Biomedicine and Bioinformatics Engineering 

Spontaneous tumors in animals as a model for study in human oncology

Guest editor:Stanislaw Dzimira, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wrocław, Poland.

The enormous biological complexity of human cancer has stimulated the development of more appropriate experimental models that could naturally and spontaneously resemble the physiopathologic aspects of cancer biology. Companion animals possess many desired characteristics that bridge the gap between in vitro and in vivo studies, and these characteristics have proven to be important in understanding many complex molecular aspects of human cancer. Spontaneous tumors in dogs share a wide variety of epidemiologic, biological, and clinical features with human cancer, which makes this animal model both attractive and underutilized in oncology research. 

It is worth examining canine tumors as a valuable model for studying numerous aspects of human cancer, as well as the potential use of this animal model in developing new cancer diagnostics and treatments. For example, canine lymphoma, osteosarcoma, or canine mammary tumors can serve as models to study cancers in humans.

Keywords: spontaneous tumors, oncology, tumors diagnostic, animals, dogs, model of carcinogenesis

Submission deadline: January 31, 2025

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Non-specific Low Back Pain

Guest editor: Diego Fernández Lázaro, Department of Cellular Biology, Genetic, Histology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Valladolid, Soria, Spain.

Non-specific low back pain (LBP) is a common worldwide disorder that significantly impacts productivity, ability to work, and quality of life. As it primarily affects individuals of working age, it is among the leading causes of sick leave and early retirement, with associated economic losses that may reach up to 2% of the gross domestic product in some countries. In addition, LBP treatment usually requires a multidisciplinary approach in which the concept of precision medicine and the adoption of innovative technologies, both related to conservative and surgical strategies, are profoundly revolutionizing the field. 

In the new era of personalized medical care, the interest in patient-tailored LBP treatment continues to increase. According to the latest reports, LBP care cannot be based solely on generalized guidelines and protocols but must carefully consider all contributing factors, including occupational, psychosocial, and systemic determinants. Furthermore, the forced sedentary lifestyle and change in work conditions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic have further reshaped this condition's treatment while also proposing new methods to deliver continuous care (e.g., telemedicine). 

The present Special Issue offers a unique opportunity to update many of the recent advances and perspectives of this critical health problem. We kindly renew the invitation to submit high-quality research papers on the following topics: prevalence and epidemiological data, etiology, prevention, assessment and treatment approaches, and health promotion strategies for LBP. We particularly welcome new insights into the use of innovative technologies, including artificial intelligence, telemedicine, robotic and navigated surgery, and biosensors in lumbar spine disorders. Articles with substantial implications for practice and high translational potential are particularly well received. 

We invite all experts in the field—both clinicians and researchers—to submit their manuscript for consideration in this Special Issue. Papers may differ from literature reviews (systematic reviews and meta-analyses) to original research (clinical trials, cohort studies, experimental lab work, case-control studies).

Keywords: low back pain, personalized medical care, conservative treatment, physical therapy, physical activity, sedentary worker, telemedicine, e-health

Submission deadline: November 30, 2024

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Translating Lifestyle-Intervention Efficacy Trials into Real-World Studies for Type 2 Diabetes Prevention and Management through Implementation Science

Despite two decades of diabetes prevention efforts through lifestyle interventions, effectively translating these initiatives into the wider community remains challenging. Unfortunately, few real-world studies have offered adequate information to accurately assess the overall impact of such programs. Consequently, the usefulness of many diabetes prevention trials in guiding resource allocation and real-world implementation is diminished. It is clear that more rigorous methods, particularly those employing implementation science, are necessary to gain a better understanding of the factors influencing the likely success of these interventions. 

In response to this challenge, we welcome submissions from authors conducting research on real-world lifestyle intervention studies among adults with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, utilizing implementation science methodologies.

Keywords: type 2 diabetes; prediabetes; implementation science; diabetes prevention; lifestyle interventions

Submission deadline: December 31, 2024

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Navigating the landscape of prostate cancer: a journey from diagnosis to advanced disease

Guest editor: Juan Gómez Rivas, Urology Consultant, Clinico San Carlos Hospital, Madrid, Spain; Co-guest editor: Jesús Moreno Sierra,  Chair of the department, Clinico San Carlos Hospital, Madrid, Spain.

 Prostate cancer, a multifaceted and often intricate journey for both patients and healthcare providers, encompasses a spectrum from initial diagnosis to the challenges presented by advanced stages of the disease. In this special issue, we delve into the various facets of prostate cancer, exploring the diagnostic landscape and the evolving strategies for managing advanced disease.

The cornerstone of effectively managing prostate cancer lies in its early detection. The traditional reliance on prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening has been both a boon and a source of debate within the medical community. Acknowledging the complexities and controversies surrounding PSA testing, advancements in diagnostic techniques, such as multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging and the need for additional biomarkers have emerged as powerful tools for refining risk stratification and guiding biopsy decisions.

