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Abstract Traditional papermaking was a significant innovation that intrigued the information-sharing society in a wide range of the globe. The importance of finding the historical background hidden behind the historical traditional paper is critical to understanding societies in history. Advanced molecular biological research is applied to many forensic studies to identify the origin and criminal events. Yet, biological research refrained from the heritage science of traditional papers due to its damage to the samples. The current study explores the Pearson correlation between DNA in traditional paper and non-destructive measurement of characteristics of traditional paper. DNA concentration and purity were found to have a proportional relationship based on the CIEL*a*b* color system. The color of the traditional paper was assessed assessment shows green and yellow rather than red and blue. The DNA concentration demonstrated a positive linear correlation with the peaks of 992 cm−1, 1599 cm−1, and 1628 to 1638 cm−1 region, which were lignin-specific functional groups. The presence of lignin in traditional paper defines the colors green and yellow, which is related to the presence of a cell wall. The quantity of cell walls present is linked to DNA survival during the traditional papermaking process. Furthermore, the partial least square (PLS) regression model is established. The prediction model based on DNA, paper properties, and smoothing + the second derivative preprocessed attenuated total reflection-Fourier-transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectral data demonstrated valid purity predictions. The evaluation parameter of the cross-validated prediction model contains a low Root Mean Square Error of Cross-Validation (RMSECV) of 0.091 for DNA purity. The determination coefficient was close to 1. However, the further establishment of a validated DNA extraction methodology is required for the consistency of the prediction model for DNA concentration. The hierarchical clustering analysis demonstrated the agglomerative dendrogram on traditional paper samples. For the dendrogram, the Nasu paper mulberry (originating in northern Japan) was distinguished from another paper mulberry (originating in southwestern Japan) by clustering. By multivariate statistical analysis, the DNA presence and quality were predictable from the Japanese traditional papers. In addition, the clustering analysis provided the possible origin of paper mulberry materials for traditional papers. Based on the preliminary information, the need for DNA analysis on historical traditional paper can be determined.

Lead pollution may cause serious damage to environment safety and human health, especially to children's growth. In this work, by using double stranded DNA (dsDNA) as the recognition element, a simple and effective electrochemical DNA sensor has been developed on a full carbon-based substrate, reduced graphene oxide/carbon paper (rGO/CP), to accomplish the rapid, sensitive and selective determination of Pb2+. Carbon paper (CP) provides a suitable substrate for the sensor with high portability and low cost, while rGO is easily electrodeposited onto CP and serves as both the signal amplification element and the molecular bridge between DNA and CP. Because of its high specific surface area and unique conjugated giant π structure, rGO tightly binds with DNA through π-π stacking and hydrophobic interactions, thereby providing loading of high quantities of DNA. The specific coordination between DNA and Pb2+ further improves the sensitivity of the sensor. The results demonstrate that rapid electrochemical enrichment of Pb2+ is achieved using the constructed CP/rGO/DNA electrode with a linear relationship between the peak current and the concentration of Pb2+ from 1 pM to 100 pM and a detection limit of 1 pM. In addition, this approach shows good selectivity and satisfactory repeatability for river water analysis. A promising sensitive, low-cost, simply-fabricated, and portable full carbon-based electrochemical biosensing platform has been therefore provided for lead determination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nucleic acid amplification testing has great potential for point-of-need diagnostic testing with high detection sensitivity and specificity. Current sample preparation is limited by a tedious workflow requiring multiple steps, reagents and instrumentation, hampering nucleic acid testing at point of need. In this study, we present the use of mixed cellulose ester (MCE) paper for DNA binding by ionic interaction under molecular crowding conditions and fluid transport by wicking. The poly(ethylene) glycol-based (PEG) reagent simultaneously provides the high pH for alkaline lysis and crowding effects for ionic binding of the DNA under high salt conditions. In this study, we introduce Paper-based Abridged Solid-Phase Extraction with Alkaline Poly(ethylene) Glycol Lysis (PASAP). The anionic mixed cellulose ester (MCE) paper is used as solid phase and allows for fluid transport by wicking, eliminating the need for pipetting skills and the use of a magnet to retain beads. Following the release of DNA from the cells due to the lytic activity of the PASAP solution, the DNA binds to the anionic surface of the MCE paper, concentrating at the bottom while the sample matrix is transported towards the top by wicking. The paper was washed by dipping it in 40% isopropanol for 10 s. After air-drying for 30 s, the bottom section of the paper (3 mm × 4 mm) was snapped off using the cap of a PCR tube and immersed in the colourimetric loop-mediated isothermal amplification (cLAMP) solution for direct amplification and colourimetric detection. The total sample processing was completed in 15 min and ready for amplification. cLAMP enabled the detection of 102 CFU/mL of Escherichia coli (E. coli) from culture media and the detection of E. coli in milk < 103 CFU/mL (10 CFU) after incubation at 68 °C for 60 