A new assay falsely increases lactate dehydrogenase in plasma but not in serum.

Introduction: Serum is the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry (IFCC)-recommended matrix for the measurement of lactate dehydrogenase (LD); however, many laboratories opt for lithium heparin plasma to achieve quicker turnaround times and minimize tube usage. When introducing the new Sigma-Strong IFCC-recommended LDH2 assay from Abbott Laboratories on lithium-heparin collected samples, we observed a rise in the patient median LD activity as well as several samples exhibiting falsely elevated values.

Materials And Methods: 120 + serum and plasma samples from consenting patients were collected and evaluated for complete blood count and lactate dehydrogenase using two different assays.

Higher levels of IL-1ra, IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1, MIP-3α, MIP-3β, and fractalkine are associated with 90-day mortality in 132 non-immunomodulated hospitalized patients with COVID-19.

Introduction: Immune dysregulation with an excessive release of cytokines has been identified as a key driver in the development of severe COVID-19. The aim of this study was to evaluate the initial cytokine profile associated with 90-day mortality and respiratory failure in a cohort of patients hospitalized with COVID 19 that did not receive immunomodulatory therapy.

Methods: Levels of 45 cytokines were measured in blood samples obtained at admission from patients with confirmed COVID-19.

Coeliac disease in the Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT), Norway, a population-based cohort of coeliac disease patients.

Purpose: Coeliac disease (CD) is a common disorder and affects about 1% of the population worldwide. CD in the Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT) is a population-based cohort study which was established to provide new knowledge about CD that can improve the diagnostics and management, prevent the onset or progression and expand the knowledge about the role of genetics of the disease.

Participants: The cohort is based on the fourth wave of the population-based HUNT study (HUNT4), Norway, performed during 2017-2019, also including linkage to hospital records and the Norwegian Patient Registry (NPR).

Circulating Adiponectin Levels Are Inversely Associated with Mortality and Respiratory Failure in Patients Hospitalized with COVID-19.

Background: Chronic low-grade inflammation associated with a dysregulated adipose tissue might contribute to amplifying the inflammatory response in severe COVID-19. The aim of this study was to examine the association between levels of circulating leptin and adiponectin and the severity and mortality of COVID-19.

Methods: Serum levels of leptin and adiponectin were determined at admission in 123 individuals with confirmed COVID-19 and their association with 90-day mortality and respiratory failure was analyzed by logistic regression analysis and expressed as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Prediction of Respiratory Failure and Mortality in COVID-19 Patients Using Long Pentraxin PTX3.

The course of COVID-19 is unpredictable, ranging from asymptomatic to respiratory failure and death. Prognostic biomarkers are urgently needed. We hypothesized that long pentraxin PTX3 could be a valuable plasma biomarker due to its essential role in inflammatory processes.

Plasma fibulin-1 levels during pregnancy and delivery: a longitudinal observational study.

Background: Fibulin-1 is an extracellular matrix protein expressed at high levels in the placenta. Elevated circulating fibulin-1 have been observed in women with severe pre-eclampsia, whereas low levels have been found in the fetal membranes, prior to membrane rupture. The aim of the study was primarily to evaluate plasma fibulin-1 during expected normal pregnancy and delivery, and secondarily to explore fibulin-1 levels in women developing pre-eclampsia or preterm premature rupture of fetal membranes (PPROM).

Thyroid function in COVID-19 and the association with cytokine levels and mortality.

The hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid hormone axis might be affected in COVID-19, but existing studies have shown varying results. It has been hypothesized that hyperinflammation, as reflected by the secretion of cytokines, might induce thyroid dysfunction among patients with COVID-19. We explored thyroid hormone involvement in the acute phase of symptomatic COVID-19 and its possible associations with cytokine levels and mortality risk.

Reference intervals for trace elements in the general Danish population and their dependence on serum proteins.

Reference intervals that indicate the anticipated results of clinical chemistry parameters in a healthy background population are essential for the proper interpretation of laboratory data. In the present study, we analysed major trace elements in blood samples from 400 randomly selected members of the general Danish population. Reference intervals were established for trace elements in both whole blood and serum, and associations with major plasma transport proteins were investigated.

Evaluation of the sysmex UF-5000 fluorescence flow cytometer as a screening platform for ruling out urinary tract infections in elderly patients presenting at the Emergency Department.

