Native Plasma Research Articles

B-045 Evaluation of the Analytical Performance of Three Sepsis Related Assays on the Atellica CI Analyzer

Abstract Background The Atellica® CI Analyzer is an automated, high-throughput integrated chemistry and immunoassay analyzer utilizing both Atellica® CH and Atellica® IM Assays. This study evaluated the analytical performance of the Atellica IM BRAHMS Procalcitonin (PCT) Assay, and the Atellica CH Revised C-Reactive Protein (RCRP) and Lactate_3 (Lac_3) Assays on the Atellica CI Analyzer. Methods Precision studies were performed according to CLSI EP05-A3 using native and contrived human serum (PCT, RCRP) or plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (Lac_3) samples. One aliquot of each sample pool was tested in duplicate in two runs per day ≥2 hours apart on each analyzer for ≥20 days. Precision studies were evaluated with one to three lots of reagent on one to two systems. Method comparison (MC) studies were performed using three reagent lots according to CLSI EP09c. Individual native and contrived human serum (PCT, RCRP) or plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (Lac_3) samples were analyzed using the Atellica IM PCT Assay on the Atellica IM Analyzer, the Atellica CH RCRP, Lac_3 Assays on the Atellica CH Analyzer and all three Atellica IM and CH Assays listed above on the Atellica CI Analyzer. Results Representative precision and MC results for each assay are listed in the table. For the three assays tested, repeatability and within-lab %CVs were <1.4% and <8.9%, respectively. Slopes determined by the Deming linear regression model were approximately equal to 1. Conclusions Evaluation of the Atellica IM PCT and Atellica CH RCRP, Lac_3 Assays using the Atellica CI Analyzer demonstrated good precision and equivalent performance compared to the same assays on their respective Atellica CH and Atellica IM Analyzers.

A-061 Analytical Performance and R55G Mutant Detection Ability of an Improved Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Assay, TSH3-Ultra II, on the ADVIA Centaur Immunoassay System and the Atellica IM Analyzer

Abstract Background Measurement of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is a critical tool for the investigation of thyroid disorders. Previous studies have demonstrated that some immunoassays are unable to detect TSH from patients with the R55G mutation in the TSHβ subunit. This study evaluated the analytical performance of the ADVIA Centaur® and Atellica® IM TSH3-Ultra II (TSH3ULII) assay and its ability to detect the R55G TSH mutant. Methods Limit of quantitation (LoQ) and linearity were determined as described in CLSI EP17-A2 and EP06, respectively. Precision and method comparison (MC) studies were performed with three reagent lots according to CLSI EP05-A3 and CLSI EP09c using native and contrived human serum and plasma samples. For precision, one aliquot of each sample was tested in duplicate in two runs per day >2 hours apart on each analyzer for ≥20 days. MC studies were performed by testing native human serum samples using ADVIA Centaur TSH3-UL assay (current TSH assay) and the newer ADVIA Centaur TSH3ULII assay. An additional MC was performed by testing native human serum samples with the TSH3ULII assay on both the ADVIA Centaur XP and the Atellica IM Analyzer. Samples from 61 patients with TSH results below the LoQ when using TSH3-UL were sequenced and confirmed to have the R55G mutant. Each of these samples was tested in duplicate using the ADVIA Centaur TSH3ULII assay. Results LoQ on both the ADVIA Centaur XP and the Atellica IM Analyzer was estimated to be 0.010 μIU/mL (mIU/L). Linearity was verified from 0.010 to 150.000 μIU/mL (mIU/L). ADVIA Centaur TSH3ULII repeatability %CVs ranged from 1.4 to 3.6% at 0.099 and 91.993 μIU/mL (mIU/L), and within-lab %CVs ranged from 2.3 to 6.2% at 4.908 and 91.993 μIU/mL, respectively. Atellica IM TSH3ULII repeatability %CVs ranged from 1.1 to 3.4% at 4.800 and 93.097 μIU/mL, and within-lab %CVs ranged from 2.2 to 4.6% at 0.103 and 93.097 μIU/mL, respectively. For the MC studies, slopes determined by the Passing-Bablock regression model were approximately 1 (0.96-0.97 range) across the sample interval tested. All TSH3ULII results from the 61 mutant patient samples were greater than LoQ, ranging from 0.864 to 23.443 μIU/mL (mIU/L). Conclusions Evaluation of the TSH3ULII assay using the ADVIA Centaur system demonstrated performance comparable to the commercially available TSH3-UL assay for LoQ, linearity, and precision, when using normal patient samples. TSH3ULII results on the Atellica IM Analyzer were comparable to the results obtained on the ADVIA Centaur XP. All 61 TSH mutant samples used in this study that had TSH values below the LoQ with the TSH3-UL assay, were detectable with the TSH3ULII assay. The data presented here demonstrate the ability of the TSH3ULII assay to detect the TSH in samples from patients with the R55G mutation.