min, demonstrating applicability of the method to complex biological samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• DNA provision in LTMP cases varies depending on disappearance circumstances. • Qualitative analyses provide insights into public concerns in this area. • Concerns manifest differently in LTMP cases. Policy response could enhance support. Identification of unidentified human remains, and long-term missing persons (LTMP) is imperative, allowing for missing persons to be reunited with their families, which could provide closure to families experiencing ongoing ambiguity surrounding the situation. However, identification remains problematic for several reasons, including the absence of DNA provision in the investigation. The research reported here is the second in a two-part series exploring public/family support for providing DNA in LTMP cases. In the first study, quantitative results showed that participants had concerns when asked if they thought there would be implications for a person providing DNA to police in LTMP cases. The aim of this second study was to explore further using qualitative methods the nuances and themes underpinning concerns for providing DNA in LTMP cases. Participants described their concerns about providing DNA in four hypothetical LTMP case scenarios (a child, an adult with dementia, a runaway 19-year-old adolescent, and an estranged adult). Through thematic content analysis, ten themes were identified. Nine themes run across all four LTMP case scenarios. The tenth theme was only observed in two scenarios; cases involving adolescents with a history of runaway, and in cases involving adults estranged from their family. Results showed public concerns differed according to LTMP case circumstances. Key findings point to public education about how DNA is used in LTMP investigations, the applicable legislation relating to police use of DNA in investigations and increasing public awareness around the benefits of DNA use in LTMP investigations. Potentional policy options are discussed that could guide the future development of nuanced police practice in different types of LTMP cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small extracellular vesicle–derived microRNAs (sEV-miRNAs) have emerged as promising noninvasive biomarkers for early cancer diagnosis. Herein, we developed a molecular probe based on three-dimensional (3D) multiarmed DNA tetrahedral jumpers (mDNA-Js)-assisted DNAzyme activated by Na+, combined with a disposable paper-based electrode modified with a Zr-MOF–rGO–Au NP nanocomplex (ZrGA) to fabricate a novel biosensor for sEV-miRNAs Assay. Zr-MOF tightly wrapped by rGO was prepared via a one-step method, and it effectively aids electron transfer and maximizes the effective reaction area. In addition, the mechanically rigid, and nanoscale-addressable mDNA-Js assembled from the bottom up ensure the distance and orientation between fixed biological probes as well as avoid probe entanglement, considerably improving the efficiency of molecular hybridization. The fabricated bioplatform achieved the sensitive detection of sEV-miR-21 with a detection limit of 34.6 aM and a dynamic range from100 aM to 0.2 µM. In clinical blood sample tests, the proposed bioplatform showed results highly consistent with those of qRT-PCRs and the signal increased proportionally with the NSCLC staging. The proposed biosensor with a portable wireless USB-type analyzer is promising for the fast, easy, low-cost, and highly sensitive detection of various nucleic acids and their mutation derivatives, making it ideal for POC biosensing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A pipette-free and fully integrated device that can be used to accurately recognize the presence of infectious pathogens is an important and useful tool in point-of-care testing, particularly when aiming to decrease the unpredictable threats posed by disease outbreak. In this study, a paper device is developed to integrate the three main processes required for detecting infectious pathogens, including DNA extraction, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), and detection. All key reagents, including sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), NaOH, LAMP reagents, and carmoisine, are placed on the paper device. The paper device is operated simply via sliding and folding without using any bulky equipment, and the results can be directly observed by the naked eye. The optimized concentrations of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), sodium hydroxide (NaOH), and carmoisine were found to be 0.1%, 0.1 M, and 0.5 mg/mL, respectively. The paper device was used to detect Enterococcus faecium at concentrations as low as 102 CFU/mL within 60 min. Also, E. faecium spiked in milk was successfully detected using the paper device, demonstrating the feasible application in real sample analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mitigation of fungal biodeterioration on paper documents and artworks represents a challenge to conservators worldwide. Numerous lists of fungal species have been identified from paper collections, but are those species responsible for the respective biodeterioration phenomena or just environmental contaminants? The present work was aimed at obtaining an association between specific fungal stains and causative fungal species. 23 stains from three paper documents were sampled. Fungal structures observed in situ with optical and scanning electron microscopy were compared with the identification of isolates by molecular biology tools. Correlation between the observed fungal structures and the identified fungal isolates was achieved, varying from 13% to 64% of the samples within the three studied documents. Grey/black and dark brown stains were associated with Chaetomium globosum, C. murorum, Penicillium chrysogenum, P. commune, Myxotrichum deflexum and Stachybotrys chartarum. Eurotium rubrum was isolated from a foxing stain and Penicillium citrinum was identified on light orange stains.

