Singlet oxygen-based photoelectrochemical detection of miRNAs in prostate cancer patients' plasma: A novel diagnostic tool for liquid biopsy.

Dysregulation of miRNA expression occurs in many cancers, making miRNAs useful in cancer diagnosis and therapeutic guidance. In a clinical context using methods such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the limited amount of miRNAs in circulation often limits their quantification. Here, we present a PCR-free and sensitive singlet oxygen (1O2)-based strategy for the detection and quantification of miRNAs in untreated human plasma from patients diagnosed with prostate cancer. A target miRNA is specifically captured by functionalised magnetic beads and a detection oligonucleotide probe in a sandwich-like format. The formed complex is concentrated at the sensor surface via magnetic beads, providing an interface for the photoinduced redox signal amplification. The detection oligonucleotide probe bears a molecular photosensitiser, which produces 1O2 upon illumination, oxidising a redox reporter and creating a redox cycling loop, allowing quantification of pM level miRNA in diluted human plasma within minutes after hybridisation and without target amplification.

An Exploratory Study in the Portuguese Population on Writing a Suicide Note: Correlates in the Suicide Spectrum and Qualitative Analysis.

Suicide notes are an important warning sign for suicidal behaviors. The aim of this exploratory research is (a) to contribute to understanding the place of suicide notes in the spectrum of suicidal behaviors in Portugal, and (b) to analyze the content remembered by individuals regarding a suicide note. Two complementary studies were carried out. In the first, a quantitative investigation, the statistical relationship of writing a suicide note: To the occurrence of lifetime suicide attempts, to lifetime self-harming behaviors, and to suicidal ideation in the two weeks prior to the assessment was evaluated. In the second study, a qualitative investigation, the content recalled by individuals regarding a suicide note was analyzed. In the quantitative study, 841 adults aged between 18 and 65 years, and 1,012 young adults participated. In the qualitative study, 18 young adults participated. Findings of the quantitative study reveal that writing a suicide note significantly related to the lifetime presence of a suicide attempt and to self-harming behaviors and to suicidal ideation in the two weeks prior to the assessment. Findings of the qualitative study suggest that individuals who have written suicide notes exhibit a significant self-oriented focus, yet they also demonstrate a strong sense of concern for the survivors.

An Exploratory Study in the Portuguese Population on Writing a Suicide Note: Correlates in the Suicide Spectrum and Qualitative Analysis

Suicide notes are an important warning sign for suicidal behaviors. The aim of this exploratory research is (a) to contribute to understanding the place of suicide notes in the spectrum of suicidal behaviors in Portugal, and (b) to analyze the content remembered by individuals regarding a suicide note. Two complementary studies were carried out. In the first, a quantitative investigation, the statistical relationship of writing a suicide note: To the occurrence of lifetime suicide attempts, to lifetime self-harming behaviors, and to suicidal ideation in the two weeks prior to the assessment was evaluated. In the second study, a qualitative investigation, the content recalled by individuals regarding a suicide note was analyzed. In the quantitative study, 841 adults aged between 18 and 65 years, and 1,012 young adults participated. In the qualitative study, 18 young adults participated. Findings of the quantitative study reveal that writing a suicide note significantly related to the lifetime presence of a suicide attempt and to self-harming behaviors and to suicidal ideation in the two weeks prior to the assessment. Findings of the qualitative study suggest that individuals who have written suicide notes exhibit a significant self-oriented focus, yet they also demonstrate a strong sense of concern for the survivors. (AU)

An analysis of the Painful and Provocative Events Scale: Some painful and provocative findings.

This research investigated the latent structure and correlates of the 26-item Painful and Provocative Events Scale (PPES). For a sample of 290 community respondents, results from parallel analysis indicated a 5-factor structure. Based on principal axis factoring with varimax rotation, scales of Intense physicality, Physical and mental trauma, Physical risk taking, Psychopathy, and Body enhancement were constructed, and these demonstrated a pattern of convergent and discriminant correlations with suicide-associated and demographic variables that supported the delineation of these scales as being distinct. In general, results challenge the current scoring of the PPES and, with developed scales being differentially related to demographic variables, indicate that both respondent age and sex require consideration for scale score interpretation.