Magnetic augmentation through multi-gradient coupling enables direct and programmable profiling of circulating biomarkers

Conventional magnetic biosensing technologies have reduced analytical capacity for magnetic field dimensionality and require extensive sample processing. To address these challenges, we spatially engineer 3D magnetic response gradients for direct and programmable molecular detection in native biofluids. Named magnetic augmentation through triple-gradient coupling for high-performance detection (MATCH), the technology comprises gradient-distributed magnetic nanoparticles encapsulated within responsive hydrogel pillars and suspended above a magnetic sensor array. This configuration enables multi-gradient matching to achieve optimal magnetic activation, response and transduction, respectively. Through focused activation by target biomarkers, the platform preferentially releases sensor-proximal nanoparticles, generating response gradients that complement the sensor’s intrinsic detection capability. By implementing an upstream module that recognizes different biomarkers and releases universal activation molecules, the technology achieves programmable detection of various circulating biomarkers in native plasma. It bypasses conventional magnetic labeling, completes in <60 minutes and achieves sensitive detection (down to 10 RNA and 1000 protein copies). We apply the MATCH to measure RNAs and proteins directly in patient plasma, achieving accurate cancer classification.

Platelet interaction and performance of antibacterial bioinspired nanostructures passivated with human plasma

The ever-increasing ageing of the world population is demanding superior orthopedic devices. Issues such as implant infection, poor osseointegration, or chronic inflammation remain problematic to the lifespan and long-term efficacy of implants. Fabrication of materials with bioinspired nanostructures is one emerging antibacterial strategy to prevent implant infection, however their interactions with blood components, and whether they retain their bactericidal properties in an environment displaying a complex protein corona, remains largely unexplored. In the present study, titanium alloy, commercially pure and plasma-sprayed titania were hydrothermally etched, passivated with human native plasma to develop a protein corona, and then incubated with either Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa or human platelets. Surface analysis was first used to characterize the topography, chemical composition or crystallinity of each material. Fluorescence staining and SEM were performed to evaluate the nanostructure bactericidal properties, as well as to study platelet attachment and morphology. Composition of platelet supernatant was studied using ELISA and flow cytometry. Overall, our study showed that the bioinspired nanostructured surfaces displayed both impressive antibacterial properties in a complex environment, and a superior blood biocompatibility profile in terms of platelet activation (particularly for titanium alloy). Additionally, the amount of pro-inflammatory cytokines released by platelets was found to be no different to that found in native plasma (background levels) and, in some cases, presented a more pro-healing profile with an increased secretion of factors such as TGF-β, PDGF-BB or BMP-2. The nanostructured surfaces performed equally, or better, than hydroxyapatite-coated titanium which is one of the current gold standards in orthopedics. Although further in vivo studies are required to validate these results, such bioinspired nanostructured surfaces certainly show promise to be safely applied to medical device surfaces used in orthopedics and other areas.

Abstract MP13: Hemolysis-mediated Prolyl Endo-Peptidase plasma release – a natural protective mechanism against extreme blood pressure elevations?

During hypertensive crises (BP &gt;180/120 mm Hg), turbulent passage of red blood cells through severely constricted blood vessels can cause blood cell fragmentation and intravascular hemolysis. Consistent with this, in mice we found that a rapid and large increase in BP (by ~60-70 mm Hg) induced by an Ang II-infusion (0.2 ug/g BW) resulted in hemolysis. Prolyl Endo-Peptidase (PEP) is an intracellular enzyme that converts Ang II to Ang-(1-7), thereby shifting from a powerful vasopressor peptide to a counter regulatory peptide. The Ang II-induced acute BP increase that caused a visible hemolysis was associated with a ~4-fold increase in PEP activity (Figure, Panel A). A massive hemolysis induced by freeze-thawing of blood (cryo-hemolysis), moreover, was associated with a ~20x increase in PEP activity as compared to native plasma (Panel B). Of note, mouse cryo-hemolyzed plasma (HP) ex vivo was able to produce substantially more Ang-(1-7) peptide from spiked Ang II than equivalent amount of non-hemolyzed plasma (P). In addition, when PEP inhibitor, S-17092, was added to cryo-hemolyzed plasma (HP inh), Ang-(1-7) formation from Ang II was greatly diminished (Panel C). This suggests that blood corpuscles acting via intracellular PEP are endowed with a larger capacity than native plasma to catabolize the vasoconstrictor peptide Ang II to the vasodilator peptide Ang-(1-7). In conclusion, a large and rapid increase in BP after Ang II infusion causes hemolysis which is associated with the release of intracellular PEP enzyme from blood cells. We propose that the release of PEP confers a protective mechanism against severe BP elevations during hypertensive crisis by granting higher plasma Ang II-degrading capability thereby lowering Ang II and BP. This occurs at the expense of temporary hemolysis in the setting of hypertensive crisis as seen with malignant hypertension.