Bloodstream infection (BSI) is a major complication in patients with cancers due to therapy-induced neutropenia and underlying conditions, which increases hospitalization time and mortality rate. Targeted and timely antimicrobial management is crucial to save the patients' lives and reduce the social and economic burdens. Blood culture is a routine clinical diagnostic method of BSI with a long turnaround time, and generally identifies monomicrobial BSI. Thus, polymicrobial BSI often goes undetected although it occurs more frequently in these patients and results in more severe outcomes compared to monomicrobial BSI. In this work, we apply glutaric anhydride, N-hydroxysuccinimide and N,N′-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide to fabricate a functional surface on cellulose filter paper. Targeting three pathogens (Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and human cytomegalovirus) commonly occurring in BSI in neutropenic patients, we demonstrate rapid and accurate triplex pathogen DNA detection using the functionalized paper. All three pathogen DNA was identified in 1–5 min with a detection limit of 0.1–0.5 ng/µL. The developed test tool has the potential to provide rapid polymicrobial BSI diagnosis in support of timely, accurate antimicrobial treatment, and could be integrated into an automatic sample-to-result portable equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To perform molecular epidemiologic studies based on large cohorts, material such as RDTs or filter papers are useful for biological sample collection and extraction of RNA or DNA of good quality. Thus, we aimed to assess the quality of DNA extracted from malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) stored at various temperatures for the analysis of Plasmodium falciparum genetic diversity. Methods: Febrile patients benefitted from free malaria diagnosis using microscopy in a malaria sentinel site, at the Regional Hospital Estuaire-Melen, in Gabon, in 2015. P. falciparum isolates were collected onto one filter paper and 2 similar RDTs devices (Acon®) per patient. Nucleic acids were extracted with QiAmp Qiagen kit from paper and RDTs and the quality of the DNA was analyzed by msp1 gene amplification. Results: Msp1gene amplification was achieved in nucleic acids extracted from all filter papers and RDTs devices (n = 45, 100%). K1 alleles were detected in 93.3% (n = 42/45) of the samples and Mad20 alleles in 73.3% (n = 33/45). The number and the intensity of K1 and/or Mad20 fragments were comparable according to the sample collection material and the storage conditions (room temperature vs -20°C) of the samples. The size of the fragments indicating allelic diversity was comparable in 80% (n=36) of the samples. Conclusion: These data show that RDTs are a valuable source of DNA for malaria parasite genetic polymorphism analysis. Storage conditions of the devices did not influence the quality of DNA extracted from RDTs device, although some alleles may be missed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To perform molecular epidemiologic studies based on large cohorts, material such as RDTs or filter papers are useful for biological sample collection and extraction of RNA or DNA of good quality. Thus, we aimed to assess the quality of DNA extracted from malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) stored at various temperatures for the analysis of Plasmodium falciparum genetic diversity. Methods: Febrile patients benefitted from free malaria diagnosis using microscopy in a malaria sentinel site, at the Regional Hospital Estuaire-Melen, in Gabon, in 2015. P. falciparum isolates were collected onto one filter paper and 2 similar RDTs devices (Acon®) per patient. Nucleic acids were extracted with QiAmp Qiagen kit from paper and RDTs and the quality of the DNA was analyzed by msp1 gene amplification. Results: Msp1gene amplification was achieved in nucleic acids extracted from all filter papers and RDTs devices (n = 45, 100%). K1 alleles were detected in 93.3% (n = 42/45) of the samples and Mad20 alleles in 73.3% (n = 33/45). The number and the intensity of K1 and/or Mad20 fragments were comparable according to the sample collection material and the storage conditions (room temperature vs -20°C) of the samples. The size of the fragments indicating allelic diversity was comparable in 80% (n=36) of the samples. Conclusion: These data show that RDTs are a valuable source of DNA for malaria parasite genetic polymorphism analysis. Storage conditions of the devices did not influence the quality of DNA extracted from RDTs device, although some alleles may be missed.

