Clinica chimica acta; international journal of clinical chemistry
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To investigate whether the combination of measuring amino-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) could provide additional prognostic value in hospitalized heart failure patients. ⋯ The plasma levels of NT-proBNP and BNP do not always increase proportionally in heart failure patients. The combination of testing NT-proBNP and BNP may add prognostic value to predict adverse events in hospitalized heart failure patients.
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An increase in allergen-specific IgG4 (sIgG4), which serves as a blocking antibody, is associated with acquisition of immune tolerance after immunotherapy. In this study, we developed a rapid, sensitive, and homogeneous immunoassay based on the light-initiated chemiluminescent assay (LICA) technology for quantifying allergen sIgG4 in serum samples. ⋯ The LICA demonstrated satisfactory performance and can be used for quantifying allergen sIgG4 in clinical practice.
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Fibrinogen-like protein 2 (FGL2) is an inflammatory procoagulant protein. We discerned the impact of serum FGL2 on trauma severity and 30-day mortality in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). ⋯ Serum FGL2 is a promising biomarker for assessing the severity and prognosis in severe TBI.
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The expression of 4-1BB on peripheral regulatory T cells (Tregs) and conventional T cells (Tconvs) in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients is unknown. We aimed to investigate the expression and clinical correlations of 4-1BB on peripheral Tregs and Tconvs in CAD patients. ⋯ 4-1BB expression on peripheral Tregs and Tconvs was increased in SIHD and ACS patients. 4-1BB percentage on Tregs positively correlated with the severity of coronary artery stenosis in ACS patients. 4-1BB percentage on Tregs independently predicted the severity of coronary artery stenosis in an ACS population and development of CAD in a cardiovascular risk population.
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Biotinylated antibodies and analogues are currently used in many immunoassays while biotin is widely used as a dietary supplement. Thus, biotin interference is an emerging issue for clinical laboratories. ⋯ Biotin can interfere in immunoassays and result in aberrant test results. Clinicians should use caution in interpreting abnormal results in patients who ingest biotin.