Sample-Treatment with the Virucidal β-Propiolactone Does Not Preclude Analysis by Large Panel Affinity Proteomics, Including the Discovery of Biomarker Candidates.

Virus inactivation is a prerequisite for safe handling of high-risk infectious samples. β-Propiolactone (BPL) is an established reagent with proven virucidal efficacy. BPL primarily reacts with DNA, RNA, and amino acids. The latter may modify antigenic protein epitopes interfering with binding properties of affinity reagents such as antibodies and aptamers used in affinity proteomic screens. We investigated (i) the impact of BPL treatment on the analysis of protein levels in plasma samples using the aptamer-based affinity proteomic platform SomaScan and (ii) effects on protein detection in conditioned medium samples using the proximity extension assay-based Olink Target platform. In the former setup, BPL-treated and native plasma samples from patients with ovarian cancer (n = 12) and benign diseases (n = 12) were analyzed using the SomaScan platform. In the latter, conditioned media samples collected from cultured T cells with (n = 3) or without (n = 3) anti-CD3 antibody stimulation were analyzed using the Olink Target platform. BPL-related changes in protein detection were evaluated comparing native and BPL-treated states, simulating virus inactivation, and impact on measurable group differences was assessed. While approximately one-third of SomaScan measurements were significantly changed by the BPL treatment, a majority of antigen/aptamer interactions remained unaffected. Interaction effects of BPL treatment and disease state, potentially altering detectability of group differences, were observable for less than one percent of targets (0.6%). BPL effects on protein detection with Olink Target were also limited, affecting 3.6% of detected proteins with no observable interaction effects. Thus, effects of BPL treatment only moderately interfere with affinity proteomic detectability of differential protein expression between different experimental groups. Overall, the results prove high-throughput affinity proteomics well suited for the analysis of high-risk samples inactivated using BPL.

THE POTENTIAL OF HUMAN PLASMA AND HUMAN BLOOD PRODUCTS FOR IMMUNE PROTECTION

Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIg) were used for the first time at the late seventies for treatment of patient with primary and secondary immunodeficiencies. Тhe first observations opened a wide field for basic and clinical research leading to a rapidly expanding use of IVIg for the treatment of patients with multiple diseases. The immunoglobulin preparations contain large amount of intact form of IgG molecules with comparable values of subclasses as in native plasma. Тhose properties account for the normal half-life of injected immunoglobulin of three weeks, and its ability to react normal with the complement components and with the specific Fcγ-receptors on the surface of phagocytes and lymphocytes. IVIg is produced from plasma pules from several thousand donors, which leads to wide spectre of variable regions of IgG molecules in the product. Some of the antibodies in the product can recognize bacterial, virus and fungal antigens are essential in replacement therapy in patients with antibody deficiency. А good understanding of the molecular and cellular basis of the immunoregulatory actions of intravenous immunoglobulin preparations is important for optimizing their use in inflammatory diseases for conducting new clinical observations.

Lipid organization and turnover in the plasma membrane of human differentiating neural progenitor cells revealed by time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry imaging

