Optimus Clinical Research

Abstract The rise in antibiotic-resistant pathogens, highly infectious viruses, and chronic diseases has prompted the search for rapid and versatile medical tests that can be performed by the patient. An electronic biosensing platform based on field-effect transistors (FETs) is particularly attractive due to sensitivity, fast turn-around, and compatibility with semiconductor manufacturing. However, the lack of methods for pathogen-specific functionalization of individual FETs prevents parallel detection of multiple pathogens. Indeed, so far functionalization of FET based biosensors is achieved by drop casting without any spatial selectivity. Here, we propose a paradigm shift in FET’s biofunctionalization. Specifically, we use thermal scanning probe lithography (tSPL) with a thermochemically sensitive polymer that can be spin-coated on any FET material. We demonstrate that this scalable, CMOS compatible methodology can be used to functionalize individual FETs with different bioreceptors on the same chip, at sub-20 nm resolution, paving the way for massively parallel FET detection of multiple pathogens. Antibody- and aptamer-modified FET sensors are then realized, achieving an ultra-sensitive detection of 5 aM of SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins and 10 human SARS-CoV-2 infectious live virus particles/ml, and selectivity against human influenza A (H1N1) live virus.

Abstract Background: During hospitalization, older adults (+65) are inactive, which puts them at risk of functional decline and loss of independence. Systematic strength training can prevent loss of functional performance. However, we lack knowledge about the effect of strength training commenced during hospitalization and continued after discharge in older medical patients. This assessor-blinded, randomized study investigated the effect of a simple, supervised strength training program for the lower extremities, combined with post-training protein supplementation during hospitalization and 4 weeks at home after discharge on change in mobility in older medical patients. Methods: Older medical patients (≥65 yrs) admitted acutely from their home to the Emergency Department were randomized to either standard care or supervised progressive strength training and an oral protein supplement during hospitalization and at home 3 days/week for 4 weeks after discharge. The primary outcome was between-group difference in change in mobility from baseline to 4 weeks after discharge assessed by the De Morton Mobility Index. Secondary outcomes were 24-hour mobility, lower extremity strength, gait speed, grip strength and Activities of Daily Living. Results: Eighty-five patients were randomized to the intervention (N=43) or control group (N=42). In the intervention group, 43% were highly compliant with the intervention. Our intention to treat analysis revealed no between-group difference in mobility (difference baseline to 4 weeks: -4.17 (IQR -11.09;2.74; p=0.24) nor in any of the secondary outcomes. The per protocol analysis showed that the intervention group increased significantly more in the daily number of steps taken compared to the control group (difference in change from baseline to 4 weeks: 1024.7 steps (IQR 0.7;2048.6); p<0.05; adjusted for mobility at baseline). Conclusions: Simple supervised strength training for the lower extremities, combined with protein supplementation initiated during hospitalization and continued at home for 4 weeks after discharge was not superior to usual care on change in mobility at 4 weeks in older medical patients. For the secondary outcome, daily number of steps, high compliance with the intervention resulted in a higher daily number of steps. Less than half of the patients were compliant with the intervention indicating that a simpler intervention might be needed. Trial registration: NCT01964482, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01964482, registration date: October 14, 2013, trial protocol: PubMed ID (PMID): 27039381.