The MBT Pathfinder is an automated colony-picking robot designed for efficient sample preparation in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry. This article presents results from three key experiments evaluating the instrument's performance in conjunction with MALDI Biotyper instrument. The method comparison experiment assessed its clinical performance, demonstrating comparable results with gram-positive, gram-negative, and anaerobic bacteria (scores larger than 2.00) and superior performance over simple direct yeast transfer (score: 1.80) when compared to samples prepared manually. The repeatability experiment confirmed consistent performance over multiple days and labs (average log score: 2.12, std. deviation: 0.59). The challenge panel experiment showcased its consistent and accurate performance across various samples and settings, yielding average scores between 1.76 and 2.19. These findings underline the MBT Pathfinder as a reliable and efficient tool for MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry sample preparation in clinical and research applications.
- Klíčová slova
- MALDI-TOF, MBT Pathfinder, automation, colony picking, mass spectrometry, sample preparation,
- MeSH
- Bacteria * klasifikace izolace a purifikace MeSH
- laboratorní automatizace * metody MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- odběr biologického vzorku metody MeSH
- reprodukovatelnost výsledků MeSH
- robotika * MeSH
- spektrometrie hmotnostní - ionizace laserem za účasti matrice * metody MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- hodnotící studie MeSH
A fully automated sequential injection system was tested in terms of its application in liberation testing, and capabilities and limitations were discussed for clotrimazole liberation from three semisolid formulations. An evaluation based on kinetic profiles obtained in short and longer sampling intervals and steady-state flux values were applied as traditional methods. The obtained clotrimazole liberation profile was faster in the case of Delcore and slower for Clotrimazol AL and Canesten cream commercial formulations. The steady-state flux values for the tested formulations were 52 µg cm-2 h-1 for Canesten, 35 µg cm-2 h-1 for Clotrimazol AL, and 7.2 µg cm-2 h-1 for Delcore measured in 4 min sampling intervals. A simplified approach for the evaluation of the initial rate based on the gradient between the second and third sampling points was used for the first time and was found to correspond well with the results of the conventional methods. A comparison based on the ratio of the steady-state flux and the initial rate values for Canesten and Clotrimazol AL proved the similarity of the obtained results. The proposed alternative was successfully implemented for the comparison of short-term kinetic profiles. Consequently, a faster and simpler approach for dissolution/liberation testing can be used.
- Klíčová slova
- Franz cell, clotrimazole, kinetic profile, liberation study, sequential injection analysis,
- MeSH
- antifungální látky analýza MeSH
- kinetika MeSH
- klotrimazol analýza MeSH
- laboratorní automatizace metody MeSH
- pleťový krém MeSH
- příprava léků MeSH
- průtoková injekční analýza metody MeSH
- uvolňování léčiv MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- hodnotící studie MeSH
- Názvy látek
- antifungální látky MeSH
- klotrimazol MeSH
Microsatellite instability (MSI) is present in 15-20% of primary colorectal cancers. MSI status is assessed to detect Lynch syndrome, guide adjuvant chemotherapy, determine prognosis, and use as a companion test for checkpoint blockade inhibitors. Traditionally, MSI status is determined by immunohistochemistry or molecular methods. The Idylla™ MSI Assay is a fully automated molecular method (including automated result interpretation), using seven novel MSI biomarkers (ACVR2A, BTBD7, DIDO1, MRE11, RYR3, SEC31A, SULF2) and not requiring matched normal tissue. In this real-world global study, 44 clinical centers performed Idylla™ testing on a total of 1301 archived colorectal cancer formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue sections and compared Idylla™ results against available results from routine diagnostic testing in those sites. MSI mutations detected with the Idylla™ MSI Assay were equally distributed over the seven biomarkers, and 84.48% of the MSI-high samples had ≥ 5 mutated biomarkers, while 98.25% of the microsatellite-stable samples had zero mutated biomarkers. The concordance level between the Idylla™ MSI Assay and immunohistochemistry was 96.39% (988/1025); 17/37 discordant samples were found to be concordant when a third method was used. Compared with routine molecular methods, the concordance level was 98.01% (789/805); third-method analysis found concordance for 8/16 discordant samples. The failure rate of the Idylla™ MSI Assay (0.23%; 3/1301) was lower than that of referenced immunohistochemistry (4.37%; 47/1075) or molecular assays (0.86%; 7/812). In conclusion, lower failure rates and high concordance levels were found between the Idylla™ MSI Assay and routine tests.