Membrane lipids have been known to influence multiple signalling and cellular processes. Dysregulation of lipids at the neuronal membrane is connected to a significant alteration of the brain function and morphology, leading to brain diseases and neurodegeneration. Understanding the lipid composition and turnover of neuronal membrane will provide a significant insight into the molecular events underlying the regulatory effects of these biomolecules in a neuronal system. In this study, we aimed to characterize the composition and turnover of the plasma membrane lipids in human neural progenitor cells (NPCs) at an early differentiation stage into midbrain neurons using ToF-SIMS imaging. Lipid composition of the native plasma membrane was explored, followed by an examination of the lipid turnover using different isotopically labelled lipid precursors, including 13C-choline, 13C-lauric acid, 15N-linoleic, and 13C-stearic. Our results showed that differentiating NPCs contain a high abundance of ceramides, glycerophosphoserines, neutral glycosphingolipids, diradylglycerols, and glycerophosphocholines at the plasma membrane. In addition, different precursors were found to incorporate into different membrane lipids which are specific for the short- or long-carbon chains, and the unsaturation or saturation stage of the precursors. The lipid structure of neuronal membrane reflects the differentiation status of NPCs, and it can be altered significantly using a particular lipid precursor. Our study illustrates a potential of ToF-SIMS imaging to study native plasma membrane lipids and elucidate complex cellular processes by providing molecular -rich information at a single cell level.

Plasmonic Alloys Enhanced Metabolic Fingerprints for the Diagnosis of COPD and Exacerbations.

Accurate diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and exacerbations by metabolic biomarkers enables individualized treatment. Advanced metabolic detection platforms rely on designed materials. Here, we design mesoporous PdPt alloys to characterize metabolic fingerprints for diagnosing COPD and exacerbations. As a result, the optimized PdPt alloys enable the acquisition of metabolic fingerprints within seconds, requiring only 0.5 μL of native plasma by laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry owing to the enhanced electric field, photothermal conversion, and photocurrent response. Machine learning decodes metabolic profiles acquired from 431 individuals, achieving a precise diagnosis of COPD with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.904 and an accurate distinction between stable COPD and acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD) with an AUC of 0.951. Notably, eight metabolic biomarkers identified accurately discriminate AECOPD from stable COPD while providing valuable information on disease progress. Our platform will offer an advanced nanoplatform for the management of COPD, complementing standard clinical techniques.

Estimating the Cholesterol Affinity of Integral Membrane Proteins from Experimental Data.

The cholesterol affinities of many integral plasma membrane proteins have been estimated by molecular computation. However, these values lack experimental confirmation. We therefore developed a simple mathematical model to extract sterol affinity constants and stoichiometries from published isotherms for the dependence of the activity of such proteins on the membrane cholesterol concentration. The binding curves for these proteins are sigmoidal, with strongly lagged thresholds attributable to competition for the cholesterol by bilayer phospholipids. The model provided isotherms that matched the experimental data using published values for the sterol association constants and stoichiometries of the phospholipids. Three oligomeric transporters were found to bind cholesterol without cooperativity, with dimensionless association constants of 35 for Kir3.4* and 100 for both Kir2 and a GAT transporter. (The corresponding ΔG° values were -8.8, -11.4, and -11.4 kJ/mol, respectively). These association constants are significantly lower than those for the phospholipids, which range from ∼100 to 6000. The BK channel, the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, and the M192I mutant of Kir3.4* appear to bind multiple cholesterol molecules cooperatively (n = 2 or 4), with subunit affinities of 563, 950, and 700, respectively. The model predicts that the three less avid transporters are approximately half-saturated in their native plasma membranes; hence, they are sensitive to variations in cholesterol in vivo. The more avid proteins would be nearly saturated in vivo. The method can be applied to any integral protein or other ligands in any bilayer for which there are reasonable estimates of the sterol affinities and stoichiometries of the phospholipids.

NXT007-mediated hemostatic potential is suppressed by activated protein C-catalyzed inactivation of activated factor V

BackgroundActivated protein C (APC) inactivates activated factor (F) V (FVa) and FVIIIa. NXT007, an emicizumab-based engineered therapeutic bispecific antibody, enhances the coagulation potential of FVIII-deficient plasma (FVIIIdef-plasma) to near normal levels. However, little is known about the effect of APC-induced inactivation in NXT007-mediated hemostatic function. ObjectivesTo investigate the contribution of APC-mediated reactions to NXT007-driven hemostasis. MethodsIn pooled normal plasma (PNP) or FVIIIdef-plasma spiked with NXT007 (10 μg/mL), effects of APC (0-16 nM) were measured using a thrombin generation assay (TGA). The direct effects of APC on cofactor activity of NXT007 or FVIIIa in a FXa generation assay were also measured. The FVdef-plasma and FV Leiden plasma (FVLeiden plasma) were preincubated with 2 anti-FVIII monoclonal antibodies (termed FVIII-depleted), and the APC effect in the presence of NXT007 in FVIII-depleted FVdef-plasma with the addition of exogenous FV (7.5-30 nM) or FVIII-depleted FVLeiden plasma was investigated. ResultsThe APC dose-dependent suppression effect in TGA of FVIIIdef-plasma spiked with NXT007 was similar to that of PNP. FXa generation with NXT007 was not impaired by the addition of APC, suggesting that the APC-induced reaction in TGA with NXT007 was attributed to the direct inactivation of FVa. The addition of APC to FVIII-depleted FVdef-plasma, along with NXT007 and various FV concentrations, showed a similar attenuation to PNP. The NXT007-driven thrombin generation in FVIII-depleted FVLeiden plasma was suppressed by APC, similar to the reaction in native FVLeiden plasma. ConclusionNXT007 did not impair APC-mediated downregulation of FVa in FVIIIdef-plasmas, regardless of the presence of FV mutation with APC resistance.