As we traverse the continuum of prostate cancer care, the journey extends beyond initial diagnosis to the advanced disease. With advancements in treatment modalities, including targeted therapies, the landscape of managing advanced prostate cancer is evolving. Understanding the interplay between genetics, molecular markers, and the tumor microenvironment is crucial for tailoring effective therapeutic strategies.

To navigate the complexities of prostate cancer comprehensively, collaboration across disciplines is imperative. Urologists, oncologists, radiologists, nuclear medicine specialist, pathologists, and researchers must work in concert to optimize diagnostic accuracy, treatment efficacy, and patient outcomes.

Keywords: prostate cancer, diagnosis, advanced disease, screening, MRI, targeted therapies, genetics, urological oncology

Submission deadline: July, 2024

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Innovations in wound healing

Guest editor: Thomas E. Serena,  SerenaGroup Inc, Cambridge, MA, USA

Millions of patients worldwide suffer from nonhealing wounds: an unappreciated epidemic that afflicts the vulnerable, poor, elderly, minority, and diabetic populations. The burgeoning specialty of wound care needs evidenced-based guidance on the treatment and prevention of nonhealing wounds and postoperative skin and tissue infections. This special edition, Innovations in Wound Healing, aims to highlight advances in the field including diagnostics, novel treatments and prevention strategies, consistent protocol design, standardized endpoints for clinical trials, guidance documents and the latest in interventions. We candidly invite and encourage researchers and clinicians to contribute to this special issue.

Keywords: chronic wounds, diabetic foot ulcers, venous leg ulcers, bacterial burden, pressure ulcers, diagnostics, diabetes, surgical site infection, fluorescence imaging, biomarkers

Submission deadline: October 31, 2024

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Artificial intelligence in medicine

Guest editor: Joaquim Carreras,  Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Tokai University, Kanagawa, Japan

Diverse forms and levels of intelligence manifest in humans, numerous animals, and certain machines. Artificial intelligence (AI) harnesses datasets and computer science to address issues, offer forecasts, and carry out categorizations. AI involves subfields like machine learning and deep learning. This special issue focuses on AI's role in medical applications, including disease screening, diagnosis, personalized medicine, medical imaging, drug clinical trials, healthcare, and drug design. We welcome research contributions that explore the application of AI in medicine.

Keywords: histopathology, molecular pathology, immuno-oncology, immune microenvironment, neoplasia, immune-related diseases

Submission deadline: July, 2024

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Biofilm formation in healthcare: strategies for prevention and eradication

Guest editor: Vinay Kumar, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio-43210, USA

Biofilms are a natural component of the human body's surfaces, including the skin and mucosal linings of the respiratory and digestive systems. While biofilm production can have some beneficial consequences akin to commensal organisms, in most instances, biofilms are associated with infections, particularly in cases of chronic wounds and cystic fibrosis. Biofilms serve as protective shields for microorganisms against the host's immune system, allowing them to establish themselves and sustain chronicity, while also enhancing antibiotic tolerance. As the prevalence of biofilm-related issues has increased, research into their formation, toxicity, and strategies for combatting them has gained prominence in the fields of infectious biology and medicine. Recognizing the growing significance of this research domain, we cordially invite all researchers to submit original research articles, reviews, or concise viewpoints on any subject relevant to biofilm research for this Special Issue. Contributions in the following areas (but not limited to) are encouraged: Biofilm Formation and Regulation, Biofilm's Impact on Disease Pathogenesis, Prevention and Elimination of Biofilms, Targets for the Treatment of Biofilms, Other Pertinent Aspects of Biofilm Research.

Keywords: biofilms, infectious biology, microorganisms, immunology, human health

Submission deadline: September, 2024

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Clinical and anatomical perspectives of aesthetic procedures

Guest editor: Kyuho Yi , Yonsei University College of Dentistry, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea; Co-guest editor: Michael James Kim , Aeon Medical and Aesthetic Centre, Singapore

In recent decades, the utilization of energy-based devices, fillers, toxins, and threads for aesthetic intentions has seen a significant increase, becoming a common practice in clinical settings. Nonetheless, there remains a dearth of precise information regarding appropriate injection techniques and anatomical considerations. While these clinical procedures, both in therapeutic and cosmetic contexts, have gained popularity, there is a notable lack of comprehensive understanding, leading to the documentation of various adverse effects. The underlying causes of these undesirable outcomes are attributed not solely to improper injection methods but also to an inadequate grasp of the relevant anatomy, contributing to inconsistent clinical results. This Special Issue aims to provide comprehensive guidelines for both anatomical accuracy and aesthetic goals, ensuring safe and effective treatments. The publication will evaluate the most up-to-date insights from anatomical research, aiding in the identification of optimal approaches for applications. Additionally, the integration of clinically guided methodologies, such as ultrasonography, along with novel injection techniques utilizing diverse equipment, is encouraged and embraced.