- Klíčová slova
- Colorectal cancer, FFPE clinical tissue samples, Idylla™ MSI assay, Microsatellite instability, Multi-center study,
- MeSH
- fixace tkání * MeSH
- fixativa MeSH
- formaldehyd MeSH
- imunohistochemie * MeSH
- kolorektální nádory chemie genetika patologie MeSH
- laboratorní automatizace MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mikrosatelitní nestabilita * MeSH
- mutace * MeSH
- mutační analýza DNA * MeSH
- nádorové biomarkery * analýza genetika MeSH
- prediktivní hodnota testů MeSH
- reprodukovatelnost výsledků MeSH
- zalévání tkání do parafínu * MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- multicentrická studie MeSH
- srovnávací studie MeSH
- Názvy látek
- fixativa MeSH
- formaldehyd MeSH
- nádorové biomarkery * MeSH
About eight years ago, a new automation approach and flow technique called "Lab-In-Syringe" was proposed. It was derived from previous flow techniques, all based on handling reagent and sample solutions in a flow manifold. To date Lab-In-Syringe has evidently gained the interest of researchers in many countries, with new modifications, operation modes, and technical improvements still popping up. It has proven to be a versatile tool for the automation of sample preparation, particularly, liquid-phase microextraction approaches. This article aims to assist newcomers to this technique in system planning and setup by overviewing the different options for configurations, limitations, and feasible operations. This includes syringe orientation, in-syringe stirring modes, in-syringe detection, additional inlets, and addable features. The authors give also a chronological overview of technical milestones and a critical explanation on the potentials and shortcomings of this technique, calculations of characteristics, and tips and tricks on method development. Moreover, a comprehensive overview of the different operation modes of Lab-In-Syringe automated sample pretreatment is given focusing on the technical aspects and challenges of the related operations. We further deal with possibilities on how to fabricate required or useful system components, in particular by 3D printing technology, with over 20 different elements exemplarily shown. Finally, a short discussion on shortcomings and required improvements is given.
- Klíčová slova
- 3D printing of instrument elements, Lab-In-Syringe, automation of sample pretreatment, potentials and troubles, system setup and operation modes, tips and tricks in method development,
- MeSH
- chemické techniky analytické přístrojové vybavení metody normy MeSH
- injekční stříkačky * MeSH
- laboratorní automatizace * MeSH
- limita detekce MeSH
- reprodukovatelnost výsledků MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
A new computational framework for FLow cytometric Analysis of Rare Events (FLARE) has been developed specifically for fast and automatic identification of rare cell populations in very large samples generated by platforms like multi-parametric flow cytometry. Using a hierarchical Bayesian model and information-sharing via parallel computation, FLARE rapidly explores the high-dimensional marker-space to detect highly rare populations that are consistent across multiple samples. Further it can focus within specified regions of interest in marker-space to detect subpopulations with desired precision.
For the pretreatment of wood, charcoal and collagen from bone micro samples using the Acid-Base-Acid (ABA) method, we have assembled an automated computer-controlled unit in our laboratory CRL. The sample is placed in a glass single-necked cuvette. The machine consists of prepared solutions which are guided through capillaries, switching valve and peristaltic pump into the cuvette with the sample according to the currently selected program. The automat can be used for the pretreatment of charcoal, wood and also collagen from bones.