Microrheological characterisation of Cyanoflan in human blood plasma

Naturally occurring polysaccharidic biopolymers released by marine cyanobacteria are of great interest for numerous biomedical applications, such as wound healing and drug delivery. Such polymers generally exhibit high molecular weight and an entangled structure that impact the rheology of biological fluids. However, biocompatibility tests focus not so much on rheological properties as on immune response. In the present study, the rheological behaviour of native blood plasma as a function of the concentration of a cyanobacterium biopolymer is investigated via multiple particle tracking microrheology, which measures the Brownian motion of probes embedded in a sample, and cryogenic scanning electron microscope microstructural characterisation. We use Cyanoflan as the biopolymer of choice, and profit from our knowledge of its chemical structure and its exciting potential for biotechnological applications. A sol–gel transition is identified using time-concentration superposition and the power-law behaviour of the incipient network's viscoelastic response is observed in a variety of microrheological data. Our results point to rheology-based principles for blood compatibility tests by facilitating the assignment of quantitative values to specific properties, as opposed to more heuristic approaches.

A-020 Evaluation of the Analytical Performance of BNP and NT-proBNP Assays on the Atellica CI 1900 Analyzer

Abstract Background The Atellica® CI 1900 Analyzer is an automated, high-throughput integrated chemistry and immunoassay analyzer employing both Atellica CH and Atellica IM assays. This study was designed to evaluate the analytical performance of the Atellica IM B-type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) and NT-proBNP (PBNP) assays* on the Atellica CI 1900 Analyzer. Methods The Atellica CI 1900 BNP and PBNP assays use the same reagents and calibrators as the Atellica IM assays. Precision and method comparison were used as performance indicators for the Atellica CI 1900 Analyzer. Precision studies were performed according to CLSI EP05-A3 and method comparison according to CLSI EP09-A3 using native and contrived human plasma (BNP) and serum (PBNP) samples. One aliquot of each sample pool was tested in duplicate in two runs per day &amp;gt;2 h apart on each analyzer for &amp;gt;20 days. BNP and PBNP were evaluated with one reagent lot on two systems. For the method comparison, individual native and contrived human plasma samples (BNP) or native human serum samples (PBNP) were analyzed using the Atellica IM BNP and PBNP assays on both the Atellica IM and Atellica CI 1900 Analyzers. Results Representative precision and MC results for each assay are listed in the table. For the two assays tested, repeatability and within-lab %CVs were &amp;lt;2.5% and &amp;lt;3.0%, respectively. Slopes determined by the Deming linear regression model were approximately equal to 1. Conclusion Evaluation of the Atellica IM BNP and PBNP assays using the Atellica CI 1900 Analyzer demonstrated acceptable precision and equivalent performance compared to the same assays on the Atellica IM Analyzer.

A-023 Performance Evaluation of the Atellica IM High-Sensitivity Troponin I Assay on the Atellica CI 1900 Analyzer

