In-depth evaluation of automated non-contact reflectance-based hematocrit prediction of dried blood spots.

Dried blood spot(s) (DBS) microsampling has increasingly attracted interest as a patient-centric alternative to conventional blood withdrawal. Despite the many advantages associated with DBS sampling, its widespread use in clinical practice is still hampered, which is mainly caused by the hematocrit (Hct) effect. One approach to cope with this issue is the Hct prediction of DBS using ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy. Recently, a UV-Vis-based Hct prediction module has been incorporated into the automated CAMAG® DBS-MS 500 HCT system. However, although a proof-of-principle yielded promising results, there is no formal in-depth evaluation of the performance of this module. Hence, it remained to be established to what extent automated Hct prediction of DBS via this module can universally be applied and generates acceptable results. Using authentic patient samples, we set up and validated a calibration model and evaluated whether this could serve as a 'generic' calibration model for different, independent Hct prediction modules. A quadratic calibration curve with 1/x2 weighting was established. The bias, intra-day and total precision were below 0.025 L L-1, 2.2% and 2.7%, respectively. Additionally, the influence of storage and the robustness of the method was evaluated. Moreover, a lab-lab comparison of the performance of the Hct module of two independently operated instruments demonstrated that the validated model can be used as a generic calibration model. Finally, application of the method to venous DBS (n = 48) prepared from patient samples in the context of therapeutic drug monitoring of tacrolimus revealed a good concordance between the actual (i.e. Sysmex-based) and UV-Vis-based predicted Hct.

Labile glycated hemoglobin: an underestimated laboratory marker of short term glycemia.

OBJECTIVES: Diabetes mellitus is a major public health problem. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is a key laboratory parameter in the management of diabetes patients. However, in diabetes monitoring, interpretation of HbA1c results is hampered by the important interindividual variation in red blood cell (RBC) life span. Furthermore, HbA1c only slowly responds to changes in glucose metabolism. Besides HbA1c, there exists a labile HbA1c fraction (l-HbA1c), exhibiting much faster kinetics. As both HbA1c and l-HbA1c are measured by modern standard chromatography, we explored the possibilities of using the l-HbA1c fraction for monitoring glycemia. METHODS: l-HbA1c and HbA1c fractions were simultaneously assayed on a Tosoh G8 analyzer and expressed as %. l-HbA1c results were compared with serum glucose and HbA1c. Concomitantly, RBC distribution width (RDW) was determined on a Sysmex SN analyzer as a marker for erythrocyte life span. RESULTS: l-HbA1c could be measured with between-run coefficient of variations (CVs) between 2.2 and 2.3%. l-HbA1c correlated with both glycemia (r=0.80) and HbA1c results (r=0.73). In a multiple regression model (r2=0.752), glycemia and HbA1c were the most determining factors. To a lesser extent, RDW correlated with l-HbA1c (r=0.158). Furthermore, the l-HbA1c/HbA1c ratio weakly positively correlated with RDW (r=0.247). CONCLUSIONS: L-HBA1c represents an additional marker for monitoring the rapid occurrence of glycemic disorders that escape detection when using only HbA1c and blood glucose. RDW can be used as an indicator of atypical RBCs life span, in which the l-HbA1c fraction may be helpful.

Total lab automation: sample stability of clinical chemistry parameters in an automated storage and retrieval module.

OBJECTIVES: Automated storage and retrieval modules (SRM), as part of total lab automation (TLA) systems, offer tremendous practical and economic benefits. In contrast to manual storage systems, SRMs indicate continuous motion of samples and may leave samples prone to temperature fluctuations. This study investigates analyte stability in serum and heparin plasma within an automated storage module. METHODS: The stability of 28 common biochemistry analytes was investigated using 57 freshly obtained routine serum samples and 42 lithium-heparin plasma samples. Following baseline measurement, samples were stored at 2-8 °C in the automated SRM of the Accelerator a3600 TLA and reanalyzed at fixed time points (2, 4, 8, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h) on the Abbott Architect c16000 chemistry analyzer. The concentration at each time point was expressed as %-difference to the baseline value and mean results were compared to the criteria for desirable bias derived from the biological variation database. RESULTS: Nine of the analytes exceeded the bias criterion within 72 h after initial measurement in either serum samples, plasma samples or both. Lithium-heparin plasma samples showed increasing values for phosphor, potassium and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), which were only considered stable for respectively 24, 12 and 4 h, glucose was considered stable for 8 h. Electrolyte concentrations and LDH activity significantly increased in serum samples beyond 48 h. Bicarbonate should not be performed as add-on test at all. CONCLUSIONS: The presented data indicate that the conditions within an SRM have no clinical impact on sample stability and allow stable measurement of routine analytes within 72 h, comparable to manual storage facilities.