- MeSH
- alkálie chemie MeSH
- dřevěné a živočišné uhlí chemie MeSH
- dřevo chemie MeSH
- kolagen chemie MeSH
- kosti a kostní tkáň chemie MeSH
- kyseliny chemie MeSH
- laboratorní automatizace metody MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- radioaktivní datování metody MeSH
- radioizotopy uhlíku analýza MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Názvy látek
- alkálie MeSH
- dřevěné a živočišné uhlí MeSH
- kolagen MeSH
- kyseliny MeSH
- radioizotopy uhlíku MeSH
One of the challenging instrumental aspects in coupling an automated CE instrument with ESI mass spectrometry (CE-MS) is finding the balance between the stability, reproducibility and sensitivity of the analysis and compatibility with the standard CE instrumentation. Here, we present a development of a new liquid junction based electrospray interface for automated CE-MS, with a focus on the technical design followed by computer modeling of transport conditions as well as characterization of basic performance of the interface. This hybrid arrangement designed as a microfabricated unit attachable to the automated CE instrument allows using of a wide range of separation capillaries with respect to their diameter, length or internal coating (e.g., for suppressed electroosmotic flow). Different compositions of the ESI liquid and background electrolyte solutions can be used if needed. The microfabricated part, prepared by laser machining from polyimide, includes a self-aligning liquid junction, a short transport channel, and a pointed sprayer for the electrospray ionization. This microfabricated part is positioned in a plastic connection block securing the separation capillary and flushing ports. Transport conditions were modelled using computer simulation and the real life performance of the interface was compared to that of a commercial sheath liquid interface. The basic performance of the interface was demonstrated by separations of peptides, proteins, and oligosaccharides.
- Klíčová slova
- CE-MS interface, Capillary electrophoresis, Liquid junction, Microfabrication,
- MeSH
- chemické modely MeSH
- elektroforéza kapilární přístrojové vybavení MeSH
- hmotnostní spektrometrie přístrojové vybavení MeSH
- laboratorní automatizace MeSH
- mikrofluidní analytické techniky přístrojové vybavení metody MeSH
- proteiny analýza izolace a purifikace MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
- Názvy látek
- proteiny MeSH
The knowledge on environmentally relevant chemicals that may interfere with thyroid signaling is scarce. Here, we present a method for the screening of goitrogens, compounds that disrupt the thyroid gland function, based on the automatic orientation of zebrafish in a glass capillary and a subsequent imaging of reporter gene fluorescence in the thyroid gland of embryos of the transgenic zebrafish line tg(tg:mCherry). The tg(tg:mCherry) reporter gene indicates a compensatory upregulation of thyroglobulin, the thyroid hormone precursor, in response to inhibition of thyroid hormone synthesis. Fish embryos were exposed to a negative control compound (3,4-dichloroaniline), or a concentration series of known goitrogenic compounds (resorcinol, methimazole, potassium perchlorate, 6-propyl-2-thiouracil, ethylenethiourea, phloroglucinol, pyrazole) with maximum exposure concentration selected based on mortality and/or solubility. Exposure to 3,4-dichloroaniline decreased the fluorescence signal. All goitrogenic compounds exhibited clear concentration-dependent inductions of reporter fluorescence 1.4 to 2.6 fold above control levels. Concentration-response modelling was used to calculate goitrogenic potencies based on EC50 values. The new automated method offers an efficient screening approach for goitrogenic activity.
- MeSH
- dánio pruhované MeSH
- embryo nesavčí účinky léků metabolismus MeSH
- fluorescenční mikroskopie MeSH
- geneticky modifikovaná zvířata MeSH
- hydrofobní a hydrofilní interakce MeSH
- laboratorní automatizace * MeSH
- luminescentní proteiny genetika metabolismus MeSH
- počítačové zpracování obrazu MeSH
- preklinické hodnocení léčiv metody MeSH
- štítná žláza účinky léků metabolismus MeSH
- thyreostatika farmakologie MeSH
- vztah mezi dávkou a účinkem léčiva MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
- Názvy látek
- luminescentní proteiny MeSH
- thyreostatika MeSH
