A reagentless molecularly imprinted polymer-based electrochemical biosensor for single-step detection of troponin I in biofluids.

Reagentless molecular-imprinted polymer (MIP) electrochemical biosensors can offer the next generation of biosensing platforms for the detection of biomarkers owing to their simplicity, cost-efficacy, tunability, robustness, and accuracy. In this work, a novel combination of Prussian blue (PB), coated as an embedded redox probe on a gold working electrode (GWE), and a signal-off MIP assay has been proposed in an electrochemical format for the detection of troponin I (TnI) in biofluids. TnI is a variant exclusive to heart muscles, and its elevated level in the bloodstream is indicative of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The proposed lab-manufactured PB/MIP electrochemical biosensor, consisting of a simple signal-off MIP assay and a PB redox probe embedded on the GWE surface, is the first of its kind that allows for reagentless, label-free, and single-step electrochemical biosensing of proteins. The preparation steps of the biosensor were fully characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and Raman spectroscopy. Finally, the performance of the optimized biosensor was investigated through the determination of various concentrations of TnI, ranging from 10 to 100 pg mL-1 within 5 min, in serum and plasma with limits of detection less than 3.6 pg mL-1, and evaluation of selectivity towards TnI using some relevant proteins that exist in biofluids with higher concentrations.

A rapid capillary-channeled polymer (C-CP) fiber spin-down tip approach for the isolation of plant-derived extracellular vesicles (PDEVs) from 20 common fruit and vegetable sources.

In the emerging field of phyto-nanotechnology, 30-200 nm plant-derived extracellular vesicles (PDEVs) are now known to contain active biomolecules that mediate cell-to-cell communication processes in a manner very similar to exosomes in mammalian cells. The ability to deliver cargo across cellular membranes suggests that botanical systems could be used in the mass production of therapeutic vectors to transport exogenous molecules into human cells. The fundamental biochemical characteristics of PDEVs remain poorly understood due to the lack of efficient methods to isolate and characterize these nanovesicles. Described here is a rapid PDEV isolation method using a hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC)-based extraction performed on a capillary-channeled polymer (C-CP) fiber spin-down tip. The C-CP solid-phase extraction method is performed using a standard table-top centrifuge, enabling the isolation and concentration of PDEVs (>1 × 1010 particles from 100 µL of sample). PDEVs of 189 nm average diameter were obtained from 20 common fruit and vegetable stocks. The size, integrity, and purity of the recovered PDEVs were assessed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), multi-angle light scattering (MALS), absorbance quantification, a protein purity assay, and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to the PEN1 PDEV surface marker protein. The HIC C-CP tip isolation method allows for concentrated PDEV recoveries (up to 2 × 1011 EVs) on reasonable time scales (<15 min) and low cost (<$1), with the purity and integrity fit for fundamental research and downstream applications.

Nanostructured-Based Optical Readouts Interfaced with Machine Learning for Identification of Extracellular Vesicles.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are shed from cancer cells into body fluids, enclosing molecular information about the underlying disease with the potential for being the target cancer biomarker in emerging diagnosis approaches such as liquid biopsy. Still, the study of EVs presents major challenges due to their heterogeneity, complexity, and scarcity. Recently, liquid biopsy platforms have allowed the study of tumor-derived materials, holding great promise for early-stage diagnosis and monitoring of cancer when interfaced with novel adaptations of optical readouts and advanced machine learning analysis. Here, recent advances in labeled and label-free optical techniques such as fluorescence, plasmonic, and chromogenic-based systems interfaced with nanostructured sensors like nanoparticles, nanoholes, and nanowires, and diverse machine learning analyses are reviewed. The adaptability of the different optical methods discussed is compared and insights are provided into prospective avenues for the translation of the technological approaches for cancer diagnosis. It is discussed that the inherent augmented properties of nanostructures enhance the sensitivity of the detection of EVs. It is concluded by reviewing recent integrations of nanostructured-based optical readouts with diverse machine learning models as novel analysis ventures that can potentially increase the capability of the methods to the point of translation into diagnostic applications.