Development of an electrochemiluminescent oligonucleotide-based assay for the quantification of prostate cancer associated miR-141-3p in human serum.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small oligonucleotides (18-25 bases), biologically relevant for epigenetic regulation of key processes, particularly in association with cancer. Research effort has therefore been directed towards the monitoring and detection of miRNAs to progress (early) cancer diagnoses. Traditional detection strategies for miRNAs are expensive, with a lengthy time-to-result. In this study we develop an oligonucleotide-based assay using electrochemistry for the specific, selective and sensitive detection of a circulating miRNA (miR-141) associated with prostate cancer. In the assay, the excitation and readout of the signal are independent: an electrochemical stimulation followed by an optical readout. A 'sandwich' approach is incorporated, consisting of a biotinylated capture probe immobilised on streptavidin-functionalised surfaces and a detection probe labelled with digoxigenin. We show that the assay allows the detection of miR-141 in human serum, even in the presence of other miRNAs, with a LOD of 0.25 pM. The developed electrochemiluminescent assay has, therefore, the potential for efficient universal oligonucleotide target detection via the redesign of capture and detection probes.

Nutritional counselling in adults promoting adherence to the Mediterranean diet as adjuvant in the treatment of major depressive disorder (INDEPT): a randomized open controlled trial study protocol.

BACKGROUND: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Approximately one-third of patients with MDD do not respond to treatment, and often exhibit elevated inflammation biomarkers, which are associated with worse prognosis. Previous research has linked healthier dietary patterns, such as the Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet), with a lower risk of MDD and symptoms of depression, potentially due to their anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a nutritional counselling intervention promoting MedDiet to alleviate symptoms of depression in adults recently diagnosed with MDD and presenting with elevated inflammation biomarkers. METHODS: This study is a randomized controlled trial (RCT) that will recruit adults from outpatient clinics, between the ages of 18 and 70 years who have been diagnosed with MDD and are currently receiving treatment with the first prescribed antidepressant, and who exhibit elevated inflammation biomarkers (interleukin-6 and/or C-reactive protein). The control group will receive treatment-as-usual (TAU) only. The primary outcome of the study will be the change in symptoms of depression, as measured by the Beck Depression Inventory 2 (BDI-II), after 12 weeks of intervention. Data analysis will follow an intention-to-treat approach. Secondary outcomes will include changes in inflammation biomarkers, quality of life, adherence to the MedDiet, and cost-effectiveness of nutritional counselling. All outcomes will be assessed at baseline, after the 12-week intervention, and at 6- and 12-months post-baseline. DISCUSSION: This study will be the first RCT to evaluate the effect of a nutritional intervention with anti-inflammatory properties, as an adjuvant in the treatment of MDD, in individuals diagnosed with MDD and elevated inflammation biomarkers. The results of this study may contribute to the development of more effective and personalized interventions for MDD patients with elevated inflammation biomarkers.

Haem-mediated albumin biosensing: Towards voltammetric detection of PFOA.

The haem group is a promising redox probe for the design of albumin-based voltammetric sensors. Among the endogenous ligands carried by human serum albumin (hSA), haem is characterised by a reversible redox behaviour and its binding kinetics strongly depend on hSA's conformation, which, in turn, depends on the presence of other ligands. In this work, the potential applicability of haem, especially hemin, as a redox probe was first tested in a proof-of-concept study using perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) as model analyte. PFOA is known to bind hSA by occupying Sudlow's I site (FA7) which is spatially related to the haem-binding site (FA1). The latter undergoes a conformational change, which is expected to affect hemin's binding kinetics. To verify this hypothesis, hemin:albumin complexes in the presence/absence of PFOA were first screened by UV-Vis spectroscopy. Once the complex formation was verified, haem was further characterised via electrochemical methods to estimate its electron transfer kinetics. The hemin:albumin:PFOA system was studied in solution, with the aim of describing the multiple equilibria at stake and designing an electrochemical assay for PFOA monitoring. This latter could be integrated with protein-based bioremediation approaches for the treatment of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances polluted waters. Overall, our preliminary results show how hemin can be applied as a redox probe in albumin-based voltammetric sensing strategies.