Near-infrared-based hematocrit prediction of dried blood spots: An in-depth evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Dried blood spot (DBS) microsampling has gained interest in different clinical fields, owing to its many advantages compared to conventional blood sampling. However, whilst being applied for decades for screening purposes, some challenges, such as the hematocrit (Hct) effect, hinder further widespread use of DBS for quantitative purposes in clinical practice. Amongst the approaches that were developed to cope with this issue, is the Hct prediction of DBS using near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. METHODS: Using left-over EDTA-anticoagulated patient samples, the accuracy and precision, stability, and robustness were assessed. Furthermore, applicability of the method on capillary DBS was evaluated via finger prick samples. RESULTS: A maximal bias, respectively CV, of 0.012 L/L and 4.5% were obtained. The method was robust towards several aspects, including storage (except for storage at 60°C), measurement location, type of filter paper and spotted volume. Furthermore, the potential to predict the Hct of capillary DBS was demonstrated. CONCLUSION: A commercially available NIR set-up was extensively and successfully validated, allowing non-contact Hct prediction of DBS with excellent accuracy and precision. This allows to correct for the Hct-based bias observed in partial-punch DBS analysis and the set-up of blood-plasma conversion factors, increasing the application potential of patient-centric sampling.

Meningoencephalitis with Streptococcus equi Subspecies equi Leading to a Dural Arteriovenous Fistula.

Invasive infection with Lancefield group C streptococci in humans is extremely rare, with the vast majority of clinical isolates belonging to Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis. We report a case of meningoencephalitis in a 69-year-old man caused by Streptococcus equi subsp. equi, a microbe that causes strangles in Equus caballus (i.e., the horse). This is only the fourth infection with this subtype of the central nervous system (CNS) reported in humans. The invasiveness of these bacteria, known to be capable of releasing strongly immunogenic exotoxins, is illustrated by white matter lesions that are present in the acute phase. This patient initially recovered well after treatment with antibiotics and glucocorticoids. However, the patient was readmitted 5 months later with multiple intraparenchymatous cerebral haemorrhages. Cerebral angiography confirmed the presence of a suspected superficial dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF), which is seldom reported after CNS infection. The invasiveness of these bacteria was illustrated by white matter lesions present in the acute phase and the occurrence of a de novo dural arteriovenous fistula in the follow-up period.

Preanalytical classical and alternative complement pathway activity loss.

INTRODUCTION: Complement functional analyses provide insight into the integrity of the entire complement reaction cascade. These tests are suitable for investigating suspected complement deficiencies. Falsely reduced test outcomes may result from preanalytical instabilities of individual complement components. To generate rationale for this or potential alternative practices, this study aimed to extend the knowledge on the preanalytical stability of widely used tests to screen the complement system. We assessed the influence of time, temperature and EDTA on classical (CH50) and alternative pathway (AP50) functional assay test results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used nephelometric (C3d) and immunofixation (C3c) techniques to support the investigation of the preanalytical phase of basic complement system activity tests. Quantitative determination of classical and alternative pathway function was performed with a haemolytic activity assay and a C5b-9 neo-epitope ELISA-based assay respectively. Blood of five healthy volunteers was sampled and complement components allowed to degrade under different conditions. RESULTS: CH50 and AP50 remain stable for approximately one week in serum samples incubated on ice. CH50 activity decreased almost twice as fast in EDTA plasma compared to serum at room temperature. AP50 activity contrastingly, decreased twice as slow in EDTA plasma compared to serum at room temperature. CONCLUSION: Serum on ice remains the preferred specimen for functional complement analyses. In the absence of serum transported on ice, serum kept at room temperature (not exceeding 24h) is suitable for classical and alternative pathway analyses. For alternative pathway analyses specifically, the C3-stabilising effect of EDTA allows for the extended use of EDTA plasma (not over 4 days). In these conditions, at least 85% of baseline complement activity remains.

Deletion of Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue Lymphoma Translocation Protein 1 in Mouse T Cells Protects Against Development of Autoimmune Arthritis but Leads to Spontaneous Osteoporosis.