Aptamer-Based Electrochemical Microfluidic Biosensor for the Detection of Cryptosporidium parvum.

Cryptosporidium parvum is a high-risk and opportunistic waterborne parasitic pathogen with highly infectious oocysts that can survive harsh environmental conditions for long periods. Current state-of-the-art methods are limited to lengthy imaging and antibody-based detection techniques that are slow, labor-intensive, and demand trained personnel. Therefore, the development of new sensing platforms for rapid and accurate identification at the point-of-care (POC) is essential to improve public health. Herein, we propose a novel electrochemical microfluidic aptasensor based on hierarchical 3D gold nano-/microislands (NMIs), functionalized with aptamers specific to C. parvum. We used aptamers as robust synthetic biorecognition elements with a remarkable ability to bind and discriminate among molecules to develop a highly selective biosensor. Also, the 3D gold NMIs feature a large active surface area that provides high sensitivity and a low limit of detection (LOD), especially when they are combined with aptamers,. The performance of the NMI aptasensor was assessed by testing the biosensor's ability to detect different concentrations of C. parvum oocysts spiked in different sample matrices, i.e., buffer, tap water, and stool, within 40 min detection time. The electrochemical measurements showed an acceptable LOD of 5 oocysts mL-1 in buffer medium, as well as 10 oocysts mL-1 in stool and tap water media, over a wide linear range of 10-100,000 oocysts mL-1. Moreover, the NMI aptasensor recognized C. parvum oocysts with high selectivity while exhibiting no significant cross-reactivity to other related coccidian parasites. The specific feasibility of the aptasensor was further demonstrated by the detection of the target C. parvum in patient stool samples. Our assay showed coherent results with microscopy and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, achieving high sensitivity and specificity with a significant signal difference (p < 0.001). Therefore, the proposed microfluidic electrochemical biosensor platform could be a stepping stone for the development of rapid and accurate detection of parasites at the POC.

MoS2-Plasmonic Nanocavities for Raman Spectra of Single Extracellular Vesicles Reveal Molecular Progression in Glioblastoma.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are continually released from cancer cells into biofluids, carrying actionable molecular fingerprints of the underlying disease with considerable diagnostic and therapeutic potential. The scarcity, heterogeneity and intrinsic complexity of tumor EVs present a major technological challenge in real-time monitoring of complex cancers such as glioblastoma (GBM). Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) outputs a label-free spectroscopic fingerprint for EV molecular profiling. However, it has not been exploited to detect known biomarkers at the single EV level. We developed a multiplex fluidic device with embedded arrayed nanocavity microchips (MoSERS microchip) that achieves 97% confinement of single EVs in a minute amount of fluid (<10 µL) and enables molecular profiling of single EVs with SERS. The nanocavity arrays combine two featuring characteristics: (1) An embedded MoS2 monolayer that enables label-free isolation and nanoconfinement of single EVs due to physical interaction (Coulomb and van der Waals) between the MoS2 edge sites and the lipid bilayer; and (2) A layered plasmonic cavity that enables sufficient electromagnetic field enhancement inside the cavities to obtain a single EV level signal resolution for stratifying the molecular alterations. We used the GBM paradigm to demonstrate the diagnostic potential of the SERS single EV molecular profiling approach. The MoSERS multiplexing fluidic achieves parallel signal acquisition of glioma molecular variants (EGFRvIII oncogenic mutation and MGMT expression) in GBM cells. The detection limit of 1.23% was found for stratifying these key molecular variants in the wild-type population. When interfaced with a convolutional neural network (CNN), MoSERS improved diagnostic accuracy (87%) with which GBM mutations were detected in 12 patient blood samples, on par with clinical pathology tests. Thus, MoSERS demonstrates the potential for molecular stratification of cancer patients using circulating EVs.

Nanoplasmonic amplification in microfluidics enables accelerated colorimetric quantification of nucleic acid biomarkers from pathogens.