The graphical abstract illustrates the concept of DNA detection using filter paper and brown colored beads. The visual signal of detection can be analyzed quantitatively as the histogram indicates. • Filter paper is suitable for use as a support platform in point-of-care devices. • Polyamidoamine dendrimer activates filter paper for DNA detection. • The method developed combines and simplifies multiple techniques, and enables a rapid and accurate DNA diagnosis tool. Point-of-care (POC) detection is crucial in clinical diagnosis in order to provide timely and specific treatment. Combining polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer, p -phenylene diisothiocyanate (PDITC) and superparamagnetic beads, a novel method to activate the surface of filter paper to bind DNA molecules has been developed. The method is based on the primary amination of the filter paper surface with PAMAM dendrimer, followed by generation of isothiocyanate groups via PDITC, and subsequent repetition of these two steps. Different parameters of the process have been optimized, including probe printing, preparation of target DNAs and detection. The result shows that, due to the highly porous structure of filter paper, high amounts of printed probes, target DNAs and magnetic beads can provide high signal intensities in the detection area via probe/target duplex formation. This method is suitable for rapid, specific and cost-efficient DNA detection on cellulose filter paper. It can be used as a POC device, in particular for diagnosis and treatment management of infectious diseases and identification of antimicrobial drug resistance genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehensive Summary: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are vital regulators in both plants and animals. Therefore, it is highly desirable to develop portable and user‐friendly biosensors for convenient and sensitive detection of miRNAs. Herein, a novel paper‐based electrochemical biosensor was intelligently engineered for the detection of plant miRNA based on a smart DNA walking machine and λ‐exonuclease (λ‐Exo)‐assisted target recycling amplification. Using TaMIR5086 as a target plant miRNA, the presence of TaMIR5086 could initiate the target recycling process and activate the DNA walker to move along the track on the paper. Then, numerous electroactive molecules‐labeled single‐strand DNA (ssDNA) would be released and adsorbed onto the surface of screen‐printed electrode, generating a remarkably increased electrochemical signal. Benefitting from the dual amplification, the developed biosensor exhibits excellent analytical performance toward TaMIR5086 with a detection limit down to 0.37 pmol/L. Furthermore, the paper‐based biosensor could be applied for the analysis of target miRNA in complex biological samples, which found great potential in the fields of miRNA analysis and plant biology research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although, there is a wealth of information in the medical literature on the usefulness of genomic testing in assessing risk and its application in medical oncology decision making, there are no theoretical reflections in the nursing field. Aim: To understand the implications of molecular biology in nursing practice and highlight the role of Nursing Theory in guiding nurses' reasoning. Materials and Methods: Searching literature published between 2000 and 2022 in Medline and Google Scholar. Scientific evidence was analysed by the authors expert in different fields. Results: Based on the findings of the literature, concerns have been raised about the proper care of cancer patients who have a genomic risk profile determination. In particular, the absence of theoretical thinking and conceptual models that consider developments in molecular biology and their impact on nursing, in addition to the prevalence of heuristic thinking and the application of clinical patterns in nursing practice, could induce patient misjudgement with inadequate planning of preventive, curative, rehabilitative and educational nursing interventions. Nurses working in the field of oncology should be aware that the risk profile determined by genomics tests is merely the visible and stated portion of the cancer patient: the tip of iceberg. Discussion: This study demonstrates how genomic testing takes into account a fraction of genes discovered in tumour tissue to establish a risk profile. This subset differs, for example, from the social genome, which can determine the risk of dementia, cancer and cardiovascular disease, but in response to social adversity. Nursing theory, which views the environment as a metaparadigm, must consider a conceptual model that can integrate the findings of genomic testing with recommendations from studies on the social genome of humans to make it easier to build nursing treatments that can better reduce these risks. Conclusion: A nursing theoretical discourse on genomics is a paramount requirement for developing effective nursing care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cervical cancer