Clin Chem Lab Med
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Symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can overlap. Faecal calprotectin has recently been established to be a non-invasive marker for neutrophilic intestinal inflammation. We compared two devices for extraction of faecal calprotectin. Based on these results, two immunoassays for measurement of faecal calprotectin were evaluated. ⋯ The Thermo Fisher device is not reliable for extraction of faecal calprotectin. The performance characteristics of the EliA Calprotectin assay are statistically equivalent to the Bühlmann POCT.
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In a previous clinical study, levels of biomarkers of exposure (BoEs) for specific toxicants were significantly reduced in smokers who switched from conventional cigarettes to reduced toxicant prototype (RTP) cigarettes. Very little is known about the biological variability of tobacco smoke BoEs within individuals and sub-groups, and the descriptive group-comparison statistics might not be sufficient to understand such changes. Therefore, we assessed how different statistical methods could be used to interpret changes in urine BoE levels at the individual level. ⋯ Although we believe that is not possible to determine whether the observed changes in BoEs reflect biological relevance, the use of reference values enables assessment of changes in BoEs at the individual level. Estimates of the BoE variability between subjects might aid study design and setting minimum targets for smoke toxicant yields for future development of RTPs.
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In January 2013, the international recommendations of the KDIGO (for "Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes") to define chronic kidney disease (CKD) and classify patients in CKD stages have been published. In this opinion article, we will review and discuss the most important guidelines proposed about CKD staging and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) estimating. In particular, we question the choice of fixed knot values at 60 mL/min/1.73 m² to define CKD. We also question the strategies proposed to measure and use cystatin C results.
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Repeated arterial puncture is painful. A mathematical method exists for transforming peripheral venous pH, PCO 2 and PO 2 to arterial eliminating the need for arterial sampling. This study evaluates this method to monitor acid base and oxygenation during admission for exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). ⋯ This study shows that arterial pH, PCO 2 and PO 2 can be calculated from peripheral venous values so as to characterise changes seen during exacerbation. Application of the method has potential to reduce arterial sampling, decrease discomfort and enable venous sampling as routine practice.