OBJECTIVE: Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma translocation protein 1 (MALT-1) plays a crucial role in innate and adaptive immune signaling by modulating the threshold for activation of immune cells, including Treg cells. Therefore, MALT-1 is regarded to be an interesting therapeutic target in several immune-mediated diseases. The goal of this study was to examine the role of MALT-1 in experimental animal models of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: MALT-1 activation was assessed by measuring cleavage of the deubiquitinase CYLD in lymphocytes from mice with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). Furthermore, the impact of MALT-1 deficiency on arthritis was evaluated in Malt1KO mice with CIA or with collagen antibody-induced arthritis (CAIA). T cell-specific MALT-1 deficiency was measured in mice with deletion of T cell-specific MALT-1 (Malt1Tcell KO ), and the time-dependent effects of MALT-1 deficiency were assessed in mice with deletion of tamoxifen-inducible T cell-specific MALT-1 (Malt1iTcell KO ). Bone density was determined in MALT-1-deficient mice using micro-computed tomography and femur-bending tests. Reconstitution of Treg cells was performed using adoptive transfer experiments. RESULTS: MALT-1 activation was observed in the lymphocytes of mice with CIA. T cell-specific MALT-1 deletion in the induction phase of arthritis (incidence of arthritis, 25% in control mice versus 0% in Malt1iTcell KO mice; P < 0.05), but not in the effector phase of arthritis, completely protected mice against the development of CIA. Consistent with this finding, MALT-1 deficiency had no impact on CAIA, an effector phase model of RA. Finally, mice with MALT-1 deficiency showed a spontaneous decrease in bone density (mean ± SEM trabecular thickness, 46.3 ± 0.7 µm in control mice versus 40 ± 1.1 µm in Malt1KO mice; P < 0.001), which was linked to the loss of Treg cells in these mice. CONCLUSION: Overall, these data in murine models of RA highlight MALT-1 as a master regulator of T cell activation, which is relevant to the pathogenesis of autoimmune arthritis. Furthermore, these findings show that MALT-1 deficiency can lead to spontaneous osteoporosis, which is associated with impaired Treg cell numbers.

Running promotes chronicity of arthritis by local modulation of complement activators and impairing T regulatory feedback loops.

OBJECTIVES: The mechanisms driving onset of joint inflammation in arthritides such as rheumatoid arthritis and spondyloarthritis and the conversion to disease chronicity are poorly understood. We hypothesised mechanostrain could play an instrumental role herein by engaging local and/or systemic pathways, thereby attenuating disease course and outcome. METHODS: The development of collagen antibody-induced arthritis (CAIA) in C57BL/6 mice was evaluated both clinically and histologically under different loading regimens: control, voluntary running or hindpaw unloading. Bone surface porosity was quantified by high-resolution µ-CT. Gene expression analyses were conducted by microarrays and qPCR on microdissected entheses, murine and human synovial tissues (both normal and inflamed). Serum cytokines and chemokines were measured by ELISA. The influence of complement activation and T regulatory (Treg) cell function on the induction and resolution phase of disease was studied by respectively pharmacological modulation and conditional Treg depletion. RESULTS: Voluntary running strongly impacts the course of arthritis by impairing the resolution phase of CAIA, leading to more persistent inflammation and bone surface porosity. Mechanical strain induced local complement activation, increased danger-associated molecular pattern expression, activating Fcγ receptors as well as changes in fibroblast phenotype. Interestingly, complement C5a receptor blockade inhibited the enhanced joint pathology caused by voluntary running. Moreover, Treg depletion led to a loss of disease resolution in CAIA mice, which was not observed under voluntary running conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Running promotes onset and chronicity of arthritis by local upregulation of complement activators and hampering regulatory T cell feedback loops.

Mechanical strain determines the site-specific localization of inflammation and tissue damage in arthritis.

Many pro-inflammatory pathways leading to arthritis have global effects on the immune system rather than only acting locally in joints. The reason behind the regional and patchy distribution of arthritis represents a longstanding paradox. Here we show that biomechanical loading acts as a decisive factor in the transition from systemic autoimmunity to joint inflammation. Distribution of inflammation and erosive disease is confined to mechano-sensitive regions with a unique microanatomy. Curiously, this pathway relies on stromal cells but not adaptive immunity. Mechano-stimulation of mesenchymal cells induces CXCL1 and CCL2 for the recruitment of classical monocytes, which can differentiate into bone-resorbing osteoclasts. Genetic ablation of CCL2 or pharmacologic targeting of its receptor CCR2 abates mechanically-induced exacerbation of arthritis, indicating that stress-induced chemokine release by mesenchymal cells and chemo-attraction of monocytes determines preferential homing of arthritis to certain hot spots. Thus, mechanical strain controls the site-specific localisation of inflammation and tissue damage in arthritis.

Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), an unusual cause of high anion gap metabolic acidosis.