The Mediating Role of Tolerance for Psychological Pain in the Relationship Between Different Types of Childhood Traumatic Experiences and Suicidal Ideation.

The aim of the present research was to evaluate the mediating effects of facets of the tolerance for psychological pain on the relationship between childhood trauma and suicidal ideation. A sample of 437 community individuals and a sample of 316 college students participated. For the community sample, managing the pain mediated the relationship between childhood trauma, the different types of traumatic experiences and suicidal ideation. In the college sample, managing the pain and enduring the pain mediated the relationship between childhood trauma, the different types of traumatic experiences and suicidal ideation, except for the case of sexual abuse. The present results have potential clinical implications. Mental health professionals should be aware of the long-term consequences of exposure to childhood trauma and need to assess the ability to tolerate psychological pain so as to implement appropriate psychological interventions that help individuals cope with their pain.

How perfluoroalkyl substances modify fluorinated self-assembled monolayer architectures: An electrochemical and computational study.

There is an urgent need for sensing strategies to screen perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in aqueous matrices. These strategies must be applicable in large-scale monitoring plans to face the ubiquitous use of PFAS, their wide global spread, and their fast evolution towards short-chain, branched molecules. To this aim, the changes in fluorinated self-assembled monolayers (SAM) with different architectures (pinholes/defects-free and with randomized pinholes/defects) were studied upon exposure to both long and short-chain PFAS. The applicability of fluorinated SAM in PFAS sensing was evaluated. Changes in the SAM structures were characterised combining electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and voltammetric techniques. The experimental data interpretation was supported by molecular dynamics simulations to gain a more in-depth understanding of the interaction mechanisms involved. Pinhole/defect-free fluorinated SAM were found to be applicable to long-chain PFAS screening within switch-on sensing strategy, while a switch-off sensing strategy was reported for screening of both short/long-chain PFAS. These strategies confirmed the possibility to play on fluorophilic interactions when designing PFAS screening methods.

Results from Two Countries on How Thwarted Interpersonal Needs Contribute to Understanding Self-Harm.

Self-harming behavior (SHB) represents an important public health issue and is one of the most critical predictors of completed death by suicide. The current study evaluated the incremental contribution of the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide constructs of thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness for the prediction of SHB beyond that associated with having a psychiatric diagnosis. Community adults from two different countries included a Portuguese sample of 414 adults, aged between 18 and 65 years (M = 45.09, SD = 13.11), and predominantly female (79%), and an American sample of 290 adults (198 men, 91 women, 1 unreported) with a mean age of 37.76 years (SD = 10.84) ranging from 20 to 71, who participated online. Results demonstrated mediation effects for perceived burdensomeness in the association of thwarted belongingness with SHB, partial mediation in the Portuguese sample and full mediation in the American sample. Findings also indicated that the interaction between thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness failed to make a statistically significant contribution to the prediction of SHB. The results are discussed within the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide and its relevance for clinical practice.

Psychological well-being and depressive symptoms in individuals who have lost a family member by suicide

Background and objectives. The impact of death by suicide represents an important public health issue. The current study reports data relating depressive symptoms and psychological well-being to exposure to suicide in the family. Methods. A final Portuguese community sample of 266 participants answered a protocol presented on a Google platform. Two groups were defined: a suicide exposure group (n = 45) and a control group (n = 210) who responded to the Échelle de Mesure des Manifestations du Bien-Être Psychologique (Psychological Well-being Manifestation Measure Scale) and to the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Scale to access psychological well-being and depressive symptoms, respectively. Results. roups differ significantly on psychological well-being, even when contorting for unemployment and having physical disease, differed on depressive symptoms and tended to differ on depressive symptoms when contorting for unemployment and chronic physical disease. Conclusion. Based on results, we suggest that therapeutic interventions should focus not only on reducing depressive symptoms in exposed individuals, but as well as promoting well-being. Limitations include the size of the sample and the cross-sectional nature of the design.

Psychache, unmet interpersonal needs, childhood trauma and suicide ideation in young adults.

