Capillary Blood Samples Research Articles

A pharmacokinetic randomised interventional study to optimise dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine dosing for malaria preventive treatment in Malawian infants: A protocol for the OPTIMAL study

Background A newer malaria preventive treatment, dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP), has been identified as an effective alternative to sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine, to which malaria parasites are increasingly becoming resistant. However, how best to dose DP to safely prevent malaria in infants when aligned with routine health facility visits remains unresolved. As infants are usually excluded from participating in early dose optimisation clinical trials, the present study seeks to shift the paradigm and develop optimised DP dosing strategies for malaria preventive treatment in infants. Methods A randomised, single-blind, placebo-controlled, two-arm, interventional study will be conducted in southern Malawi. At 10 weeks (2.5 months) of age, 220 eligible infants will be randomised to receive DP (intervention group, n=110) or placebo (control group, n=110) with routine vaccines. They will be followed until 12 months of age and receive three further DP or placebo treatment courses at 14 weeks, six- and nine months. Infants in the intervention group will contribute capillary samples for piperaquine concentrations pre-dose and at three-, seven-, 14- and 28-days post-DP dosing as well as capillary samples pre-dose and on day 28 post-DP to quantify malaria parasitaemia using microscopy and quantitative PCR. In the control group, infants will contribute capillary blood samples for malaria parasitaemia at the same time points as the intervention group. Malaria incidence and adverse events will be compared between the two groups. Population pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modelling techniques will be applied to derive feasible, optimised, efficacious, and safe DP dosing strategies for malaria preventive treatment in infancy. Conclusions The findings will provide the much-needed evidence to inform DP dosing for malaria preventive treatment in infants when administered with routine health facility visits. Additionally, they will help inform optimal DP dosing for malaria treatment in infants. The trial was registered with the Pan African Clinical Trials Registry; (PACTR202211575727659) on 8 November 2022. Protocol version 3.1, dated 29 September 2022.

Analytical performance and user-friendliness of four commercially available point-of-care devices for C-reactive protein

IntroductionProper implementation of Point-of-Care testing (POCT) for C-reactive protein (CRP) in primary care can decrease the inappropriate use of antibiotics, thereby tackling the problem of growing antimicrobial resistance. ObjectiveThe analytical performance and user-friendliness of four POCT-CRP assays were evaluated: QuikRead go easy, LumiraDx, cobas b 101 and Afinion 2. Materials and methodsImprecision was evaluated using plasma pools in addition to manufacturer-specific control material. Trueness was assessed by verification of traceability to ERM-DA474/IFCC in parallel to method comparison towards the central laboratory CRP method (cobas c 503) using i) retrospectively selected plasma samples (n = 100) and ii) prospectively collected capillary whole blood samples (n = 50). User-friendliness was examined using a questionnaire. ResultsBetween-day imprecision on plasma pools varied from 4.5 % (LumiraDx) to 11.5 % (QuikRead). Traceability verification revealed no significant difference between cobas c 503 CRP results and the ERM-DA474/IFCC certified value. cobas b 101 and Afinion achieved the best agreement with the central laboratory method. LumiraDx and QuikRead revealed a negative mean difference, with LumiraDx violating the criterion of > 95 % of POCT-CRP-results within ± 20 % of the comparison method. Regarding user-friendliness, Afinion obtained the highest Likert-scores. ConclusionThe analytical performance and user-friendliness of POCT-CRP devices varies among manufacturers, emphasizing the need for quality assurance supervised by a central laboratory.

