Functional evaluation in orthodontic surgical treatment: long-term stability and predictability

Background: The introduction of electromyographic and kinesiographic technology in orthodontics allows to obtain objective data regarding the functional aspects of the mandibular movements and the masticatory muscular activity. It is then important to be able to correlate the data obtained by instrumental activity with the clinical ones. The aim of this study consists to analyse the post ortodontic surgical stability through instrumental evaluation of the masticatory muscles and mandibular movements. Method: 30 patients undergo electromyographic and kinesiographic evaluations through all the surgical orthodontic iter and were than followed during other 4 years. JMP software was used to analyze and correlate the electromyographic and knesioographic data during treatment and during the follow up. Results: A linear correlations between some functional objective values collected from the examinations at the beginning and during therapy and the follow up one has been demonstrated. Conclusion: It is important to submit patients in surgical ortodontic treatment to instrumental analysis which can evidence how masticatory function and mandibular movements are performed. It is also important to highlight some functional values also from the beginning of the treatment because an alteration of such values can be related to a better or worse postsurgical rehabilitation

Laser-assisted treatment of dentinal hypersensitivity : a literature review

The purpose of this literature review was to evalu- ate the effectiveness of the laser-assisted treat- ment of dentinal hypersensitivity. A review with inclusion and exclusion criteria was performed from January 2009 to December 2014 with elec- tronic data-bases: MedLine via PubMed, Science Direct and Cochrane Library. Research of paper magazines by hand was not considered. Forty- three articles were selected between literature re- views, in vitro studies, clinical trials, pilot and preliminary studies. The items were divided into laser-used groups for an accurate description, and then the reading of results into various ty- pologies. Laser-assisted treatment reduces denti- nal hypersensitivity-related pain, but also a psy- chosomatic component must be considered, so further studies and more suitable follow-ups are necessary

Cu nanoparticle-loaded nanovesicles with antibiofilm properties. Part i: Synthesis of new hybrid nanostructures

Copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) stabilized by quaternary ammonium salts are well known as antimicrobial agents. The aim of this work was to study the feasibility of the inclusion of CuNPs in nanovesicular systems. Liposomes are nanovesicles (NVs) made with phospholipids and are traditionally used as delivery vehicles because phospholipids favor cellular uptake. Their capacity for hydrophilic/hydrophobic balance and carrier capacity could be advantageous to prepare novel hybrid nanostructures based on metal NPs (Me-NPs). In this work, NVs were loaded with CuNPs, which have been reported to have a biofilm inhibition effect. These hybrid materials could improve the effect of conventional antibacterial agents. CuNPs were electro-synthesized by the sacrificial anode electrolysis technique in organic media and characterized in terms of morphology through transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The NVs were prepared by the thin film hydration method in aqueous media, using phosphatidylcholine (PC) and cholesterol as a membrane stabilizer. The nanohybrid systems were purified to remove non-encapsulated NPs. The size distribution, morphology and stability of the NV systems were studied. Different quaternary ammonium salts in vesicular systems made of PC were tested as stabilizing surfactants for the synthesis and inclusion of CuNPs. The entrapment of charged metal NPs was demonstrated. NPs attached preferably to the membrane, probably due to the attraction of their hydrophobic shell to the phospholipid bilayers. The high affinity between benzyl-dimethyl-hexadecyl-ammonium chloride (BDHAC) and PC allowed us to obtain stable hybrid NVs c.a. 700 nm in diameter. The stability of liposomes increased with NP loading, suggesting a charge-stabilization effect in a novel antibiofilm nanohybrid material

Surface plasmon resonance assay for label-free and selective detection of hiv-1 p24 protein

The early detection of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is of paramount importance to achieve efficient therapeutic treatment and limit the disease spreading. In this perspective, the assessment of biosensing assay for the HIV-1 p24 capsid protein plays a pivotal role in the timely and selective detection of HIV infections. In this study, multi-parameter-SPR has been used to develop a reliable and label-free detection method for HIV-1 p24 protein. Remarkably, both physical and chemical immobilization of mouse monoclonal antibodies against HIV-1 p24 on the SPR gold detecting surface have been characterized for the first time. The two immobilization techniques returned a capturing antibody surface coverage as high as (7.5 ± 0.3) × 1011 molecule/cm2 and (2.4 ± 0.6) × 1011 molecule/cm2, respectively. However, the covalent binding of the capturing antibodies through a mixed self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of alkanethiols led to a doubling of the p24 binding signal. Moreover, from the modeling of the dose-response curve, an equilibrium dissociation constant KD of 5.30 × 10−9 M was computed for the assay performed on the SAM modified surface compared to a much larger KD of 7.46 × 10−5 M extracted for the physisorbed antibodies. The chemically modified system was also characterized in terms of sensitivity and selectivity, reaching a limit of detection of (4.1 ± 0.5) nM and an unprecedented selectivity ratio of 0.02