Deployment of nucleic acid amplification assays for diagnosing pathogens in point-of-care settings is a challenge due to lengthy preparatory steps. We present a molecular diagnostic platform that integrates a fabless plasmonic nano-surface into an autonomous microfluidic cartridge. The plasmonic 'hot' electron injection in confined space yields a ninefold kinetic acceleration of RNA/DNA amplification at single nucleotide resolution by one-step isothermal loop-mediated and rolling circle amplification reactions. Sequential flow actuation with nanoplasmonic accelerated microfluidic colorimetry and in conjugation with machine learning-assisted analysis (using our 'QolorEX' device) offers an automated diagnostic platform for multiplexed amplification. The versatility of QolorEX is demonstrated by detecting respiratory viruses: SARS-CoV-2 and its variants at the single nucleotide polymorphism level, H1N1 influenza A, and bacteria. For COVID-19 saliva samples, with an accuracy of 95% on par with quantitative polymerase chain reaction and a sample-to-answer time of 13 minutes, QolorEX is expected to advance the monitoring and rapid diagnosis of pathogens.

The importance of considering the possibility of ocular sporotrichosis in areas with high incidence rates of sporotrichosis.

Ocular sporotrichosis involving adnexa can present in 4 types: granulomatous conjunctivitis, dacryocystitis, Parinaud oculoglandular syndrome, and bulbar conjunctivitis. The incidence of ocular sporotrichosis has increased in regions with high incidence rates of sporotrichosis. We present a series of three cases of ocular involvement by the fungus Sporothrix species, including its manifestations, approaches, and relevance in areas where sporotrichosis has considerable incidence rates.

A Versatile Biomimic Nanotemplating Fluidic Assay for Multiplex Quantitative Monitoring of Viral Respiratory Infections and Immune Responses in Saliva and Blood.

The last pandemic exposed critical gaps in monitoring and mitigating the spread of viral respiratory infections at the point-of-need. A cost-effective multiplexed fluidic device (NFluidEX), as a home-test kit analogous to a glucometer, that uses saliva and blood for parallel quantitative detection of viral infection and body's immune response in an automated manner within 11 min is proposed. The technology integrates a versatile biomimetic receptor based on molecularly imprinted polymers in a core-shell structure with nano gold electrodes, a multiplexed fluidic-impedimetric readout, built-in saliva collection/preparation, and smartphone-enabled data acquisition and interpretation. NFluidEX is validated with Influenza A H1N1 and SARS-CoV-2 (original strain and variants of concern), and achieves low detection limit in saliva and blood for the viral proteins and the anti-receptor binding domain (RBD) Immunoglobulin G (IgG) and Immunoglobulin M (IgM), respectively. It is demonstrated that nanoprotrusions of gold electrodes are essential for the fine templating of antibodies and spike proteins during molecular imprinting, and differentiation of IgG and IgM in whole blood. In the clinical setting, NFluidEX achieves 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity by testing 44 COVID-positive and 25 COVID-negative saliva and blood samples on par with the real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (p < 0.001, 95% confidence) and the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

A nanostructured microfluidic device for plasmon-assisted electrochemical detection of hydrogen peroxide released from cancer cells.

Non-invasive liquid biopsies offer hope for a rapid, risk-free, real-time glimpse into cancer diagnostics. Recently, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was identified as a cancer biomarker due to its continued release from cancer cells compared to normal cells. The precise monitoring and quantification of H2O2 are hindered by its low concentration and the limit of detection (LOD) in traditional sensing methods. Plasmon-assisted electrochemical sensors with their high sensitivity and low LOD make a suitable candidate for effective detection of H2O2, yet their electrical properties need to be improved. Here, we propose a new nanostructured microfluidic device for ultrasensitive, quantitative detection of H2O2 released from cancer cells in a portable fashion. The fluidic device features a series of self-organized gold nanocavities, enhanced with graphene nanosheets having optoelectrical properties, which facilitate the plasmon-assisted electrochemical detection of H2O2 released from human cells. Remarkably, the device can successfully measure the released H2O2 from breast cancer (MCF-7) and prostate cancer (PC3) cells in human plasma. Briefly, direct amperometric detection of H2O2 under simulated visible light illumination showed a superb LOD of 1 pM in a linear range of 1 pM-10 µM. We thoroughly studied the formation of self-organized plasmonic nanocavities on gold electrodes via surface and photo-electrochemical characterization techniques. In addition, the finite-difference time domain (FDTD) simulation of the electric field demonstrates the intensity of charge distribution at the nanocavity structure edges under visible light illumination. The superb LOD of the proposed electrode combining gold plasmonic nanocavities and graphene sheets paves the way for the development of non-invasive plasmon-assisted electrochemical sensors that can effectively detect low concentrations of H2O2 released from cancer cells.