Vegetarianism and Cardiovascular Health

The impact of dietary choices on cardiovascular health has garnered significant attention, and vegetarianism has emerged as a dietary pattern of particular interest in this research field. A recent body of research suggests that adopting a vegetarian diet may potentially reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, however, this relationship still needs to be clarified. The present study aimed to identify the differences in 10-year cardiovascular risk (CVR) and its associated factors between Vegetarians (VG) and Omnivores (OM). This cross-sectional design analysis involved 110 participants (both sexes, mean age of 49 yo) including 55 OM and 55 VG. Metabolic markers were measured from capillary blood sampling (LINX DUO, Menarini), and 10-year CVR was calculated through SCORE2. No statistically significant differences between the two dietary patterns analyzed were found for 10-year CVR. However, a slight tendency towards a higher CVR in OM was observed (OM: 3.16% versus VG: 2.60%; t = 0.970; p = 0.334). The OM population also showed statistically higher values of total cholesterol (OM: 199.00 mg/dL versus VG: 172.00 mg/dL), c-LDL (OM: 117.87 mg/dL versus VG: 99.85 mg/dL), and non-HDL cholesterol (OM: 138.00 mg/dL versus VG: 116.00 mg/dL), compared to VG. These factors are all related to the increased risk of developing cardiovascular events (both fatal and non-fatal) at 10 years. The consumption of sweets, sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB), and fast food proved to be a risk factor for a high-risk SCORE2 for cardiovascular events at 10 years in 1.6%, 2.6%, and 2.1%, respectively. On the other hand, the consumption of vegetables (1%) and fruit (0.3%), as well as high adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) in OM (41%) and a high quality diet in VG (13.9%) proved to be protective factors against a high-risk SCORE2 for cardiovascular events at 10 years. In conclusion, this study revealed intriguing insights into the complex relationship between dietary patterns, metabolic markers, and 10-year CVR. These results suggest that 10-year CVR is influenced by the quality of the diet (as no differences were observed for lifestyle variables such as smoking status and physical activity), and not by the dietary pattern alone. It is important to note that the intake of sweets, SSB, fast food, and an unhealthy diet appear to increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases rather than the dietary pattern followed (Mediterranean or Vegetarian). These findings underscore the significance of individual dietary components in shaping long-term cardiovascular health and emphasize the need for further research to refine dietary recommendations and enhance cardiovascular outcomes. This research was funded by national funds through FCT - Foundation for Science and Technology, I.P. (Portugal), under the [UIDB/04567/2020] and [UIDP/ 04567/2020] projects, and by COFAC/ILIND—Cooperativa De Formação e Animação Cultural CRL/Instituto Lusófono de Investigação e Desenvolvimento (grant COFAC/ILIND/CBIOS/2/2021). R.M. is funded by the FCT - Foundation for Science and Technology, I.P. (Portugal) Scientific Employment Stimulus contract [reference number CEEC/04567/CBIOS/2020]. C.F-P. is funded by the FCT - Foundation for Science and Technology, I.P. (Portugal) Scientific Employment Stimulus contract [reference number CEEC/CBIOS/NUT/2018]. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Differences in hemoglobin concentration between capillary and venous blood samples in pre-school children

Differences in hemoglobin concentration between capillary and venous blood samples in pre-school children

Oral bacteriotherapy is associated with decreased blood lactate concentration during exercise at high altitude

Exposure to high altitude leads to decreased oxygen saturation (SpO2) and, in some individuals, the development of adverse outcomes such as acute high-altitude sickness. A further decrease in oxygen availability during exercise at altitude leads to greater anaerobic metabolism and increased lactate production. Previous studies show that ingestion of the probiotic SLAB51 (O2BOOSTER; Hecto, Seoul, South Korea) improved SpO2 in individuals exercising in a hypobaric chamber (simulated altitude 16,732 ft (~5100 m) above sea level) compared to individuals who did not ingest the probiotic. However, the use of SLAB51 during exercise at high terrestrial altitude has yet to be studied. We hypothesized that individuals who ingest SLAB51, relative to those given a placebo, will exhibit less of a difference in lactate production during sub-maximal exercise when paired high-altitude and sea-level values pre- and post-exercise are compared. We recruited 17 participants of Latino ancestry, ages 19-63 years, for studies at sea level (University of California, San Diego) and at high altitude (University of California White Mountain Barcroft Research Station, 3801 m). At sea level and on the third or fourth day at high altitude, we measured SpO2 and heart rate (HR) via pulse oximetry (forehead probe) before and during the last 30 seconds of a 10-minute submaximal (1 watt/kg) bout of exercise on a cycle ergometer (n = 5 for each group). Blood lactate concentration was measured before and after exercise from fingertip capillary blood samples. The respective differences between SpO2 and HR pre-exercise and during the final 30 seconds of exercise (the ΔSpO2 and ΔHR) were calculated for all individuals. The Δlactate blood concentration was calculated by the difference between lactate pre- and post-exercise. ΔSpO2, ΔHR, and Δlactate values were computed for sea level and high altitude. The difference between the respective sea-level Δ and the high-altitude Δ values were quantified for each measurement and compared between the groups who received either SLAB51 or the placebo upon arrival, and the same treatment for three days at high altitude. As expected, exercise increased HR and blood lactate concentration at sea level and high altitude and decreased SpO2 at high altitude. The difference of Δlactate between sea level and high altitude was lower (p = 0.023) in the SLAB51 (n = 4, 0.93 ± 0.18 mmol/L) versus placebo (n = 4, 1.63 ± 0.13 mmol/L) group. However, there were no significant differences of ΔSpO2 and ΔHR between groups. Our findings show that taking SLAB51 could lower the production of lactate during submaximal exercise at high altitude. This means that anaerobic glycolysis may play a smaller role in energy production when the probiotic is taken compared to the placebo. To further understand the influence of SLAB51 as a supplement on exercise performance at altitude, more research with a bigger sample size is necessary. Supported by LEA Altitude Performance Fund. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Comparison of capillary blood samples and venous blood samples in measuring AMH levels