is a leading cause of cancer death for women in low-resource settings. The World Health Organization recommends that cervical cancer screening programs incorporate HPV DNA testing, but available tests are expensive, require laboratory infrastructure, and cannot be performed at the point-of-care. We developed a two-dimensional paper network (2DPN), hybrid-capture, signal amplification assay and a point-of-care sample preparation protocol to detect high-risk HPV DNA from exfoliated cervical cells within an hour. The test does not require expensive equipment and has an estimated cost of <$3 per test without the need for batching. We evaluated performance of the paper HPV DNA assay with short synthetic and genomic HPV DNA targets, HPV positive and negative cellular samples, and two sets of clinical samples. The first set of clinical samples consisted of 16 biobanked, provider-collected cervical samples from a study in El Salvador previously tested with careHPV and subsequently tested in a controlled laboratory environment. The paper HPV DNA test correctly identified eight of eight HPV-negative clinical samples and seven of eight HPV-positive clinical samples. We then performed a field evaluation of the paper HPV DNA test in a hospital laboratory in Mozambique. Cellular controls generated expected results throughout field testing with fully lyophilized sample preparation and 2DPN reagents. When evaluated with 16 residual self-collected cervicovaginal samples previously tested by the GeneXpert HPV assay ("Xpert"), the accuracy of the HPV DNA paper test in the field was reduced compared to testing in the controlled laboratory environment, with positive results obtained for all eight HPV-positive samples as well as seven of eight HPV-negative samples. Further evaluation showed reduction in performance was likely due in part to increased concentration of exfoliated cells in the self-collected clinical samples from Mozambique compared with provider-collected samples from El Salvador. Finally, a formal usability assessment was conducted with users in El Salvador and Mozambique; the assay was rated as acceptable to perform after minimal training. With additional optimization for higher cell concentrations and inclusion of an internal cellular control, the paper HPV DNA assay offers promise as a low-cost, point-of-care cervical cancer screening test in low-resource settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A cost-effective and eco-friendly polyDOPA@paper was prepared for DNA extraction. • The adsorption capacity of polyDOPA@paper for DNA was 20.7 μg cm−2. • An automated extraction system was designed to ensure results consistency. • The DNA extraction platform averts the need for specialized training of operators. • The platform combined with qPCR realized the detection of E. coli in milk samples. The success of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) depends on the quality of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) templates. This study developed a cost-effective and eco-friendly DNA extraction system utilizing poly(3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine)-modified cellulose paper (polyDOPA@paper). PolyDOPA@paper was prepared by oxidatively self-polymerizing DOPA under weak alkaline conditions and utilizing the adhesive property of polyDOPA on different materials. Compared to the uncoated cellulose paper, polyDOPA coating significantly enhances DNA adsorption owing to its abundant amino, carboxyl, and hydroxyl moieties. The DNA extraction mechanism using polyDOPA@paper was discussed. The maximum adsorption capacity of polyDOPA@paper for DNA was 20.7 μg cm−2. Moreover, an automated extraction system was designed and fabricated using 3D printing technology. The device simplifies the operation and ensures the reproducibility and consistency of the results. More importantly, it eliminates the need for specialized training of operators. The feasibility of the polyDOPA@paper-based automated extraction system was evaluated by quantitatively detecting Escherichia coli in spiked milk samples via a real-time PCR. The detection limit was 102 cfu mL−1. The results suggest that the system would have significant potential in detecting pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tungsten disulfide quantum dots (WS2 QDs) embedded lab on genochip based analytical device (PAD) was developed for the specific DNA detection of Meningitis, a life threatening disease. This paper-based lab on genochip was designed by grafting the two electrodes onto the surface of paper using conductive ink. The WS2 QDs were characterized by X-ray diffraction technique, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Following this, specific oligonucleotide sequence of DNA (capture probe) was immobilized over the surface of WS2 QDs/PAD electrode. The ssDNA/WS2QDs/PAD device was characterized electrochemically by cyclic voltammetry. The device was employed for detection of target DNA (by hybridization) by employing methylene blue (MB) as an indicator. The biosensor exhibited a wide linear response