Abstract Background The Atellica® CI 1900 Analyzer is an automated, high-throughput, integrated chemistry and immunoassay analyzer employing both Atellica CH and Atellica IM assays. This study was designed to evaluate the analytical performance of the Atellica IM High Sensitivity Troponin I (TnIH) assay* on the Atellica CI 1900 Analyzer*. Methods Precision and method comparison were used as performance indicators for the Atellica CI 1900 Analyzer. Precision studies were performed according to CLSI EP05-A3 and method comparison according to CLSI EP09-A3. Precision studies used a panel of four native and one contrived serum/lithium-heparin plasma samples. One aliquot of each sample pool was tested in duplicate in two runs per day &amp;gt;2 h apart on each analyzer for &amp;gt;20 days with two reagent lots on two systems. For the method comparison, individual native human lithium-heparin plasma samples were analyzed using the Atellica IM TnIH assay on both the Atellica IM and Atellica CI 1900 Analyzers. Detection capability studies including limit of blank (LoB), limit of detection (LoD), and 20-day functional sensitivity (LoQ) were performed according to CLSI EP17-A2 guidelines. Expected values of normal healthy individuals and hook effect were also verified on the Atellica CI 1900 Analyzer. Results Repeatability and within-lab %CVs ranged from 0.7% to 4.4% and 1.3% to 5.1%, respectively, at TnIH concentrations ranging from 13.73 to 23 197.12 ng/L. Method comparison between the Atellica IM TnIH assay on the Atellica CI 1900 Analyzer vs the Atellica IM Analyzer showed a regression slope of 1.00 and an intercept of 0.04 ng/L (n = 170). In detection capability studies, four lots of the Atellica IM TnIH assay on two Atellica CI 1900 analyzers showed a LoB of 0.35 ng/L and an LoD of 0.76 ng/L. LoQ, defined as the lowest amount of analyte in a sample at which within-lab %CV = 20%, was 1.10 ng/L; %CV was approximately 10% at a TNIH concentration of 2.57 ng/L. In addition, &amp;gt;50% of healthy individuals tested had TnIH values &amp;gt;LoD. The 99th percentile for the Atellica IM TnIH assay (45.20 ng/L) was verified on Atellica CI 1900 Analyzer and was consistent with the Atellica IM Analyzer. No interference from biotin was observed up to a concentration of 3500 ng/mL, and no hook effect was observed up to a concentration of 500 000 ng/L. Conclusion Evaluation of the Atellica IM TnIH assay using the Atellica CI 1900 Analyzer demonstrated reproducible assay precision, sensitive detection capabilities, and equivalent performance compared to the same assay on the Atellica IM Analyzer. This evaluation shows that the Atellica IM TnIH assay on Atellica CI 1900 Analyzer meets the definition of a true high-sensitivity troponin I assay as defined by the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry (IFCC) Task Force on Clinical Applications of Cardiac Biomarkers. *The products/features mentioned here are not commercially available in all countries. Their future availability cannot be guaranteed.

A-129 Analytical Performance Evaluation of Vitamin D, Intact Parathyroid Hormone, and Inorganic Phosphorus on the Atellica CI 1900 Analyzer

Abstract Background The Atellica® CI 1900 Analyzer is an automated, mid-throughput, integrated chemistry and immunoassay analyzer utilizing both Atellica CH and Atellica IM assays. This study was designed to evaluate the analytical performance of the Atellica IM Vitamin D (VitD) and Intact Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) and Atellica CH Inorganic Phosphorus (IP) assays* on the Atellica CI 1900 Analyzer*. Methods The Atellica CI 1900 VitD, PTH, and IP assays use the same reagents and calibrators as the Atellica IM VitD and PTH and CH IP assays. Precision and method comparison (MC) were used as performance indicators for the Atellica CI 1900 Analyzer. Precision studies were performed according to CLSI EP05-A3 using native and contrived human serum (VitD and IP) or plasma (PTH) samples. One aliquot of each sample pool was tested in duplicate in two runs per day &amp;gt;2 h apart on each analyzer for &amp;gt;20 days. MC studies were performed according to CLSI EP09-A3. Native and contrived human samples were analyzed using the Atellica IM VitD and PTH assays on both the Atellica IM and Atellica CI 1900 Analyzers. For IP, native and contrived human samples were analyzed using the Atellica CH IP assay on both the Atellica CH and Atellica CI 1900 Analyzers. Results Representative precision and MC results for each assay across indicated sample ranges are listed in the table. For the three assays tested, repeatability and within-lab %CVs were &amp;lt;4.5% and &amp;lt;10%, respectively. Slopes determined by the Deming linear regression model were approximately equal to 1. Conclusion Evaluation of the Atellica IM VitD and PTH and Atellica CH IP assays using the Atellica CI 1900 Analyzer demonstrated good precision and equivalent performance compared to the same assays on their respective Atellica IM and Atellica CH Analyzers. *The products/features mentioned are not commercially available in all countries. Their future availability cannot be guaranteed.

