the difference between dysplasia and adenocarcinoma with the other pathologies; (ii) the progressive increase in Hsp60 from gastritis to hyperplastic polyp, gastric dysplasia, and gastric carcinoma; and (iii) the correlation of Hsp60 levels with histological patterns of cell proliferation and, especially, with tissue malignancy grades. Conclusions: This trend likely reflects the mounting need for cells for Hsp60 as they progress toward malignancy and is a useful indicator in differential diagnosis, as well as the call for research on the mechanisms underpinning the increase in Hsp60 and its possible roles in carcinogenesis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Celebrating Applied Sciences Reaches 20,000 Articles Milestone: Feature Papers in Applied Biosciences and Bioengineering Section)

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13 pages, 11495 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gold-Modified Micellar Composites as Colorimetric Probes for the Determination of Low Molecular Weight Thiols in Biological Fluids Using Consumer Electronic Devices

by Elli A. Akrivi, Athanasios G. Vlessidis, Dimosthenis L. Giokas and Nikolaos Kourkoumelis

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(6), 2705; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11062705 - 17 Mar 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1740

Abstract

This work describes a new, low-cost and simple-to-use method for the determination of free biothiols in biological fluids. The developed method utilizes the interaction of biothiols with gold ions, previously anchored on micellar assemblies through electrostatic interactions with the hydrophilic headgroup of cationic [...] Read more.

This work describes a new, low-cost and simple-to-use method for the determination of free biothiols in biological fluids. The developed method utilizes the interaction of biothiols with gold ions, previously anchored on micellar assemblies through electrostatic interactions with the hydrophilic headgroup of cationic surfactant micelles. Specifically, the reaction of AuCl₄⁻ with the cationic surfactant cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) produces an intense orange coloration, due to the ligand substitution reaction of the Br⁻ for Cl⁻ anions, followed by the coordination of the AuBr₄⁻ anions on the micelle surface through electrostatic interactions. When biothiols are added to the solution, they complex with the gold ions and disrupt the AuBr₄⁻–CTAB complex, quenching the initial coloration and inducing a decrease in the light absorbance of the solution. Biothiols are assessed by monitoring their color quenching in an RGB color model, using a flatbed scanner operating in transmittance mode as an inexpensive microtiter plate photometer. The method was applied to determine the biothiol content in urine and blood plasma samples, with satisfactory recoveries (i.e., >67.3–123% using external calibration and 103.8–115% using standard addition calibration) and good reproducibility (RSD < 8.4%, n = 3). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Celebrating Applied Sciences Reaches 20,000 Articles Milestone: Feature Papers in Applied Biosciences and Bioengineering Section)

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Review

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16 pages, 3877 KiB

Open AccessReview

Therapeutic Applications of Halloysite

by Mohammadmahdi Mobaraki, Sonali Karnik, Yue Li and David K. Mills

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(1), 87; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12010087 - 22 Dec 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3391

Abstract

In recent years, nanomaterials have attracted significant research interest for applications in biomedicine. Many kinds of engineered nanomaterials, such as lipid nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, porous nanomaterials, silica, and clay nanoparticles, have been investigated for use in drug delivery systems, regenerative medicine, and scaffolds [...] Read more.

In recent years, nanomaterials have attracted significant research interest for applications in biomedicine. Many kinds of engineered nanomaterials, such as lipid nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, porous nanomaterials, silica, and clay nanoparticles, have been investigated for use in drug delivery systems, regenerative medicine, and scaffolds for tissue engineering. Some of the most attractive nanoparticles for biomedical applications are nanoclays. According to their mineralogical composition, approximately 30 different nanoclays exist, and the more commonly used clays are bentonite, halloysite, kaolinite, laponite, and montmorillonite. For millennia, clay minerals have been extensively investigated for use in antidiarrhea solutions, anti-inflammatory agents, blood purification, reducing infections, and healing of stomach ulcers. This widespread use is due to their high porosity, surface properties, large surface area, excellent biocompatibility, the potential for sustained drug release, thermal and chemical stability. We begin this review by discussing the major nanoclay types and their application in biomedicine, focusing on current research areas for halloysite in biomedicine. Finally, recent trends and future directions in HNT research for biomedical application are explored. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Celebrating Applied Sciences Reaches 20,000 Articles Milestone: Feature Papers in Applied Biosciences and Bioengineering Section)

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27 pages, 4557 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Molecular Profile Study of Extracellular Vesicles for the Identification of Useful Small “Hit” in Cancer Diagnosis

by Giusi Alberti, Christian M. Sánchez-López, Alexia Andres, Radha Santonocito, Claudia Campanella, Francesco Cappello and Antonio Marcilla

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(22), 10787; https://doi.org/10.3390/app112210787 - 15 Nov 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2535

Abstract

Tumor-secreted extracellular vesicles (EVs) are the main mediators of cell-cell communication, permitting cells to exchange proteins, lipids, and metabolites in varying physiological and pathological conditions. They contain signature tumor-derived molecules that reflect the intracellular status of their cell of origin. Recent studies have [...] Read more.