in the range 1 nM-100 µM towards the target DNA. The limit of detection (LOD) of target DNA of the proposed device is 1 nM. The advantageous features of this device than the existing biosensors include cheaper analysis cost, tiny sample requirements and stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DNA extraction, a vital pre-requisite for most biological studies, continues to be studied extensively. According to some studies, DNA shows a certain degree of absorbability on filter paper made of plant fiber-based adsorbent material. However, the principle underlying such specific adsorption as well as plant species associated with plant fiber-based adsorbents and optimized extraction conditions have not yet been studied. This study demonstrates the tight correlation between crystallinity and hygroscopicity in plant fiber-based adsorbents used for DNA extraction and proposes the concept of DNA adsorption on plant fiber-based adsorbents, for the first time. We also explored optimal extracting and eluting conditions and developed a novel plant fiber-based DNA extraction method that was quadruple times more powerful than current approaches. Starting with the screening of various types of earthed plant fiber-based adsorbents, we went on to mine new plant fiber-based adsorbents, bamboo paper and degreased cotton, and succeeded in increasing their efficiency of DNA extraction to 4.2 times than that of current approaches. We found a very strong correlation between the crystallinity and hygroscopicity of plant fiber-based adsorbents which showed efficiency for DNA extraction, and thus propose a principle that potentially governs such specific adsorption processes, in the hope that this information may guide related multidisciplinary research studies in the future. Nanodrop, electrophoresis and PCR were selected to demonstrate the quantity, quality, integrity and utility of the extracted DNA. Furthermore, crystallinity, hygroscopicity, pore size distribution and composition of plant fiber-based adsorbents were studied to explore their correlation in an attempt to understand the principle underlying this particular type of adsorption. The findings of this study may be further extended to the extraction of other types of nucleic acids with similar biochemical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fast, simple, easy, efficient, and inexpensive method for DNA extraction from malaria parasites collected on filter paper would be very useful for molecular surveillance. The quality and quantity of DNA are critical to molecular diagnosis and analysis. Here, we developed a simple alkali lysis method for DNA extraction from blood samples on filter paper. The results showed that 10–50 mM NaOH and deionized water all effectively isolated parasite DNA at higher parasitemia, as witnessed by successful PCR amplification, while at a parasitemia of 0.01%, the 10 mM NaOH lysis condition generated the best results. Furthermore, DNA extracted by this method was successfully used to amplify a fragment of > 2000 bp. This method successfully extracted DNA from 1 µl of blood at a parasitemia as low as 0.0001% (equivalent to 5 parasites /µl). The DNA isolated by the 10 mM NaOH lysis method was stable to yield PCR products after storage at 4 °C or − 20 °C for 12 months. These results indicate that this alkali lysis method is simple, effective, sensitive, and inexpensive for isolating stable Plasmodium DNA from dried blood spots on filter paper. • Alkali lysis method was efficient for malaria molecular research from filter paper blood samples. • The most suitable NaOH concentration was 10 mM when extraction Plasmodium DNA from low parasitemia filter paper. • The present method enables detection of low parasitemia (0.0001% parasitemia, equivalent to 5 parasites /µl) sample. • The DNA isolated by alkali lysis method is more stable when stored at − 20 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Blood clots are formed when blood vessels are injured. They help stop bleeding and heal wounds, but can also cause serious problems if they block blood flow or break off and travel to other organs. This study investigates how blood clots differ in people with cancer compared to healthy or non-cancerous individuals. This study found that cancer patients have higher levels of histones in their blood, which make their clots stiffer and resistant to lysis. Further, clots formed in cancer patients have higher viscoelastic properties, and hence are harder to break down. These findings suggest that cancer patients have abnormal clotting properties that may increase their risk of developing thrombosis, and evaluating these properties can be helpful in detecting cancer. Background: Blood viscoelasticity and plasma protein levels can play an important role in the diagnosis and prognosis of cancer. However, the role of histones and DNA in modulating blood clot properties remains to be investigated. This study investigates the differences in blood viscoelasticity and plasma protein levels among cancer patients, individuals with other diseases, and healthy