This 5-month, 2-wave study evaluated the mediating effects of psychache and unmet interpersonal needs on the relationship between childhood trauma and suicide ideation in 208 young adults, controlling for depression. Path analysis demonstrated that changes in depression, perceived burdensomeness, and thwarted belongingness mediated the relationship between childhood trauma and changes in positive suicide ideation, and that changes in depression and perceived burdensomeness mediated the relationship between childhood trauma and changes in negative suicide ideation. Results indicated the importance of assessing interpersonal needs, in addition to depression, for understanding the mechanism linking childhood trauma to suicide ideation in young adults.

Exposure to suicide in the family and suicidal ideation in Portugal during the Covid-19 pandemic: The mediating role of unbearable psychache.

OBJECTIVES: This study tested the mediation effects of two facets of psychache - bearable and unbearable - in the relationship between exposure to suicide in the family and suicidal ideation in Portugal during the Covid-19 pandemic. METHODS: Two hundred and forty-four adults aged between 19 and 64 participated. Two groups were defined: one exposed to suicide in the family (n = 42) and a control group (n = 192). RESULTS: Path analysis using structural equation modelling tested a mediation model. Results demonstrated that unbearable psychache fully mediated the relationship between exposure to suicide and suicidal ideation, even when controlling for the mediation effects of depressive symptoms, the presence of a psychiatric diagnosis, and years of education. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that rather than considering just the global experience of psychache in individuals exposed to suicide, researchers and clinicians should look to the presence of unbearable psychache given its contribution to suicidal ideation. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Unbearable psychache fully mediated the relationship between exposure to suicide in the family and suicidal ideation It is not the global experience of psychache that contributes to suicide ideation in individuals exposed to suicide in the family rather the presence of unbearable psychache.

The mediating role of tolerance for psychological pain in the relationship of childhood trauma to suicidal ideation in individuals with a substance use disorder.

OBJECTIVES: The association between childhood trauma and suicidal ideation has been well documented in several populations, including individuals with a substance use disorder (SUD). However, a gap still exists in the literature regarding the mechanisms by which childhood trauma later impacts suicide risk. This cross-sectional study tested the effect of childhood trauma on suicidal ideation, as well as the mediating effect of tolerance for psychological pain (managing the pain and enduring the pain) in that relationship, controlling for the effect of depressive symptoms, in individuals with a SUD. METHODS: A sample of 102 adults with a SUD participated in the study. Path analysis by structural equation modelling tested a mediation model. RESULTS: Depressive symptoms and lower levels of managing the pain were found to fully mediate the association between childhood trauma and suicidal ideation. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that depressive symptoms and a lack of ability to manage psychological pain contribute towards explaining why traumatic childhood experiences may result in suicidal cognitions in individuals with SUDs. Moreover, they have relevant implications for prevention and clinical interventions regarding suicidal ideation in this population. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Childhood trauma relates to suicidal ideation in individuals with a substance use disorder. Depressive symptoms contribute towards explaining why traumatic childhood experiences may result in suicidal cognitions. A lack of ability to manage psychological pain also contributes towards explaining this relationship. The obtained results have relevant implications for the prevention of and clinical intervention for suicidal ideation in SUD individuals.

Novel electrochemiluminescent assay for the aptamer-based detection of testosterone.

This work presents a proof-of-concept assay for the detection and quantification of small molecules based on aptamer recognition and electrochemiluminescence (ECL) readout. The testosterone-binding (TESS.1) aptamer was used to demonstrate the novel methodology. Upon binding of the target, the TESS.1 aptamer is released from its complementary capture probe - previously immobilized at the surface of the electrode - producing a decrease in the ECL signal after a washing step removing the released (labeled) TESS.1 aptamer. The analytical capability of the ECL assay towards testosterone detection was investigated displaying a linear range from 0.39 to 1.56 µM with a limit of detection of 0.29 µM. The selectivity of the proposed assay was assessed by performing two different negative control experiments; i) detection of testosterone with a randomized ssDNA sequence and ii) detection of two other steroids, i.e. deoxycholic acid and hydrocortisone with the TESS.1 aptamer. In parallel, complementary analytical techniques were employed to confirm the suggested mechanism: i) native nano-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (native nESI-MS) was used to determine the stoichiometry of the binding, and to characterize aptamer-target interactions; and, ii) isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) was carried out to elucidate the dissociation constant (Kd) of the complex of testosterone and the TESS.1 aptamer. The combination of these techniques provided a complete understanding of the aptamer performance, the binding mechanism, affinity and selectivity. Furthermore, this important characterization carried out in parallel validates the real functionality of the aptamer (TESS.1) ensuring its use towards selective testosterone binding in further biosensors. This research will pave the way for the development of new aptamer-based assays coupled with ECL sensing for the detection of relevant small molecules.