Atuação de terapeutas ocupacionais na Rede de Atenção Psicossocial em um estado do nordeste brasileiro / Occupational therapists' performance in the Psychosocial Care Network in a brazilian northeast state

Resumo O cuidado em saúde mental no Brasil vem mudando ao longo da história, instituindo novas práticas, formando a Rede de Atenção Psicossocial, afirmando o protagonismo dos usuários na produção do cuidado, seus direitos sociais e sua cidadania. Dentre os profissionais envolvidos nessas mudanças, estão os terapeutas ocupacionais. Esta pesquisa qualitativa teve como objetivo compreender a atuação desses profissionais na RAPS do estado da Paraíba, Brasil. Foram entrevistadas 13 terapeutas ocupacionais utilizando um questionário semiestruturado, aplicado de forma remota. Essas profissionais são, em sua maioria, mulheres, com experiência profissional e interesse pelo trabalho em saúde mental e atuam em Centros de Atenção Psicossocial I. Foi evidenciado um baixo número de profissionais nos serviços do estado, apenas 17 em uma rede de 124 serviços. Quanto às ações desenvolvidas, elencaram: atendimentos individualizados, acolhimento/triagem, grupos, Projetos Terapêuticos Singulares, participação em reuniões de equipe, manejo de crise e a realização de oficinas. A precarização das condições de trabalho foi percebida, em especial, pela insuficiência dos recursos para a realização das intervenções. Somente eventualmente elas se sentem apoiadas pelas entidades representativas (conselho de classe, sindicato e associação profissional estadual). Os coordenadores dos serviços compreendem a atuação profissional, mas são os usuários quem mais a valorizam, seguidos pelos familiares, equipes e coordenadores do serviço. Essa valorização e reconhecimento pelos principais agentes envolvidos na produção da vida comunitária demonstra que as terapeutas ocupacionais são parte integrante e atuante nesse processo de acolhimento, convivência e inclusão das pessoas vulnerabilizadas e fragilizadas diante de sua condição de sofrimento mental.

Abstract Mental health care in Brazil has been changing throughout history, establishing new practices, forming the Psychosocial Care Network, affirming the protagonism of users in the production of care, their social rights and their citizenship. Among the professionals involved in these changes are occupational therapists. This qualitative research aimed to understand the performance of these professionals in this Psychosocial Care Network in the Paraíba state, Brazil. Thirteen occupational therapists were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire, applied remotely. These professionals are mostly women, with professional experience and interest in working in Mental Health, as well as work in Psychosocial Care Centers I. A low number of professionals in state services was evidenced, being only 17 in a Network of 124 services. As for the actions developed, they listed: individualized care, reception/screening, groups, Unique Therapeutic Projects, participation in team meetings, crisis management and workshops. The precariousness of working conditions was perceived, in particular, by the lack of resources to carry out the interventions. Only occasionally they feel supported by the representative entities (class council, union, and state professional association). The service coordinators understand the professional performance, but it is the users who value it the most, followed by family members, teams, and service coordinators. This appreciation and recognition by the main agents involved in the production of community life demonstrates that occupational therapists are an integral and active part in this process of reception, coexistence and inclusion of vulnerable and fragile people facing their condition of mental suffering.