A-024 Evaluation of the Analytical Performance of Thyroid-stimulating Hormone, Free Triiodothyronine, and Free Thyroxine Assays on the Atellica CI 1900 Analyzer

Abstract Background The Atellica® CI 1900 Analyzer is an automated, mid-throughput integrated chemistry and immunoassay analyzer utilizing both Atellica CH and Atellica IM assays. This study evaluated the analytical performance of the Atellica IM Thyroid Stimulating Hormone 3 Ultra™ (TSH3-UL), Free Triiodothyronine (FT3), and Free Thyroxine (FT4) assays* on the Atellica CI 1900 Analyzer. Methods The Atellica CI 1900 TSH3-UL, FT3, and FT4 assays use the same reagents and calibrators as the Atellica IM assays. Precision and method comparison studies were performed according to CLSI EP05-A3 and CLSI EP09-A3 using native and contrived human serum (TSH3-UL, FT3, and FT4) and plasma (TSH3-UL) samples. One aliquot of each sample pool was tested in duplicate in two runs per day &amp;gt;2 h apart on each analyzer for ≥20 days. FT3 and FT4 were evaluated with one reagent lot on two systems. TSH3-UL was evaluated with two reagent lots on two systems. For the method comparison, individual native human serum samples were analyzed using the Atellica IM TSH3-UL, FT3, and FT4 assays on both the Atellica IM and Atellica CI 1900 Analyzers. Results Representative precision and MC results are listed for each assay in the table. Slopes determined by the Deming linear regression model were approximately equal to 1. Conclusion Evaluation of the Atellica IM TSH3-UL, FT3, and FT4 assays using the Atellica CI 1900 Analyzer demonstrated good precision and equivalent performance compared to the same assays on the Atellica IM Analyzer. *The products/features mentioned herein are not commercially available in all countries. Their future availability cannot be guaranteed.

ATP modulation of osmotically activated anionic current in the membrane of Phycomyces blakesleeanus sporangiophore

Ion channels are vital components of filamentous fungi signaling in communication with their environment. We exploited the ability of the apical region of growing sporangiophores of Phycomyces blakesleeanus to form membrane-enveloped cytoplasmic droplets (CDs), to examine ion currents in the filamentous fungi native plasma membrane. In hypoosmotic conditions, the dominant current in the CDs is ORIC, an osmotically activated, anionic, outwardly rectified, fast inactivating instantaneous current that we have previously characterized. Here, we examined the effect of ATP on ORIC. We show that CDs contain active mitochondria, and that respiration inhibition by azide accelerates ORIC inactivation. ATP, added intracellularly, reduced ORIC run-down and shifted the voltage dependence of inactivation toward depolarized potentials, in a manner that did not require hydrolysis. Notably, ATP led to slowing down of ORIC inactivation, as evidenced by an increased time constant of inactivation, τin, and slower decline of τin during prolonged recordings. Flavonoids (genistein and quercetin) had the effect on ORIC opposite to ATP, acting as current inhibitors, possibly by disrupting the stabilizing effect of ATP on ORIC. The integration of osmotic sensing with ATP dependence of the anionic current, typical of vertebrate cells, is described here for the first time in filamentous fungi.

Insights into receptor structure and dynamics at the surface of living cells

Evaluating protein structures in living cells remains a challenge. Here, we investigate Interleukin-4 receptor alpha (IL-4Rα) into which the non-canonical amino acid bicyclo[6.1.0]nonyne-lysine (BCNK) is incorporated by genetic code expansion. Bioorthogonal click labeling is performed with tetrazine-conjugated dyes. To quantify the reaction yield in situ, we develop brightness-calibrated ratiometric imaging, a protocol where fluorescent signals in confocal multi-color images are ascribed to local concentrations. Screening receptor mutants bearing BCNK in the extracellular domain uncovered site-specific variations of both click efficiency and Interleukin-4 binding affinity, indicating subtle well-defined structural perturbations. Molecular dynamics and continuum electrostatics calculations suggest solvent polarization to determine site-specific variations of BCNK reactivity. Strikingly, signatures of differential click efficiency, measured for IL-4Rα in ligand-bound and free form, mirror sub-angstrom deformations of the protein backbone at corresponding locations. Thus, click efficiency by itself represents a remarkably informative readout linked to protein structure and dynamics in the native plasma membrane.