Keywords: fillers, energy-based devices, aesthetics, cosmetics, anatomy, ultrasonography, botulinum neurotoxin, thread lifting

Submission deadline: December, 2024

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Dermatopathology in 2023-2024: acquired certainties, current debates and future prospects

Guest editor: Gerardo Cazzato, Università degli studi di Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy

Dermatopathology encompasses a wide spectrum of pathologies that require continuous updates and a deep understanding of emerging entities. In this regard, we invite professionals from the field to contribute their expertise to advance our collective knowledge in this captivating and intricate branch of human pathology. We welcome submissions in the following categories: case reports, case series, original articles, reviews, letters to the editor, comments/communications. While all contributions are highly appreciated, we encourage submissions that explore the following critical areas (but are not limited to): Cutaneous Melanocytic Diseases, Lymphoproliferative Disorders, Inflammatory Skin Conditions, Accumulation Disorders, Vasculopathic Conditions, Granulomatous Afflictions, Superficial Soft Tissue Pathologies, Histiocytic Diseases.

Keywords: skin neoplasms, inflammatory diseases, dermatosis, genodermatosis, histiocytosis, accumulation, vasculopathy, thrombosis, soft tissue

Submission deadline: September 30, 2024

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Challenges in dental public health

Guest editor: Mauro Henrique Nogueira Guimarães de Abreu, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais; Co-guest editor: Renata Castro Martins, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais; Co-guest editor: Alex Junio Silva Cruz, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais

Dental Public Health is a field that centers on the management of oral diseases and the promotion of health through community-based initiatives. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 50% of the global population is afflicted by various oral diseases. Challenges pertaining to accessibility and funding plague oral health services, demanding substantial governmental attention.
The WHO's oral health strategy is geared towards attaining comprehensive oral health coverage for all individuals by 2030. Consequently, numerous challenges lie ahead for the upcoming years. These challenges encompass a spectrum of public health actions, spanning upstream, midstream, and downstream efforts, with a pronounced focus on the initial stages.
It is imperative for dental professionals to equip themselves with the requisite skills to excel in this domain. Researchers are encouraged to share their valuable experiences and best practices to this Special Issue, shedding light on effective practices and insights. The original epidemiological and health services research that could translate the knowledge into dental public health actions to overcome challenges in this area is welcome to this section.

Keywords: dental public health; public health dentistry; translational research

Submission deadline: August, 2024

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Stem cells, materials (synthetic and natural), growth factors in craniofacial tissue engineering and regenerative medicine

Guest editor: Ahmed Hussain, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry - Dentistry Department, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada; Co-guest editor: Hamid Tebyaniyan, Department of Science and Research, Islimic Azade University, Tehran, Iran

Tissue engineering combines the principles of materials and cell transplantation to develop substitute tissues and/or promote endogenous regeneration. Tissue engineering involves the use of a tissue scaffold for the formation of new viable tissue for a medical purpose. Tissue engineering is an important field of regenerative medicine for tissue repair. Tissue engineering covers a broad range of applications, in practice the term is closely associated with applications that repair or replace portions of or whole tissues (i.e., bone, cartilage, blood vessels, bladder, skin, muscle etc.).

Biomaterials play an important role in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. As a result of these materials, cells can attach, proliferate, migrate, and differentiate externally. Additionally, they can act as a carrier matrix for loading and delivering different bioactive compounds, including herbal extracts. A scaffold's design, as well as the selection of loaded bioactive molecules, play an important role in determining its success in tissue engineering. Around the world, plants and herbs have long played an important role in traditional medicine. A variety of phytochemicals are found in them, including phenols, alkaloids, terpenes, and even functional phytohormones. Herbal extracts modulate the immune response and prevent microbial infection by incorporating them into biomaterials.
This Special Issue encourages more research on the materials, stem cells, and growth factors used in craniofacial regenerative medicine. We welcome original research articles (in vitro, and in vivo), review articles and case report in advanced materials (synthetic and natural) and their communications with growth factors/cells/stem cells in craniofacial tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

The topics of the submitted papers may include, but are not limited to:
• the fundamentals of cells, stem cells and progenitor cells and their expansion to viable numbers coupled with an understanding of their differentiation, the utilisation of bioreactors for three dimensional culture and studies of phenotypic changes, particularly in stem and progenitor cells, both short and long term, in vitro and in vivo
• The development of new biomaterials and processing of scaffolds (biomaterials and tissue engineering including polymeric biomaterials, metallic biomaterials, ceramic biomaterials, composites, biomimetics, biomolecular assembly, nanobiomaterials, synthesis, characterization, chemical, physical, mechanical, biological and toxicological properties); the use of different types of cells (mainly stem and progenitor cells) and their culture in specific bioreactors; studies in relevant in vitro and in vivo
• Biosystems, including biomedical modeling; cell and tissue engineering for repair medicine; biomeasurements, including biosignal processing and biosensing systems; artificial and hybrid (bioartificial) organs