Why are emergency medical technicians' coping strategies dysfunctional? Direct and indirect effects of resilience and perceived stress.

BACKGROUND: Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) are at high risk for traumatic disorders, and these disorders are more likely if they resort to dysfunctional coping. However, few studies have examined how dysfunctional coping can be decreased, specifically by comparing the impact of personal characteristics, such as resilience, and of occupational factors, such as stress. This study examines the contribution of resilience and perceived stress on EMTs' dysfunctional coping. METHODS: A total of 502 EMTs (66% men), with a job experience of approximately 8 years (SD = 3.84), answered the Resilience Scale (Self and Life Acceptance; Personal Competence; Total score), Brief Cope, and Anxiety Depression Stress Scales. RESULTS: EMTs reported high resilience, low stress and dysfunctional coping. Resilience dimensions, specifically self and life acceptance, and stress contributed to dysfunctional coping. Stress displayed the highest regression coefficient. The effect of self and life acceptance on dysfunctional coping was no longer significant when accounting for stress, revealing a full mediation effect. CONCLUSIONS: How EMTs perceive stress can mitigate the protective role of acceptance on the use of dysfunctional coping. These findings suggest EMTs' occupational training may benefit from focusing on how to manage stressful and critical incidents, as well as on how to cope with stress.

Eficácia da intervenção da enfermagem pré-hospitalar na estabilização das vítimas de trauma / Effectiveness of prehospital nursing interventions in stabilizing trauma victims / Eficacia de la intervención de enfermería prehospitalaria en la estabilización de víctimas de traumatismos

Resumo Enquadramento: O trauma é um problema de saúde pública com considerável impacto social e económico. Contudo, a evidência nacional sobre a sua caracterização e o papel da enfermagem na sua gestão é ainda escassa. Objetivos: Avaliar a eficácia da intervenção de enfermagem na estabilização da pessoa vítima de trauma, prestada pelos enfermeiros das Ambulâncias de Suporte Imediato de Vida em Portugal. Metodologia: Estudo observacional, prospetivo e descritivo-correlacional. Dados colhidos pelos enfermeiros das Ambulâncias de Suporte Imediato de Vida de Portugal continental, de 01/03/2019 a 30/04/2020, e nos Açores, de 01/10/ 2019 a 30/04/2020. Avaliaram-se índices de gravidade do trauma antes e após as intervenções dos enfermeiros. Resultados: Incluíram-se 606 casos (79,4% trauma fechado; 40,8% por acidentes rodoviários) reportados por 171 enfermeiros. Para gerir as vítimas de trauma, o enfermeiro realizou maioritariamente intervenções de suporte hemodinâmico (88,9%) e de controlo não-farmacológico da dor (90,6%). A intervenção dos enfermeiros melhorou os índices de gravidade RTS e SI (p < 0,001). Conclusão: A intervenção pré-hospitalar dos enfermeiros melhora o quadro clínico das vítimas de trauma.

Abstract Background: Trauma is a public health issue with a significant social and economic impact. However, national data on its characterization and the role of nursing in its management is still scarce. Objective: To assess the effectiveness of prehospital nursing interventions in stabilizing trauma victims provided by nurses of Immediate Life Support Ambulances in Portugal. Methodology: Observational, prospective, and descriptive-correlational study. Data were collected by nurses of the Immediate Life Support Ambulances in mainland Portugal, from 01/03/2019 to 30/04/2020, and the Azores, from 01/10/2019 to 30/04/2020. Trauma severity indices were assessed before and after the nursing interventions. Results: This study included 606 cases (79.4% blunt trauma; 40.8% road accidents) reported by 171 nurses. Nurses performed mostly interventions for hemodynamic support (88.9%) and non-pharmacological pain control (90.6%) of trauma victims. The nursing interventions improved the Revised Trauma Score and the Shock Index (p<0.001). Conclusion: Prehospital nursing interventions improve trauma victims' clinical status.