Comparison of capillary blood samples and venous blood samples in measuring AMH levels

The Impact of Cardiorespiratory and Metabolic Parameters on Match Running Performance (MRP) in National-Level Football Players: A Multiple Regression Analysis

The aim of the study was to examine the association between cardiorespiratory and metabolic parameters and match running performance (MRP) in highly trained football players. The sample of participants consisted of 41 national-level football players (aged 23.20 ± 3.40 years, body height 182.00 ± 5.15 cm, and body mass 76.86 ± 6.06 kg) from the Serbian Super league. For the purposes of this research, the following measurements were applied. A maximal multistage progressive treadmill test, with a direct measurement of maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) (using Fitmate MED, Cosmed, Rome, Italy) was conducted, alongside continuous heart rate monitoring. Capillary blood samples were taken from the hyperemic area using specific test strips, and, after sample collection, lactate concentration was immediately determined using a lactate analyzer. MRP variables were analyzed according to the BioIRC model of motion structure analysis, based on existing standards for profiling movement intensity. The results of multiple regression analysis indicated an association between cardiac parameters and total distance (R2 = 54.3%, p = 0.000), high-speed running (R2 = 46.4%, p = 0.000), and jogging (R2 = 33.6%, p = 0.004). Regression analysis revealed an association between cardiorespiratory parameters and total distance (R2 = 24.8%, p = 0.014), and high-speed running (R2 = 20%, p = 0.039). Meanwhile, no association was found between lactate concentration and running performance. The explanation for these regression analysis results is based on the observation that functional abilities represent significant potential for expressing movement performance, a crucial condition for success in football.

The Influence of Pedaling Frequency on Blood Lactate Accumulation in Cycling Sprints.

Anaerobic performance diagnostics in athletes relies on accurate measurements of blood lactate concentration and the calculation of blood lactate accumulation resulting from glycolytic processes. In this study, we investigated the impact of pedaling frequency on blood lactate accumulation during 10-second maximal isokinetic cycling sprints. Thirteen trained males completed five 10-second maximal isokinetic cycling sprints on a bicycle ergometer at different pedaling frequencies (90 rpm, 110 rpm, 130 rpm, 150 rpm, 170 rpm) with continuous power and frequency measurement. Capillary blood samples were taken pre-exercise and up to 30 minutes post-exercise to determine the maximum blood lactate concentration.Blood lactate accumulation was calculated as the difference between maximal post-exercise and pre-start blood lactate concentration. Repeated measurement ANOVA with Bonferroni-adjusted post hoc t-tests revealed significant progressive increases in maximal blood lactate concentration and accumulation with higher pedaling frequencies (p<0.001; η2+>+0.782).The findings demonstrate a significant influence of pedaling frequency on lactate accumulation, emphasizing its relevance in anaerobic diagnostics. Optimal assessment of maximal lactate formation rate is suggested to require a pedaling frequency of at least 130 rpm or higher, while determining metabolic thresholds using the maximal lactate formation rate may benefit from a slightly lower pedaling frequency.