The causes of high anion gap metabolic acidosis (HAGMA) are well described in the literature. However, sometimes more frequent causes of HAGMA cannot explain its occurrence.In the case of HAGMA and severe neurological depression in the absence of other causes of HAGMA, clinicians should consider an intoxication with gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) as a possible cause.GHB is endogenous to the mammalian central nervous system (CNS). Synthetic GHB was initially used as an anesthetic but is now only licensed for medical use in a limited number of indications such as the treatment of narcolepsy. Because of its euphoric effects, it became popular for recreational use under the street names: Liquid Ecstasy, Georgia Home Boy, and Liquid G.We describe the clinical case of a patient who suffered from severe neurological depression and HAGMA.

A Longitudinal Supra-Inguinal Fascia Iliaca Compartment Block Reduces Morphine Consumption After Total Hip Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The role of a fascia iliaca compartment block (FICB) for postoperative analgesia after total hip arthroplasty (THA) remains questionable. High-dose local anesthetics and a proximal injection site may be essential for successful analgesia. High-dose local anesthetics may pose a risk for local anesthetic systemic toxicity. We hypothesized that a high-dose longitudinal supra-inguinal FICB is safe and decreases postoperative morphine consumption after anterior approach THA. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, double blind, randomized controlled trial. Patients scheduled for THA were randomized to group FICB (longitudinal supra-inguinal FICB with 40-mL ropivacaine 0.5%) or group C (control, no block). Standard hypothesis tests (t test or Mann-Whitney U test, χ test) were performed to analyze baseline characteristics and outcome parameters. The primary end point of the study was total morphine (mg) consumption at 24 hours postoperatively. Serial total and free ropivacaine serum levels were determined in 10 patients. RESULTS: After obtaining ethical committee approval and written informed consent, 88 patients were included. Mean (SD) morphine consumption at 24 hours postoperatively was reduced in group FICB compared to group C: 10.25 (1.64) mg versus 19.0 (2.4) mg (P = 0.004). Using a mean dose of 2.6-mg/kg ropivacaine (range, 2-3.4 mg/kg), none of the patients had total or free ropivacaine levels above the maximum tolerated serum concentration. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that a high-dose longitudinal supra-inguinal FICB reduces postoperative morphine requirements after anterior approach THA.Clinical Trials Registry: EU Clinical Trials Register. www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu #2014-002122-12.

A20 inhibition of STAT1 expression in myeloid cells: a novel endogenous regulatory mechanism preventing development of enthesitis.

OBJECTIVES: A20 is an important endogenous regulator of inflammation. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in A20 have been associated with various immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, and cell-specific deletion of A20 results in diverse inflammatory phenotypes. Our goal was to delineate the underlying mechanisms of joint inflammation in myeloid-specific A20-deficient mice (A20myelKO mice). METHODS: Inflammation in A20myelKO mice was assessed in a time-dependent manner. Western blot analysis and quantitative PCR analysis were performed on bone marrow-derived macrophages from A20myelKO and littermate control mice to study the effect of A20 on STAT1/STAT3 expression and STAT1/STAT3-dependent gene transcription in myeloid cells. The in vivo role of Janus kinase-Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (JAK-STAT) signalling in the development of enthesitis in A20myelKO mice was assessed following administration of a JAK inhibitor versus placebo control. RESULTS: Enthesitis was found to be an early inflammatory lesion in A20myelKO mice. A20 negatively modulated STAT1-dependent, but generally not STAT3-dependent gene transcription in myeloid cells by suppressing STAT1 but not STAT3 expression, both in unstimulated conditions and after interferon-γ or interleukin-6 stimulation. The increase in STAT1 gene transcription in the absence of A20 was shown to be JAK-STAT-dependent. Moreover, JAK inhibition in vivo resulted in significant reduction of enthesitis, both clinically and histopathologically. CONCLUSIONS: Our data reveal an important and novel interplay between myeloid cells and tissue resident cells at entheseal sites that is regulated by A20. In the absence of A20, STAT1 but not STAT3 expression is enhanced leading to STAT1-dependent inflammation. Therefore, A20 acts as a novel endogenous regulator of STAT1 that prevents onset of enthesitis.

Distinct dysregulation of the small leucine-rich repeat protein family in osteoarthritic acetabular labrum compared to articular cartilage.