Enhancing the Sensitivity of Biotinylated Surfaces by Tailoring the Design of the Mixed Self-Assembled Monolayer Synthesis

Thiolated self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) are typically used to anchor on a gold surface biomolecules serving as recognition elements for biosensor applications. Here, the design and synthesis of N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-3-mercaptopropanamide (NMPA) in biotinylated mixed SAMs is proposed as an alternative strategy with respect to on-site multistep functionalization of SAMs prepared from solutions of commercially available thiols. In this study, the mixed SAM deposited from a 10:1 solution of 3-mercaptopropionic acid (3MPA) and 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid (11MUA) is compared to that resulting from a 10:1 solution of NMPA:11MUA. To this end, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and attenuated total reflectance infrared (ATR-IR) experiments have been carried out on both mixed SAMs after biotinylation. The study demonstrated how the fine tuning of the SAM features impacts directly on both the biofunctionalization steps, i.e., the biotin anchoring, and the biorecognition properties evaluated upon exposure to streptavidin analyte. Higher affinity for the target analyte with reduced nonspecific binding and lower detection limit has been demonstrated when NMPA is chosen as the more abundant starting thiol. Molecular dynamics simulations complemented the experimental findings providing a molecular rationale behind the performance of the biotinylated mixed SAMs. The present study confirms the importance of the functionalization design for the development of a highly performing biosensor

A large-area organic transistor with 3D-printed sensing gate for noninvasive single-molecule detection of pancreatic mucinous cyst markers

Early diagnosis in a premalignant (or pre-invasive) state represents the only chance for cure in neoplastic diseases such as pancreatic-biliary cancer, which are otherwise detected at later stages and can only be treated using palliative approaches, with no hope for a cure. Screening methods for the purpose of secondary prevention are not yet available for these cancers. Current diagnostic methods mostly rely on imaging techniques and conventional cytopathology, but they do not display adequate sensitivity to allow valid early diagnosis. Next-generation sequencing can be used to detect DNA markers down to the physical limit; however, this assay requires labeling and is time-consuming. The additional determination of a protein marker that is a predictor of aggressive behavior is a promising innovative approach, which holds the potential to improve diagnostic accuracy. Moreover, the possibility to detect biomarkers in blood serum offers the advantage of a noninvasive diagnosis. In this study, both the DNA and protein markers of pancreatic mucinous cysts were analyzed in human blood serum down to the single-molecule limit using the SiMoT (single-molecule assay with a large transistor) platform. The SiMoT device proposed herein, which exploits an inkjet-printed organic semiconductor on plastic foil, comprises an innovative 3D-printed sensing gate module, consisting of a truncated cone that protrudes from a plastic substrate and is compatible with standard ELISA wells. This 3D gate concept adds tremendous control over the biosensing system stability, along with minimal consumption of the capturing molecules and body fluid samples. The 3D sensing gate modules were extensively characterized from both a material and electrical perspective, successfully proving their suitability as detection interfaces for biosensing applications. KRAS and MUC1 target molecules were successfully analyzed in diluted human blood serum with the 3D sensing gate functionalized with b-KRAS and anti-MUC1, achieving a limit of detection of 10 zM and 40 zM, respectively. These limits of detection correspond to (1 ± 1) KRAS and (2 ± 1) MUC1 molecules in the 100 μL serum sample volume. This study provides a promising application of the 3D SiMoT platform, potentially facilitating the timely, noninvasive, and reliable identification of pancreatic cancer precursor cysts

Modifying Anthocyanins Biosynthesis in Tomato Hairy Roots:A Test Bed for Plant Resistance to Ionizing Radiation and Antioxidant Properties in Space