Widespread pfhrp2/3 deletions and HRP2-based false-negative results in southern Ethiopia

BackgroundRapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) play a significant role in expanding case management in peripheral healthcare systems. Histidine-rich protein-2 (HRP2) antigen detection RDTs are predominantly used to diagnose Plasmodium falciparum infection. However, the evolution and spread of P. falciparum parasite strains with deleted hrp2/3 genes, causing false-negative results, have been reported. This study assessed the diagnostic performance of HRP2-detecting RDTs for P. falciparum cases and the prevalence of pfhrp2/3 deletions among symptomatic patients seeking malaria diagnosis at selected health facilities in southern Ethiopia.MethodsA multi-health facilities-based cross-sectional study was conducted on self-presenting febrile patients seeking treatment in southern Ethiopia from July to September 2022. A purposive sampling strategy was used to enroll patients with microscopically confirmed P. falciparum infections. A capillary blood sample was obtained to prepare a blood film for microscopy and a RDT using the SD Bioline™ Malaria Pf/Pv Test. Dried blood spot samples were collected for further molecular analysis. DNA was extracted using gene aid kits and amplification was performed using nested PCR assay. Exon 2 of hrp2 and hrp3, which are the main protein-coding regions, was used to confirm its deletion. The diagnostic performance of RDT was evaluated using PCR as the gold standard test for P. falciparum infections.ResultsOf 279 P. falciparum PCR-confirmed samples, 249 (89.2%) had successful msp-2 amplification, which was then genotyped for hrp2/3 gene deletions. The study revealed that pfhrp2/3 deletions were common in all health centres, and it was estimated that 144 patients (57.8%) across all health facilities had pfhrp2/3 deletions, leading to false-negative PfHRP2 RDT results. Deletions spanning exon 2 of hrp2, exon 2 of hrp3, and double deletions (hrp2/3) accounted for 68 (27.3%), 76 (30.5%), and 33 (13.2%) of cases, respectively. The study findings revealed the prevalence of P. falciparum parasites lacking a single pfhrp2-/3-gene and that both genes varied across the study sites. This study also showed that the sensitivity of the SD Bioline PfHRP2-RDT test was 76.5% when PCR was used as the reference test.ConclusionThis study confirmed the existence of widespread pfhrp2/3- gene deletions, and their magnitude exceeded the WHO-recommended threshold (> 5%). False-negative RDT results resulting from deletions in Pfhrp2/3- affect a country’s attempts at malaria control and elimination. Therefore, the adoption of non-HRP2-based RDTs as an alternative measure is required to avoid the consequences associated with the continued use of HRP-2-based RDTs, in the study area in particular and in Ethiopia in general.

Accuracy of point-of-care capillary blood sugar measurements in critically ill patients: An observational study.

Accurately monitoring blood glucose levels is vital for critically ill individuals. Point-of-care (POC) glucose meters are commonly used in local intensive care units (ICUs). This study aimed to assess the precision of POC glucose meter readings in critically ill individuals with specific evaluation in patients with and without shock against the reference standard of venous blood glucose measurements. An observational study was done on adult patients admitted in the ICU at a teaching institution. Capillary blood samples were collected from the patient's fingertip using lancet device with aseptic measures. The sample was analyzed using the GlucoCare Sense Glucometer (RMD Mediaids Limited, Taiwan). At the same time, 2 ml of blood was drawn from the patient's peripheral veins and analyzed by glucose oxidase-peroxidase method as reference. POC glucose measurements averaged 140 ± 20.23 mg/dl, while laboratory values were recorded as 116.10 ± 17.13 mg/dl. The difference between the two methods was 24.34 ± 12.01 mg/dl. A strong correlation (r = 0.805) was found between capillary and laboratory blood glucose levels, indicating a significant association (P < 0.0001). Twenty-two (44%) patients were in shock during the study. The mean difference between laboratory and POC blood glucose levels was higher in patients with circulatory shock (36.82 ± 4.84 mg/dl) than those without shock (14.61 ± 4.49 mg/dl), P < 0.05. POC glucose meters may lead to underdetection of hypoglycemia in critically ill patients, as their values are higher than laboratory values. Moreover, the results showed that POC glucometers are inaccurate for monitoring glucose in hypotensive patients in shock. Standard venous glucose monitoring methods may be more appropriate for these patients.

