Immuno-MALDI-MS for Accurate Quantitation of Targeted Peptides from Volume-Restricted Samples.

The immuno-MALDI-MS method can be used to quantify low-abundance proteins from clinical samples that offer only a limited amount of material for analysis. An internal standard, in the form of a stable isotope-labeled peptide, is used to ensure reproducible and absolute quantitation. The protocol described here was optimized for the quantitation of AKT1 and AKT2, but we offer instructions on how to adapt the method to target other proteins.

A multiplexed, automated immuno-matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry assay for simultaneous and precise quantitation of PTEN and p110α in cell lines and tumor tissues.

The PI3-kinase/AKT/mTOR pathway plays a central role in cancer signaling. While p110α is the catalytic α-subunit of PI3-kinase and a major drug target, PTEN is the main negative regulator of the PI3-kinase/AKT/mTOR pathway. PTEN is often down-regulated in cancer, and there are conflicting data on PTEN's role as breast cancer biomarker.

Doppler ultrasound surveillance of TIPS-patency in the era of covered stents - retrospective analysis of a large single-center cohort.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine accuracy and necessity of long-term Doppler ultrasound (DU) surveillance of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) patency after implantation of an ePTFE-covered stent-graft (Viatorr).

Methods: This single-center retrospective study includes 228 consecutive cirrhotic patients with TIPS implantation due to portal hypertensive complications. Standardized DU surveillance was scheduled 3 - 5 days, 3 months, and 6 months after TIPS implantation and every 6 months thereafter.