Keywords: tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, stem cell therapy, microbiology

Submission deadline: July, 2024

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Vaccination of pediatric patients with immune-mediated diseases

Guest editor: Mikhail Kostik, Department of Hospital Pediatrics, Saint Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University, Ministry of Health of Russia 2, Litovskaya St., Saint Petersburg 194100, Russia

Patients with immune-mediated diseases are at increased risk of infections, related to immune dysfunction, as a base of underlying disease and applying of immunosuppressive drugs. Increased risk of infection associated with disease activity, malnutrition, surgical interventions, and concomitant chronic diseases, such as obesity, diabetes mellitus, atopic dermatitis, asthma, and others are additional factors of high susceptibility to infections Immune suppressors and biologic therapy can control inflammatory activity in many patients with immune-mediated diseases. Infections are the most common complications associated with biological treatment and immune suppressors. Vaccination is a well-known and effective tool, which allows for reducing the frequency and severity of infectious episodes, and indirectly might reduce the risks of disease flare and failure to achieve remission, and significantly improve disease course and outcomes. This research topic is devoted to theoretical and practical experience of vaccinations of immune mediated pediatric and adult diseases. The original manuscripts, review manuscripts and cases reports are welcome to this section. Reports about vaccine-controlled infections in immune-mediated cases, as well unusual vaccine-associated reaction and vaccine-associated adverse events case reports are also encouraged.

Keywords: pediatric rheumatology; juvenile idiopathic arthritis; systemic lupus erythematosus; immunocompromised chidlren; vaccination of children with immune-mediated diseases

Submission deadline: March, 2024

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An update on the treatment and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccination among vulnerable populations

Guest editor: Ravindra P. Veeranna, Xavier University School of Medicine, Santa Helenastraat #23, Oranjestad, Aruba

The treatment and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccination have played a pivotal role in the battle against the ongoing pandemic. However, certain populations, such as the elderly, immunocompromised individuals, organ transplant recipients, and individuals with comorbidities, face unique challenges. These challenges arise from their distinctive immunological profiles, potential reduced vaccine response, and heightened susceptibility to severe COVID-19.

In this special issue, we invite the submission of clinical, research, and review articles that discuss recent advancements in COVID-19 treatment options. These options encompass monoclonal antibodies, antiviral therapies (including those derived from natural sources), and the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in these high-risk groups. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of vaccine efficacy and employing appropriate treatment approaches is crucial for optimizing outcomes in these vulnerable populations.

Keywords: COVID-19, antiviral therapy, vaccines, efficacy, high-risk individuals

Submission deadline: September 30, 2024

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Recent advances in hemodynamic monitoring

Guest editor: Syed A. A. Rizvi, Biomedical Sciences, Larkin University, Miami, Florida, United States

Summary

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a prevalent condition in all age groups regardless of gender. Patients with early-stage CVD exhibit vascular damage such as endothelial dysfunction, arterial wall stiffening, and loss of vascular elasticity. These manifestations often go undetected during a routine clinical evaluation in the primary care setting that is exclusively based on brachial (peripheral) blood pressure measurement and biochemical test results. Furthermore, costly and more invasive tests such as carotid ultrasound, echocardiogram, coronary CT scan, and angiogram are generally not indicated in asymptomatic patients. This leads to a delay in the diagnosis of asymptomatic atherosclerosis, which in turn accelerates disease progression. Invasive methods utilized in central hemodynamic monitoring, such as pulmonary artery catheter and arterial line, are usually used in patients needing emergency or intensive care to continuously monitor their blood pressure and cardiac function. Therefore, there is a medical need to identify and validate noninvasive markers of cardiovascular function that are sensitive enough for the early identification of impaired vascular function during the subclinical phase. Routine measurement of noninvasive parameters during regular check-ups is beneficial for early diagnosis and could assist the clinicians in formulating the least invasive therapeutic approach for their patients. This special issue features research and review articles on various aspects of noninvasive central hemodynamic measurements such as epicardial adipose tissue (EAT), carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), pulse wave velocity (PWV), flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and glyceryl trinitrate-induced dilation (GNT-induced dilation). 

We welcome articles reporting on the development, validation, and clinical application of new instruments and biomarkers for hemodynamic measurements.

Keywords: cardiovascular disease, central hemodynamic monitoring, peripheral blood pressure measurement, noninvasive aortic hemodynamic parameters, personalized treatment

submission deadline: December 31, 2023