Biomonitoring of lead in blood of children living in a former mining area in Lower Saxony, Germany

Environmental exposure to lead substantially decreased over the past decades. However, soil of former mining areas still contains high lead levels. We therefore performed a biomonitoring study among children living in two former mining communities in Lower Saxony, Germany. In these communities, soil contains lead levels of 1000 to 30,000 mg/kg. Overall, 75 children (6–10 years of age) attending the two primary schools of the study area took part in the study. Parents completed a short questionnaire on sociodemographics, and children provided capillary whole blood samples. We analysed lead using inductively coupled plasma tandem mass spectrometer. We compared the results to current German (20 μg/l for boys, 15 μg/l for girls) and US (35 μg/l) reference values. Potential associations between questionnaire information and lead results were tested using lead as continuous outcome and using lead dichotomized at the reference values. Finally, we analysed spatial patterns of elevated biomonitoring results. Of all children, 48% exceeded the German reference values for lead (5% expected) and 8% the US reference value (2.5% expected). Children 6–8 years of age were more likely to exceed German reference values (63%) than 9–10 year old children were (32%; pFisher = 0.01). No other questionnaire information was statistically significantly associated with biomonitoring results. Additionally, we did not find any indication of spatial clustering. In conclusion, we observed elevated blood lead levels in primary school children living in a former mining area. In the next step, exposure pathways need to be identified to implement effective public health measures.

Comparing Four Methods for Preparing the Capillary Blood Sampling Site

Comparing Four Methods for Preparing the Capillary Blood Sampling Site

Prevalence of Human Malaria Parasite among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care at Eldin Specialist Hospital Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria

Malaria infection is a severe parasitic infectious disease transmitted by the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. The disease presents with severe consequences in pregnant women and children &lt;5 years, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where the burden of the disease is highest. Malaria in pregnancy may present with severe symptoms such as miscarriages, premature delivery, low-birth-weight neonates, and neonatal death. This study therefore determined the prevalence of malaria infection among pregnant women in Jos Metropolis. Capillary blood samples were collected from 200 symptomatic pregnant women attending Eldin Specialist Hospital, in Jos, and thin and thick blood Giemsa-stained films were prepared and examined for the presence of malaria parasites. Our findings revealed that 70(35%) of the 200 pregnant women sampled were infected. Based on gravidity, incidence of malaria infection was highest in the primigravidae 45 (41.9%) as compared to multigravidae 25 (27.8%) although decreasing with gestational age, as subjects in their first trimester were more infected 44 (44.0%) with the least being those in their third trimester14 (21.5%). Two peaks of infection were encountered in respect to age; 46.2% in subjects aged 20-24 years and 42.9% in subjects aged 30-39 years with the least infection recorded in subjects aged &gt; 39 years, 17.9%. Malaria incidence is decreasing in the country due to scale up intervention and prevention measures, however, malaria still remains a major public health problem among pregnant women and deliberate efforts need to be put in place to forestall the negative impact of this disease.

Relation between resting spleen volume and apnea-induced increases in hemoglobin mass

Introduction: Indigenous populations renowned for apneic diving have comparatively large spleen volumes. It has been proposed that a larger spleen translates to heightened apnea-induced splenic contraction and elevations in circulating hemoglobin mass (Hbmass), which, in theory, improves O2 carrying and/or CO2 /pH buffering capacities. However, the relation between resting spleen volume and apneainduced increases in Hbmass is unknown. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that resting spleen volume is positively related to apnea-induced increases in total Hbmass. Methods: Fourteen healthy adults (six women; 29 ± 5 years) completed a two-minute carbon monoxide rebreathe procedure to measure pre-apneas Hbmass and blood volume. Spleen length, width, and thickness were measured pre-and post-five maximal apneas via ultrasound. Spleen volume was calculated via the Pilström equation (test-retest CV:2 ± 2%). Hemoglobin concentration ([Hb]; g/dl) and hematocrit (%) were measured pre- and post-apneas via capillary blood samples. Post-apneas Hbmass was estimated as post-apnea [Hb] x pre-apnea blood volume. Data are presented as mean ± SD. Results: Spleen volume decreased from pre- (247 ± 95 mL) to post- (200 ± 82 mL, p&lt;0.01) apneas. [Hb] (14.6 ± 1.2 vs. 14.9 ± 1.2 g/dL, p&lt;0.01), hematocrit (44 ± 3 vs. 45 ± 3%, p=0.04), and Hbmass (1025 ± 322 vs. 1046 ± 339 g, p=0.03) increased from pre- to post-apneas. Pre-apneas spleen volume was unrelated to post-apneas increases in Hbmass (r=-0.02, p=0.47). O2 (+28 ± 31 mL, p&lt;0.01) and CO2 (+31 ± 35 mL, p&lt;0.01) carrying capacities increased post-apneas. Conclusion: Larger spleen volume is not associated with a greater rise in apneas-induced increases in Hbmass in non-apnea-trained healthy adults.