OBJECTIVE: Articular cartilage is well studied in osteoarthritis (OA). However, the role of supporting structures, such as the acetabular labrum, a sealing structure surrounding the hip joint, has been investigated much less. We recently showed that fibrochondrocytic labrum cells are metabolically active. This study was undertaken to investigate hip OA­associated changes in human acetabular labrum cells. METHODS: Microarray analysis was performed to compare OA labrum cells to healthy labrum cells cultured in a 3-dimensional alginate bead system. Data were analyzed by cluster analysis using gene set enrichment analysis software and by gene list analysis using PANTHER gene family tools. Selected candidates were validated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis on labrum and cartilage samples and by immunohistochemistry. The functional impacts of the genes identified were investigated by in vitro stimulation experiments in labrum cells. RESULTS: Pathway analysis revealed increased cytokine and chemokine signaling in OA labrum cells, whereas reduced extracellular matrix interactions and transforming growth factor ß signaling were observed. Several genes were significantly differentially expressed in OA compared to healthy labrum. We specifically focused on 3 small leucine-rich repeat proteins (SLRPs), osteomodulin, osteoglycin, and asporin, that appeared to be distinctly regulated in OA labrum compared to OA cartilage. SLRPs were strongly down-regulated in OA labrum but up-regulated in OA articular chondrocytes. Moreover, in vitro stimulation with osteomodulin increased aggrecan expression in OA labrum cells. CONCLUSION: OA labrum fibrochondrocytes have several features similar to OA chondrocytes. However, SLRP expression seems to be differentially influenced by degeneration in OA labrum compared to cartilage, suggesting a specific role for this supporting structure in OA. The functional impact of SLRPs on labrum cells makes them interesting targets for further studies in hip OA.

Quantitative proteomics to characterize specific histone H2A proteolysis in chronic lymphocytic leukemia and the myeloid THP-1 cell line.

Proteome studies on hematological malignancies contribute to the understanding of the disease mechanism and to the identification of new biomarker candidates. With the isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) method we analyzed the protein expression between B-cells of healthy people and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) B-cells. CLL is the most common lymphoid cancer of the blood and is characterized by a variable clinical course. By comparing samples of patients with an aggressive vs. indolent disease, we identified a limited list of differentially regulated proteins. The enhanced sensitivity attributed to the iTRAQ labels led to the discovery of a previously reported but still not clarified proteolytic product of histone H2A (cH2A) which we further investigated in light of the suggested functional properties of this modification. In the exploratory proteome study the Histone H2A peptide was up-regulated in CLL samples but a more specific and sensitive screening of a larger patient cohort indicated that cH2A is of myeloid origin. Our subsequent quantitative analysis led to a more profound characterization of the clipping in acute monocytic leukemia THP-1 cells subjected to induced differentiation.

Growth differentiation factor 15, a marker of lung involvement in systemic sclerosis, is involved in fibrosis development but is not indispensable for fibrosis development.

OBJECTIVE: Transforming growth factor ß superfamily members are involved in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc). Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) is a distant member of this family. We undertook this study to evaluate the role of GDF-15 in SSc pathogenesis. METHODS: A longitudinal prospective cohort of SSc patients was screened for serum GDF-15 levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and associations with clinical data were analyzed. In vitro stimulation experiments were performed on lung fibroblasts. The role of GDF-15 in fibrosis development in vivo was evaluated in the bleomycin lung fibrosis model in GDF-15-deficient mice. RESULTS: GDF-15 was measured at baseline in serum samples from 119 SSc patients. An increase in GDF-15 levels was observed in patients classified as having no skin involvement, those with limited cutaneous SSc, and those with diffuse cutaneous SSc. Moreover, baseline serum GDF-15 levels correlated strongly with disease activity and extent of organ involvement, particularly clinical symptoms of lung fibrosis, including impact on lung function at prospective followup. This was mimicked in the bleomycin model of SSc, in which animals exposed to bleomycin had elevated expression levels of GDF-15 in lung tissue. Lung fibroblasts isolated from GDF-15-deficient mice showed reduced induction of interleukin-6 and CCL2 upon bleomycin stimulation. Surprisingly, no differences in fibrosis development were observed between wild-type and GDF-15-deficient animals. CONCLUSION: An intriguing profile of serum GDF-15 levels was found in SSc patients. GDF-15 expression is induced during fibrosis development and markedly correlates with lung function impairment in this disease. The protein may participate in fibrosis initiation, but is not indispensable in the course of fibrosis development in vivo.

Heat-shock proteins in stromal joint tissues: innocent bystanders or disease-initiating proteins?

Heat-shock proteins (HSPs) are molecular chaperones that are highly conserved between species. In recent decades it has become clear that these proteins play an important role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory and degenerative joint diseases by (dys)regulating the immune system and by direct effects on the stromal tissues of the joint. In this review we discuss current insights into the expression pattern of HSPs in connective tissues, the direct biological role of HSPs in stromal tissues and the potential clinical applications.