The importance of considering the possibility of ocular sporotrichosis in areas with high incidence rates of sporotrichosis / Esporotricose ocular: a importância de ser considerada em áreas com grande incidência de esporotricose

ABSTRACT Ocular sporotrichosis involving adnexa can present in 4 types: granulomatous conjunctivitis, dacryocystitis, Parinaud oculoglandular syndrome, and bulbar conjunctivitis. The incidence of ocular sporotrichosis has increased in regions with high incidence rates of sporotrichosis. We present a series of three cases of ocular involvement by the fungus Sporothrix species, including its manifestations, approaches, and relevance in areas where sporotrichosis has considerable incidence rates.

RESUMO A esporotricose ocular envolvendo anexos pode se apresentar de quatro formas: conjuntivite granulomatosa, dacriocistite, Síndrome Oculoglandular de Parinaud e conjuntivite bulbar. A esporotricose ocular, apesar de incomum, tem aumentado em regiões com alta incidência de esporotricose. Apresentamos uma série de três casos de envolvimento ocular pelo fungo Sporothrix sp.: suas manifestações, abordagem e sua relevância em áreas com alta incidência de esporotricose.

Work as a therapeutic resource: case study of a rehabilitation community for persons with chemical dependency.

BACKGROUND: Studies involving the therapeutic nature of the work done by chemically dependent individuals undergoing treatment in therapeutic communities are scarce, not only in Brazil, but also in the international literature. OBJECTIVE: To clarify the role played by work as a therapeutic element for patients who are undergoing treatment in a drug-free therapeutic community setting in Brazil. Clients are free to choose their occupations during treatment, that exercise their creativity and their responsability for their recovery. METHOD: The Biographical Method was employed in two case studies. CONCLUSIONS: The approach adopted by the community enabled clients to recognize how they became chemically dependent, as well as their possibilities for recovery. Clients expanded their interests and their daily activities that were once exclusively directed towards the consumption of drugs. Their personal development improved through their contact with reality through work activities, in the context of a therapeutic community. From there, clients were increasingly able to plan and execute life projects aimed at their full recovery.

Experiência, atividade, corpo: reflexões na confluência da psicossociologia do trabalho e ergologia / Experience, activity, body: reflections on the confluence of psychosociology of work and ergology / Experiencia, actividad, cuerpo: reflexiones en la confluencia de la psicosociología del trabajo y ergología

A experiência, assim como os processos de subjetivação que decorrem das transformações do sujeito por meio da atividade, evidenciam-se na produção de novos saberes, na aquisição de habilidades, no desenvolvimento de competências. O corpo é a base dessas transformações. Ele sustenta o conjunto de elementos que se apresentam no debate de normas e valores que caracterizam a atividade. Esta se produz num sistema de interações entre indivíduo e ambiente, em que as estruturas internas dos atores envolvidos se determinaram. Nosso objetivo neste artigo é refletir sobre os processos constitutivos de experiências que têm no corpo, na atividade e na dinâmica saúde-doença seus elementos norteadores

The experience, as well as the processes of subjectivation that result from the transformations of the subject through the activity, are evidenced in the production of new knowledge, in the acquisition of skills, in the development of competences. The body is the basis of these transformations. It supports the set of elements that present themselves in the debate of norms and values that characterize the activity. This occurs in a system of interactions between individual and environment, in which the internal structures of the actors involved are coterminous. Our objective in this article is to reflect on the constitutive processes of experiences that have their guiding elements in the body, in the activity and in the health-disease dynamics

La experiencia, así como los procesos de subjetivación que se derivan de las transformaciones del sujeto por medio de la actividad, evidencianse en la producción de nuevos saberes, en la adquisición de habilidades, en el desarrollo de competencias. El cuerpo es la base de esas transformaciones. Sustentase el conjunto de elementos que se presentan en el debate de normas y valores que caracterizan la actividad. Esta se produce en un sistema de interacciones entre individuo y ambiente, en que las estructuras internas de los actores involucrados codeterminanse. Nuestro objetivo en este artículo es reflexionar sobre los procesos constitutivos de experiencias que tienen sus elementos orientadores en el cuerpo, en la actividad y en la dinámica saludenfermedad