Before and after study of a national complementary and supplementary feeding programme in Rwanda, 2017-2021.

To address high rates of malnutrition among children from vulnerable households in Rwanda, the government initiated a national food supplementation programme. A before and after evaluation, using repeat cross-sectional surveys in randomly selected villageswas conducted; aimed at assessing the effectiveness of providing fortified blended food (FBF) to children 18-23 months of age, pregnant and lactating women in the lowest tier of Rwanda's social support system. Data were collected in 2017, 2018and 2021 through interviews with caregivers; anthropometric measurements and a capillary blood sample were obtained from children. The primary statistical analysis compared the nutritional status of children before and after the introduction of FBF. We enroled 724 children during each survey. The prevalence of stunting declined from 47% to 35% between 2017 and 2021; in 2018, the prevalence of stunting was 43%. Children had a 42% reduction in the odds of being stunted (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 0.58, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.47-0.74, p < 0.001) from 2017 to 2021 even after adjusting for inherent, distal, proximal, and intermediate covariates. The reduction in stunting observed within the first year of the programme was not statistically significant (AOR: 0.83, 95%CI: 0.67-1.03, p < 0.091). We observed meaningful reductions in the prevalence of stunting among children which coincided with the introduction of Government-led initiative to reduce malnutrition. The Rwandan Government has committed to improving the living conditions of vulnerable households and has made strong investments in reducing malnutrition. The impact of these investments can be seen in the overall trend towards improved nutritional status highlighted in this evaluation.

Point of care testing for hepatitis C in the priority settings of mental health, prisons and drug & alcohol facilities - the PROMPt Study.

A barrier to hepatitis C virus (HCV) cure is conventional testing. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of HCV antibody and RNA point-of-care-testing (POCT) on testing rates, linkage to care, treatment and acceptability of testing in three priority settings in Australia. Participants were enrolled in an interventional cohort study at a reception prison, inpatient mental health service (MHS), and inpatient alcohol and other drug (AOD) unit-between October 2020 and December 2021. HCV POCT was performed using SD Bioline HCV antibody fingerstick test and a reflexive Xpert® HCV Viral Load Fingerstick test using capillary blood samples. A retrospective audit of HCV testing and treatment data was performed at each site for the preceding 12-month period to generate a historical control. 1,549 participants received a HCV antibody test with 17% (264/1,549) receiving a positive result, of which 21% (55/264) tested HCV RNA positive. Across all settings the rate of testing per year significantly increased between the historical controls and the study intervention period by three-fold (RR:2.57 95% CI: 2.32, 2.85) for HCV antibody testing and four-fold (RR:1.62; 95% CI:1.31, 2.01) for RNA testing. Treatment uptake was higher during the POCT intervention (86%, 47/55; P=0.010) compared to the historical controls (61%, 27/44). This study demonstrated across three settings that the use of HCV antibody and RNA POCT increased testing rates, treatment uptake linkage to care. The testing model was highly acceptable for most participants. ACTRN-12621001578897.

Detection of Islet Autoantibodies in Whole Blood by Antibody Detection by Agglutination-PCR (ADAP) Technology Is Sensitive and Suitable for General Population Screening Programs

Background. Detection of type 1 diabetes (T1D) at the preclinical stage is possible by detecting islet autoantibodies (IAs) years before the appearance of symptomatic diabetes. The Antibody Detection Israeli Research is a general population screening program searching for children with multiple IAs who are at risk of developing T1D. IAs are measured in capillary or venous whole blood (WB) samples using the novel ultrasensitive antibody detection by agglutination-PCR (ADAP) technology. Objective. To assess the accuracy and reliability of the ADAP assay in venous and capillary WB. Materials and Methods. In total, 50 children with T1D and 50 healthy controls participated in the study. Venous and capillary blood samples were drawn from participants with T1D, while only venous blood was drawn from the controls. The ADAP assay in venous and capillary blood was compared to the currently used assays in their ability to detect glutamic acid decarboxylase (GADA), islet antigen-2 (IA-2A), and insulin autoantibodies (IAAs). Results. The area under the curve using the receiver operating characteristic curves was comparable between the ADAP assay in WB and standard enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)/radioimmunoassay (RIA) for all three IAs GADA 0.946 (95% CI: 0.900–0.991) vs. 0.949 (0.906–0.992), P=0.873; IA-2A 0.747 (0.649–0.844) vs. 0.666 (0.587–0.744), P=0.106; IAA 1.000 (1.000–1.000) vs. 1.000 (1.000–1.000), P=1.000. The correlation between the levels of IA in venous and capillary WB using ADAP was R2 = 0.958 (P &lt;0.01), R2 = 0.943 (P &lt;0.01), and R2 = 0.711 (P &lt;0.01) for GADA, IA-2A, and IAA, respectively. IA levels in venous and capillary WB using ADAP were comparable without a proportional bias in Bland–Altman’s plots of agreement, suggesting the two methods may be used interchangeably. Conclusions. The ADAP assay is reliable in detecting IA in venous and capillary WB samples with comparable performance to standard RIA and ELISA. These findings open avenues for widespread use of the ADAP assay in future general population screening programs to detect children at risk of developing T1D.