Gene expression manipulation of specific metabolic pathways can be used to obtain bioaccumulation of valuable molecules and desired quality traits in plants. A single-gene approach to impact different traits would be greatly desirable in agrospace applications, where several aspects of plant physiology can be affected, influencing growth. In this work, MicroTom hairy root cultures expressing a MYB-like transcription factor that regulates the biosynthesis of anthocyanins in Petunia hybrida (PhAN4), were considered as a testbed for bio-fortified tomato whole plants aimed at agrospace applications. Ectopic expression of PhAN4 promoted biosynthesis of anthocyanins, allowing to profile 5 major derivatives of delphinidin and petunidin together with pelargonidin and malvidin-based anthocyanins, unusual in tomato. Consistent with PhAN4 features, transcriptomic profiling indicated upregulation of genes correlated to anthocyanin biosynthesis. Interestingly, a transcriptome reprogramming oriented to positive regulation of cell response to biotic, abiotic, and redox stimuli was evidenced. PhAN4 hairy root cultures showed the significant capability to counteract reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and protein misfolding upon high-dose gamma irradiation, which is among the most potent pro-oxidant stress that can be encountered in space. These results may have significance in the engineering of whole tomato plants that can benefit space agriculture

A Single-Molecule Bioelectronic Portable Array for Early Diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer Precursors

A cohort of 47 patients is screened for pancreatic cancer precursors with a portable 96-well bioelectronic sensing-array for single-molecule assay in cysts fluid and blood plasma, deployable at point-of-care (POC). Pancreatic cancer precursors are mucinous cysts diagnosed with a sensitivity of at most 80% by state-of-the-art cytopathological molecular analyses (e.g., KRASmut DNA). Adding the simultaneous assay of proteins related to malignant transformation (e.g., MUC1 and CD55) is deemed essential to enhance diagnostic accuracy. The bioelectronic array proposed here, based on single-molecule-with-a-large-transistor (SiMoT) technology, can assay both nucleic acids and proteins at the single-molecule limit-of-identification (LOI) (1% of false-positives and false-negatives). It comprises an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)-like 8 × 12-array organic-electronics disposable cartridge with an electrolyte-gated organic transistor sensor array, and a reusable reader, integrating a custom Si-IC chip, operating via software installed on a USB-connected smart device. The cartridge is complemented by a 3D-printed sensing gate cover plate. KRASmut, MUC1, and CD55 biomarkers either in plasma or cysts-fluid from 5 to 6 patients at a time, are multiplexed at single-molecule LOI in 1.5 h. The pancreatic cancer precursors are classified via a machine-learning analysis resulting in at least 96% diagnostic-sensitivity and 100% diagnostic-specificity. This preliminary study opens the way to POC liquid-biopsy-based early diagnosis of pancreatic-cancer precursors in plasma

Heparin Induces Harmless Fibril Formation in Amyloidogenic W7FW14F Apomyoglobin and Amyloid Aggregation in Wild-Type Protein In Vitro

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are frequently associated with amyloid deposits in most amyloid diseases, and there is evidence to support their active role in amyloid fibril formation. The purpose of this study was to obtain structural insight into GAG-protein interactions and to better elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying the effect of GAGs on the amyloid aggregation process and on the related cytotoxicity. To this aim, using Fourier transform infrared and circular diochroism spectroscopy, electron microscopy and thioflavin fluorescence dye we examined the effect of heparin and other GAGs on the fibrillogenesis and cytotoxicity of aggregates formed by the amyloidogenic W7FW14 apomyoglobin mutant. Although this protein is unrelated to human disease, it is a suitable model for in vitro studies because it forms amyloid-like fibrils under physiological conditions of pH and temperature. Heparin strongly stimulated aggregation into amyloid fibrils, thereby abolishing the lag-phase normally detected following the kinetics of the process, and increasing the yield of fibrils. Moreover, the protein aggregates were harmless when assayed for cytotoxicity in vitro. Neutral or positive compounds did not affect the aggregation rate, and the early aggregates were highly cytotoxic. The surprising result that heparin induced amyloid fibril formation in wild-type apomyoglobin and in the partially folded intermediate state of the mutant, i.e., proteins that normally do not show any tendency to aggregate, suggested that the interaction of heparin with apomyoglobin is highly specific because of the presence, in protein turn regions, of consensus sequences consisting of alternating basic and non-basic residues that are capable of binding heparin molecules. Our data suggest that GAGs play a dual role in amyloidosis, namely, they promote beneficial fibril formation, but they also function as pathological chaperones by inducing amyloid aggregation