UNLABELLED: Essentials Von Willebrand ristocetin cofactor activity (VWF:RCo) is not a completely reliable assay. Three automated VWF activity assays were compared within a von Willebrand disease (VWD) cohort. Raw values for all three assays were virtually the same. An overall problem within type 2A/IIE VWD using VWF:GPIb-binding activity/VWF:Ag was observed. SUMMARY: Background von Willebrand disease (VWD) is an inherited bleeding disorder caused by quantitative (type 1 and 3) or qualitative (type 2) von Willebrand factor (VWF) defect. VWD diagnosis and classification require numerous laboratory tests. VWF: glycoprotein Ib (GPIb)-binding activity assays are used to distinguish type 1 from type 2 VWD. Objectives Three different automated VWF:GPIb-binding activity assays were compared. Patients and methods BC-VWF:RCo (Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics), HemosIL® VWF:RCo (Instrumentation Laboratory) and INNOVANCE® VWF:Ac (Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics) were performed in a well typed VWD cohort (n = 142). Results Based on the three most used VWD parameters (FVIII:C, VWF:Ag and VWF:GPIb-binding activity) and using a cut-off of <0.70 for type 2 VWD revealed sensitivity and specificity of, respectively, 92% and 72.4% for VWF:RCo/VWF:Ag, 84% and 89.7% for VWF:GPIbR/VWF:Ag, and 92% and 85.1% for VWF:GPIbM/VWF:Ag, whereas a lowered cut-off of < 0.60 resulted in reduced sensitivity with increased specificity for all assays. Conclusion VWD classification based on FVIII:C, VWF:Ag and VWF:GPIb-binding activity revealed an overall problem with normal VWF:GPIb-binding activity/VWF:Ag within type 2, especially type 2A/IIE. Although all assays were practically identical, BC-VWF:RCo had higher %CV compared with both new assays but comparable lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) ~4 IU dL-1 . No clear improved distinction between type 1 and 2 VWD with new assays was seen. BC-VWF: RCo and HemosIL® are ristocetin dependent, whereas INNOVANCE® does not rely upon ristocetin and is not influenced by VWF polymorphisms increasing VWF:GPIb-binding activity levels. INNOVANCE® seems to be the best choice as a first-line VWF:GPIb-binding activity assay, providing the best balance between sensitivity and specificity for type 2 VWD.
- Klíčová slova
- Von Willebrand disease, classification, ristocetin cofactor, subtypes, von Willebrand factor,
- MeSH
- biologické markery krev MeSH
- design vybavení MeSH
- hematologické testy přístrojové vybavení metody MeSH
- laboratorní automatizace MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- prediktivní hodnota testů MeSH
- průřezové studie MeSH
- reprodukovatelnost výsledků MeSH
- trombocytový glykoproteinový komplex Ib-IX metabolismus MeSH
- vazba proteinů MeSH
- von Willebrandova nemoc krev klasifikace diagnóza MeSH
- von Willebrandův faktor metabolismus MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- multicentrická studie MeSH
- srovnávací studie MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- Belgie MeSH
- Česká republika MeSH
- Názvy látek
- biologické markery MeSH
- trombocytový glykoproteinový komplex Ib-IX MeSH
- von Willebrandův faktor MeSH
Metallothioneins (MTs) are involved in heavy metal detoxification in a wide range of living organisms. Currently, it is well known that MTs play substantial role in many pathophysiological processes, including carcinogenesis, and they can serve as diagnostic biomarkers. In order to increase the applicability of MT in cancer diagnostics, an easy-to-use and rapid method for its detection is required. Hence, the aim of this study was to develop a fully automated and high-throughput assay for the estimation of MT levels. Here, we report the optimal conditions for the isolation of MTs from rabbit liver and their characterization using MALDI-TOF MS. In addition, we described a two-step assay, which started with an isolation of the protein using functionalized paramagnetic particles and finished with their electrochemical analysis. The designed easy-to-use, cost-effective, error-free and fully automated procedure for the isolation of MT coupled with a simple analytical detection method can provide a prototype for the construction of a diagnostic instrument, which would be appropriate for the monitoring of carcinogenesis or MT-related chemoresistance of tumors.
- Klíčová slova
- Automation, Biomarkers, MALDI-TOF MS, Magnetic isolation, Metallothionein,
- MeSH
- elektroforéza v polyakrylamidovém gelu metody MeSH
- gelová chromatografie metody MeSH
- játra chemie MeSH
- králíci MeSH
- krysa rodu Rattus MeSH
- laboratorní automatizace MeSH
- magnetické nanočástice chemie MeSH
- metalothionein analýza izolace a purifikace MeSH
- potkani Wistar MeSH
- spektrometrie hmotnostní - ionizace laserem za účasti matrice metody MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- králíci MeSH
- krysa rodu Rattus MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Názvy látek
- magnetické nanočástice MeSH
- metalothionein MeSH