Tumor-secreted extracellular vesicles (EVs) are the main mediators of cell-cell communication, permitting cells to exchange proteins, lipids, and metabolites in varying physiological and pathological conditions. They contain signature tumor-derived molecules that reflect the intracellular status of their cell of origin. Recent studies have shown that tumor cell-derived EVs can aid in cancer metastasis through the modulation of the tumor microenvironment, suppression of the immune system, pre-metastatic niche formation, and subsequent metastasis. EVs can easily be isolated from a variety of biological fluids, and their content makes them useful biomarkers for the diagnosis, prognosis, monitorization of cancer progression, and response to treatment. This review aims to explore the biomarkers of cancer cell-derived EVs obtained from liquid biopsies, in order to understand cancer progression and metastatic evolution for early diagnosis and precision therapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Celebrating Applied Sciences Reaches 20,000 Articles Milestone: Feature Papers in Applied Biosciences and Bioengineering Section)

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11 pages, 875 KiB

Open AccessReview

Extracellular Vesicles in Airway Homeostasis and Pathophysiology

by Alberto Fucarino, Alessandro Pitruzzella, Stefano Burgio, Maria Concetta Zarcone, Domenico Michele Modica, Francesco Cappello and Fabio Bucchieri

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(21), 9933; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11219933 - 24 Oct 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2301

Abstract

The epithelial–mesenchymal trophic unit (EMTU) is a morphofunctional entity involved in the maintenance of the homeostasis of airways as well as in the pathogenesis of several diseases, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The “muco-microbiotic layer” (MML) is the innermost layer [...] Read more.

The epithelial–mesenchymal trophic unit (EMTU) is a morphofunctional entity involved in the maintenance of the homeostasis of airways as well as in the pathogenesis of several diseases, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The “muco-microbiotic layer” (MML) is the innermost layer of airways made by microbiota elements (bacteria, viruses, archaea and fungi) and the surrounding mucous matrix. The MML homeostasis is also crucial for maintaining the healthy status of organs and its alteration is at the basis of airway disorders. Nanovesicles produced by EMTU and MML elements are probably the most important tool of communication among the different cell types, including inflammatory ones. How nanovesicles produced by EMTU and MML may affect the airway integrity, leading to the onset of asthma and COPD, as well as their putative use in therapy will be discussed here. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Celebrating Applied Sciences Reaches 20,000 Articles Milestone: Feature Papers in Applied Biosciences and Bioengineering Section)

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17 pages, 1608 KiB

Open AccessReview

Effects of Essential Oils and Selected Compounds from Lamiaceae Family as Adjutants on the Treatment of Subjects with Periodontitis and Cardiovascular Risk

by Giuseppa Castellino, Francisco Mesa, Francesco Cappello, Cristina Benavides-Reyes, Giuseppe Antonio Malfa, Inmaculada Cabello and Antonio Magan-Fernandez

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(20), 9563; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11209563 - 14 Oct 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3129

Abstract

Essential oils from different plant species were found to contain different compounds exhibiting anti-inflammatory effects with the potential to be a valid alternative to conventional chemotherapy that is limited in long-term use due to its serious side effects. Generally, the first mechanism by [...] Read more.

Essential oils from different plant species were found to contain different compounds exhibiting anti-inflammatory effects with the potential to be a valid alternative to conventional chemotherapy that is limited in long-term use due to its serious side effects. Generally, the first mechanism by which an organism counteracts injurious stimuli is inflammation, which is considered a part of the innate immune system. Periodontitis is an infectious and inflammatory disease caused by a dysbiosis in the subgingival microbiome that triggers an exacerbated immune response of the host. The immune–inflammatory component leads to the destruction of gingival and alveolar bone tissue. The main anti-inflammation strategies negatively modulate the inflammatory pathways and the involvement of inflammatory mediators by interfering with the gene’s expression or on the activity of some enzymes and so affecting the release of proinflammatory cytokines. These effects are a possible target from an effective and safe approach, suing plant-derived anti-inflammatory agents. The aim of the present review is to summarize the current evidence about the effects of essentials oils from derived from plants of the Lamiaceae family as complementary agents for the treatment of subjects with periodontitis and their possible effect on the cardiovascular risk of these patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Celebrating Applied Sciences Reaches 20,000 Articles Milestone: Feature Papers in Applied Biosciences and Bioengineering Section)

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Other

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15 pages, 9847 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Protective Treatments against Endothelial Glycocalyx Degradation in Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Hasnain Q. R. B. Khan and Gwendolen C. Reilly

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(15), 6994; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11156994 - 29 Jul 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3300

Abstract

The aim was to explore the body of literature focusing on protective treatments against endothelial glycocalyx degradation in surgery. A comprehensive systematic review of relevant articles was conducted across databases. Inclusion criteria: (1) treatments for the protection of the endothelial glycocalyx in surgery; [...] Read more.

The aim was to explore the body of literature focusing on protective treatments against endothelial glycocalyx degradation in surgery. A comprehensive systematic review of relevant articles was conducted across databases. Inclusion criteria: (1) treatments for the protection of the endothelial glycocalyx in surgery; (2) syndecan-1 used as a biomarker for endothelial glycocalyx degradation. Outcomes analysed: (1) mean difference of syndecan-1 (2) correlation between glycocalyx degradation and inflammation; (3) correlation between glycocalyx degradation and extravasation. A meta-analysis was used to present mean differences and 95% confidence intervals. Seven articles with eight randomised controlled trials were included. The greatest change from baseline values in syndecan-1 concentrations was generally from the first timepoint measured post-operatively. Interventions looked to either dampen the inflammatory response or fluid therapy. Methylprednisolone had the highest mean difference in plasma syndecan-1 concentrations. Ulinastatin showed correlations between alleviation of degradation and preserving vascular permeability. In this systematic review of 385 patients, those treated were more likely than those treated with placebo to exhibit less shedding of the endothelial glycocalyx. Methylprednisolone has been shown to specifically target the transient increase of glycocalyx degradation immediately post-operation and has displayed anti-inflammatory effects. We have proposed suggestions for improved uniformity and enhanced confidence for future randomised controlled trials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Celebrating Applied Sciences Reaches 20,000 Articles Milestone: Feature Papers in Applied Biosciences and Bioengineering Section)

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