individuals. Methods: Blood samples were collected from 101 participants, including 45 cancer patients, 22 healthy individuals, and 34 individuals with other diseases. Rheological properties of clots formed in vitro by reconstituted elements of fibrinogen or plasma were analyzed with an Anton Paar Rheometer, USA. Plasma protein levels of D-dimer, TPA, EPCR, fibrinogen, and histone H3 were measured through ELISA. Blood clots were formed with or without DNA and histones (H3) by adding thrombin and calcium to plasma samples, and were evaluated for viscoelasticity, permeability, and degradation. Results: Cancer patients show higher blood viscoelasticity and plasma D-dimer levels compared to healthy individuals and individuals with other diseases. Our in vitro analysis showed that the addition of histone to the plasma results in a significant decrease in viscoelasticity and mean fiber thickness of the clot formed thereafter. In parallel studies, using plasma from patients, DNA and histones were detected in fibrin clots and were associated with less degradation by t-PA. Moreover, our results show that the presence of DNA and histones not only increases clots' permeability, but also makes them more prone to degradation. Conclusions: Plasma histones and DNA affect the structure of the clot formed and induce defective fibrinolysis. Moreover, the increased viscoelastic properties of plasma from cancer patients can be used as potential biomarkers in cancer prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last 10 years, paper-based electrochemical biosensors have gathered attention from the scientific community for their unique advantages and sustainability vision. The use of papers in the design the electrochemical biosensors confers to these analytical tools several interesting features such as the management of the solution flow without external equipment, the fabrication of reagent-free devices exploiting the porosity of the paper to store the reagents, and the unprecedented capability to detect the target analyte in gas phase without any sampling system. Furthermore, cost-effective fabrication using printing technologies, including wax and screen-printing, combined with the use of this eco-friendly substrate and the possibility of reducing waste management after measuring by the incineration of the sensor, designate these type of sensors as eco-designed analytical tools. Additionally, the foldability feature of the paper has been recently exploited to design and fabricate 3D multifarious biosensors, which are able to detect different target analytes by using enzymes, antibodies, DNA, molecularly imprinted polymers, and cells as biocomponents. Interestingly, the 3D structure has recently boosted the self-powered paper-based biosensors, opening new frontiers in origami devices. This review aims to give an overview of the current state origami paper-based biosensors, pointing out how the foldability of the paper allows for the development of sensitive, selective, and easy-to-use smart and sustainable analytical devices.

An aptamer is a synthetic oligonucleotide, referring to a single-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid or ribonucleic acid ligand produced by synthesis from outside the body using systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) technology. Owing to their special screening process and adjustable tertiary structures, aptamers can bind to multiple targets (small molecules, proteins, and even whole cells) with high specificity and affinity. Moreover, due to their simple preparation and stable modification, they have been widely used to construct biosensors for target detection. The paper-based sensor is a product with a low price, short detection time, simple operation, and other superior characteristics, and is widely used as a rapid detection method. This review mainly focuses on the screening methods of aptamers, paper-based devices, and applicable sensing strategies. Furthermore, the design of the aptamer-based lateral flow assay (LFA), which underlies the most promising devices for commercialization, is emphasized. In addition, the development prospects and potential applications of paper-based biosensors using aptamers as recognition molecules are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A rapid DNA extraction was used for T. cruzi detection in triatomines dry fecal spots collected on filter paper and analyzed by PCR. Fifty T. infestans were fed on experimentally infected Balb/C mice with high T. cruzi parasitemia and divided into five groups of ten triatomines, and 100 triatomines were infected with lower parasitemia and divided into five groups of 20 triatomines. One dry fecal spot was analyzed per group on days 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 post feeding. Amplification targeted T. cruzi TCZ sequence and resulted positive from day 4 after bugs feeding in the two models (high and lower parasitemia). The rapid DNA isolation and PCR proposed are suitable for detection of T. cruzi DNA in filter paper and should be considered in field research.