Construction of effective disposable biosensors for point of care testing of nitrite.

In this paper we aim to demonstrate, as a proof-of-concept, the feasibility of the mass production of effective point of care tests for nitrite quantification in environmental, food and clinical samples. Following our previous work on the development of third generation electrochemical biosensors based on the ammonia forming nitrite reductase (ccNiR), herein we reduced the size of the electrodes' system to a miniaturized format, solved the problem of oxygen interference and performed simple quantification assays in real samples. In particular, carbon paste screen printed electrodes (SPE) were coated with a ccNiR/carbon ink composite homogenized in organic solvents and cured at low temperatures. The biocompatibility of these chemical and thermal treatments was evaluated by cyclic voltammetry showing that the catalytic performance was higher with the combination acetone and a 40°C curing temperature. The successful incorporation of the protein in the carbon ink/solvent composite, while remaining catalytically competent, attests for ccNiR's robustness and suitability for application in screen printed based biosensors. Because the direct electrochemical reduction of molecular oxygen occurs when electroanalytical measurements are performed at the negative potentials required to activate ccNiR (ca.-0.4V vs Ag/AgCl), an oxygen scavenging system based on the coupling of glucose oxidase and catalase activities was successfully used. This enabled the quantification of nitrite in different samples (milk, water, plasma and urine) in a straightforward way and with small error (1-6%). The sensitivity of the biosensor towards nitrite reduction under optimized conditions was 0.55 A M(-1) cm(-2) with a linear response range 0.7-370 µM.

Tratamento da hiperidrose axilar com lipoaspiração / Liposuction for treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis

Introdução: A hiperidrose axilar primária e a bromohidrose são problemas comuns que levam vários pacientes a procurar atendimento médico. A remoção das glândulas sudoríparas écrinas e apócrinas da região axilar por meio de lipoaspiração superficial sob anestesia intumescente é um procedimento de pequeno porte, simples e com poucas complicações, oque pode ser observado em nosso estudo. O objetivo deste trabalho é a difusão desta técnica. Método: Vinte e cinco pacientes foram submetidos a lipoaspiração superficial da axila sobanestesia local e sedação. Resultados: Após um ano de acompanhamento pós-operatório, três pacientes apresentaram respostas regulares e dois apresentaram resultados insatisfatórios. Dentre os pacientes analisados, quatorze apresentavam bromohidrose associada e obtiveram respostas satisfatórias com redução significativa ou até mesmo desaparecimento do odor característico. Conclusão: Concluímos que o procedimento é eficaz e seguro para o tratamento de hiperidrose axilar primária e bromohidrose.

Introduction: Axillary hyperhidrosis and bromohidrosis are common problems for which many patients seek medical treatment. The removal of axillary sweat glands using liposuctionwith tumescent anesthesia in an out patient setting is a relatively short and simple procedure with few complications, as seen in this case series. The purpose of is study is to contribute for the spread of this technique. Methods: Twenty five patients were treated with axillaryliposuction under tumescent anesthesia. Results: One year after the procedure, three patients had regular results and two required additional liposuction to the same area. Those who had bromohidrosis associated presented good results with significant reduction of the odor. Conclusion: This procedure is efficient and safe when used to treat primary axillary hiperhidrosis and bromohidrosis.