The impact of different calibration matrices on the determination of insulin-like growth factor 1 by high-resolution-LC-MS in acromegalic and growth hormone deficient patients

ObjectivesCalibration is an important source of variability in liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) methods for insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). This study investigated the impact of different calibrator matrices on IGF-1 measurements by LC-MS. Moreover, the comparability of immunoassays and LC-MS was assessed. Design & MethodsCalibrators from 12.5 to 2009 ng/ml were prepared by spiking WHO international Standard (ID 02/254 NIBSC, UK) into the following matrices: native human plasma, fresh charcoal-treated human plasma (FCTHP), old charcoal-treated human plasma, deionized water, bovine serum albumin (BSA), and rat plasma (RP). A validated in-house LC-MS method was calibrated repeatedly with these calibrators. Then, serum samples from 197 growth hormone excess and deficiency patients were analysed with each calibration. ResultsThe seven calibration curves had different slopes leading to markedly different patient results. The largest differences in IGF-1 concentration from the median (interquartile range) was observed with the calibrator in water and the calibrator in RP (336.4 [279.6–417.0] vs. 112.5 [71.2–171.2], p < 0.001). The smallest difference was observed with calibrators in FCTHP and BSA (141.8 [102.0–198.5] vs. 127.9 [86.9–186.0], p < 0.049). Compared to LC-MS with calibrators in FCTHP, immunoassays showed relevant proportional bias (range: −43% to −68%), constant bias (range: 22.84 to 57.29 ng/ml) and pronounced scatter. Comparing the immunoassays with each other revealed proportional bias of up to 24%. ConclusionsThe calibrator matrix is critical for the measurement of IGF-1 by LC-MS. Regardless of the calibrator matrix, LC-MS shows poor agreement with immunoassays. Also, the agreement between different immunoassays is variable.

Prothrombotic state in rheumatoid arthritis

Aim. To study the indices of standard coagulogram and thrombodynamics test in native plasma and in the test with phospholipids in relation to the activity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the ongoing therapy.Material and methods. We examined 28 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and eight age- and sex-matched healthy controls: 11 patients with high rheumatoid arthritis activity (DAS28&gt;5.2) (Group 1), nine patients with low and moderate rheumatoid arthritis activity (DAS28&lt;5.2) (Group 2) and eight rheumatoid arthritis patients receiving anticoagulants (Group 3). Results. Elevated fibrinogen was more common in the RA patient groups: 5/11(45%) in group 1, 3/9(33%) in group 2 and 3/8(38%) in group 3. In the control group, fibrinogen was normal, p&gt;&lt;0.05. Increased SFMC was found in all patients in all three groups (100%) and only in 2 of the controls (25%), with p&gt;&lt;0.05. Mean clot density was significantly higher in RA groups than in controls: 26811, 25437 and 24740 versus 20631 c.u. in groups 1, 2, 3 and control, respectively, p&gt;&lt;0,01. In patients with anticoagulants, lag time (1.4 minutes) was longer than without anticoagulants (1.1-1.2 minutes), with p&gt;&lt;0.05 in all cases. Spontaneous clots were detected only in patients: 3 in groups 1 and 1 each in groups 2 and 3. Hypocoagulation was detected only in group 3 in 1/8(12%) patients, and thrombotic readiness status was detected in groups 1 and 2: in 2/11(18%) and 1/9(11%) patients, respectively. The frequency of normal- and hypercoagulation did not differ between the patient and control groups. Conclusion. According to the thrombodynamics test, hypercoagulability is present in RA patients. Thrombodynamics test can be used to identify the risk of thrombosis and to individualize therapy in RA patients. Keywords: prothrombotic state, hypercoagulation, rheumatoid arthritis, thrombodynamics&gt;˂ 5.2) (Group 2) and eight rheumatoid arthritis patients receiving anticoagulants (Group 3).Results. Elevated fibrinogen was more common in the RA patient groups: 5/11(45%) in group 1, 3/9(33%) in group 2 and 3/8(38%) in group 3. In the control group, fibrinogen was normal, p˂ 0.05. Increased SFMC was found in all patients in all three groups (100%) and only in 2 of the controls (25%), with p˂ 0.05. Mean clot density was significantly higher in RA groups than in controls: 26811, 25437 and 24740 versus 20631 c.u. in groups 1, 2, 3 and control, respectively, p˂ 0,01. In patients with anticoagulants, lag time (1.4 minutes) was longer than without anticoagulants (1.1-1.2 minutes), with p˂ 0.05 in all cases. Spontaneous clots were detected only in patients: 3 in groups 1 and 1 each in groups 2 and 3. Hypocoagulation was detected only in group 3 in 1/8(12%) patients, and thrombotic readiness status was detected in groups 1 and 2: in 2/11(18%) and 1/9(11%) patients, respectively. The frequency of normal- and hypercoagulation did not differ between the patient and control groups.Conclusion. According to the thrombodynamics test, hypercoagulability is present in RA patients. Thrombodynamics test can be used to identify the risk of thrombosis and to individualize therapy in RA patients.