Universal screening for early detection of chronic autoimmune, metabolic and cardiovascular diseases in the general population using capillary blood (UNISCREEN): low-risk interventional, single-centre, pilot study protocol

IntroductionChronic autoimmune (type 1 diabetes and coeliac disease) and metabolic/cardiovascular (type 2 diabetes, dyslipidaemia, hypertension) diseases are highly prevalent across all age ranges representing a major public health burden. Universal...

Differences in Cholesterol Levels in Coffee Drinkers Without Sugar and Coffee Drinkers With Sugar in The Work Area

Indonesia is one of the coffee-producing countries as well as coffee bean exporters which ranks fourth in the world. Coffee is one of the most consumed beverages in the world which has become a major need for people without realizing it. Based on the results of previous studies that coffee drinkers using sugar can increase cholesterol levels. Excessive cholesterol in the body will accumulate in the walls of blood vessels and cause a condition called atherosclerosis, namely narrowing or hardening of the arteries. This condition is the forerunner of heart disease and stroke. This study aims to determine differences in cholesterol levels in coffee drinkers without sugar and coffee drinkers using sugar in the working area of Karang Pule. This research is an analytical observation using capillary blood samples of respondents who drink coffee without sugar and drink coffee with sugar. The data obtained in this study were recorded and presented in tabular form and analyzed descriptively. From the results of the study, it was found that the results of examining cholesterol levels in coffee drinkers without sugar were 15 people with an average cholesterol level of 169 mg/dl. Meanwhile, coffee drinkers using sugar were 15 people with an average cholesterol level examination of 242 mg/dl

Metabolic syndrome is prevalent and undiagnosed in clients attending private practice physiotherapy: a cross-sectional study

ObjectivesTo determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in clients presenting for primary care physiotherapy within private practice settings, and the factors that may be associated with metabolic syndrome. The secondary aim was to determine client’s attitudes towards lifestyle change. DesignA cross-sectional study in which self-report and biometric data were collected. The study was conducted in physiotherapy private practices across metropolitan and regional areas, Australia. Participants230 clients (mean age 54 (SD18) years, 64% women) presenting for physiotherapy participated. Main outcome measuresParticipant socio-demographic and lifestyle characteristics were collected. Metabolic syndrome presence was determined by the existence of three or more risk factors on physical examination and capillary blood sample: abdominal obesity, hypertension, elevated random blood glucose, elevated triglycerides and/or reduced HDL cholesterol. ResultsThirty-seven percent of participants had metabolic syndrome, but none knew they had it. Metabolic syndrome was associated with older age and poorer socio-economic status and may have been associated with lower levels of physical activity but not diet. Of those identified as having hypertension and elevated triglycerides, many were undiagnosed (56% and 29% respectively). ConclusionMetabolic syndrome is prevalent and undiagnosed in clients attending private practice physiotherapy. Clients felt lifestyle change was important and they were willing to make changes. This study highlights the need for greater screening of metabolic risk factors in primary care and presents an opportunity for physiotherapists in private practice to identify risk and intervene to improve the overall health of their clients and contribute to chronic disease prevention. Contribution of the Paper•Metabolic syndrome is more prevalent in clients attending private practice physiotherapy (37%) compared to the general population (25%).•Older clients from areas of relative socio-economic disadvantage who are no longer employed and are inactive are most at risk.•Physiotherapists can make an impact by detecting metabolic syndrome and then providing advice and prescribing exercise and physical activity, along with referral for appropriate medical or dietary management.