Resumen Marco contextual: Los traumatismos son un problema de salud pública con un considerable impacto social y económico. Sin embargo, los datos nacionales sobre su caracterización y el papel de la enfermería en su gestión son todavía escasos. Objetivos: Evaluar la eficacia de la intervención de enfermería en la estabilización de la víctima de traumatismo, proporcionada por los enfermeros de las Ambulancias de Soporte Vital Inmediato en Portugal. Metodología: Estudio observacional, prospectivo y descriptivo-correlacional. Datos recogidos por los enfermeros de las Ambulancias de Soporte Vital Inmediato de Portugal continental del 01/03/2019 al 30/04/2020, y en las Azores del 01/10/2019 al 30/04/2020. Se evaluaron los índices de gravedad de los traumatismos antes y después de las intervenciones de los enfermeros. Resultados: Se incluyeron 606 casos (79,4% traumatismos cerrados; 40,8% por accidentes de tráfico) notificados por 171 enfermeros. Para tratar a las víctimas de traumatismos, el enfermero realizó principalmente intervenciones de soporte hemodinámico (88,9%) y de control no farmacológico del dolor (90,6%). La intervención de los enfermeros mejoró los índices de gravedad de RTS y SI (p < 0,001). Conclusión: La intervención prehospitalaria de los enfermeros mejora el cuadro clínico de las víctimas de traumatismos.

Dimensionality of Suicide Behaviors: Results within Two Samples from Two Different Countries.

Across two countries and two languages, this research examined the multidimensional associations of suicide behaviors (i.e., life-time attempts, life-time communication of intent to others, life-time self-harming, life-time suicide notes, and current suicide ideation) and empirically relevant psychological risk factors (i.e., different facets of mental pain, perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness, and acquired capability), controlling for depressive symptoms. For the Portuguese sample, two underlying dimensions emerged: an ideation dimension and a behavioral dimension, and for the Canadian sample, three dimensions emerged: an ideation dimension and two behavioral dimensions that can be viewed as a splitting of the Portuguese second dimension. Results highlight possible cultural differences between the two countries and that suicide behaviors should be viewed as a multidimensional phenomenon not as a one-dimensional continuum.

Systematization, description, and territory of arteries that promote vascularization of the midbrain and rhombencephalon in the ostrich (Struthio camelus).

Brain specimens from 30 ostriches were injected with red-dyed latex via the internal carotid arteries (Aa.). The ventral tectal mesencephalic artery (a.), invariably a medium-sized single vessel, was, on the right side, a collateral branch of the caudal branch of the carotid artery (53.4%), a direct branch of the carotid artery (43.3%) and a direct branch of the basilar artery (3.3%) and on the left side, a collateral branch of the caudal branch of the carotid artery (66.7%), a direct branch of the carotid artery (30%), and a direct branch of the basilar artery (3.3%). It vascularized only the ventral half of the optic lobe, with no involvement in cerebellar vascularization on the right (93.3%) and left (80%) sides, extending to the ventrorostral-most cerebellar lobules, which were vascularized on the right (6.7%) and left (20%) sides. The caudal ventral cerebellar arteries were a single vessel on the right (96.7%) and left (93.3%) sides. Its first branch was a common trunk: dorsal spinal-caudal cerebellar on the right (60%) and left (56.6%) sides. Its second branch was the caudal cerebellar artery on the right (76.7%) and left (86.7%) sides. Its third branch was the second component of the caudal cerebellar artery on the right (6.7%) and left (3.3%) sides. The midbrain was vascularized by dorsal and ventral tectal mesencephalic arteries. The cerebellum was vascularized by branches of the caudal ventral cerebellar artery and by the dorsal cerebellar artery.