In this study, we evaluated the performance of the flow cytometer-based Sysmex UF-5000 automated urine analyzer as a screening tool for ruling out urinary tract infections in elderly patients presenting at the emergency department. A total of 1119 unselected patient samples (including 544 samples from elderly patients) submitted for urine culture were included in this study. Samples were measured on UF-5000 and dipsticks and the results were compared with interpretation of culture results, which is the gold standard.

Comparison of 16 Serological SARS-CoV-2 Immunoassays in 16 Clinical Laboratories.

Serological assays for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are needed to support clinical diagnosis and epidemiological investigations. Recently, assays for large-scale detection of total antibodies (Ab), immunoglobulin G (IgG), and IgM against SARS-CoV-2 antigens have been developed, but there are limited data on the diagnostic accuracy of these assays. This study was a Danish national collaboration and evaluated 15 commercial and one in-house anti-SARS-CoV-2 assays in 16 laboratories.

Evaluation of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring in the Clinical Management of Patients with Rheumatic Diseases: Data from a Retrospective Single-Center Cohort Study.

Purpose: Treatment of rheumatic diseases with tumor necrosis factor inhibitors leads to improved clinical outcomes. Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) may assist in guiding clinical decisions. This study investigates the impact of TDM on clinical outcome, decision-making and biologics cost expenditure.

Methylphenidate as Needed for Fatigue in Patients With Advanced Cancer. A Prospective, Double-Blind, and Placebo-Controlled Study.

Context: Cancer-related fatigue is a highly prevalent symptom with a strong negative impact on patients' daily life.

Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of methylphenidate as needed for the management of fatigue in patients with advanced cancer.

Methods: A prospective, controlled, double-blind, and paired design, where the patient was her and/or his own control.

Exploratory analyses of the Danish Palliative Care Trial (DanPaCT): a randomized trial of early specialized palliative care plus standard care versus standard care in advanced cancer patients.

Background: Early and integrated specialized palliative care is often recommended but has still only been investigated in relatively few randomized clinical trials.

Objective: To investigate the effect of early specialized palliative care plus standard care versus standard care on the explorative outcomes in the Danish Palliative Care Trial (DanPaCT).

Methods: We conducted a randomized multicentre, parallel-group clinical trial.

Effect of Psychomotricity in Combination With 3 Months of Active Shoulder Exercises in Individuals With Chronic Shoulder Pain: Primary Results From an Investigator-Blinded, Randomized, Controlled Trial.

Objective: To evaluate whether psychomotor therapy (PMT) in combination with usual care active exercise (AE) rehabilitation for the shoulder is superior to merely AE.

Design: The trial was a single-center, stratified (by corticosteroid injection [yes or no]), randomized, and controlled superiority trial.

Setting: Shoulder unit of the orthopedic department at Hospital Lillebaelt, Vejle Hospital.

How people with multiple sclerosis experience the influence of nutrition and lifestyle factors on the disease.

Increasing knowledge suggests that nutrition and lifestyle factors affect multiple sclerosis. This study explores how people with multiple sclerosis experience daily multiple sclerosis disease activity and the influence of nutrition and lifestyle factors (e.g.

Sample Type and Storage Conditions Affect Calprotectin Measurements in Blood.

Background: Calprotectin, a complex of calcium-binding proteins, is abundant in granulocytes. Increased levels of plasma calprotectin have been found in patients with inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. However, a number of preanalytical factors may affect calprotectin measurement in blood samples.

Behavioural typologies of experienced benefit of psychomotor therapy in patients with chronic shoulder pain: A grounded theory approach.

In this study we aimed to develop a theoretical account of the experienced benefit of psychomotor therapy in addition to treatment as usual in patients with chronic shoulder pain. The qualitative study design was based on a grounded theory approach. Open-ended face-to-face interviews were conducted after treatment was completed.

Oral Magnesium Supplementation in Chronic Kidney Disease Stages 3 and 4: Efficacy, Safety, and Effect on Serum Calcification Propensity-A Prospective Randomized Double-Blinded Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with high cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Recent evidence suggests that increases in both serum and intracellular magnesium (Mg) can slow or even prevent the development of vascular calcification seen in CKD. Serum calcification propensity () is a novel functional test, which is associated with all-cause mortality in CKD and measures the ability of serum to delay the formation of crystalline nanoparticles.

Randomised clinical trial of early specialist palliative care plus standard care versus standard care alone in patients with advanced cancer: The Danish Palliative Care Trial.

Background: Beneficial effects of early palliative care have been found in advanced cancer, but the evidence is not unequivocal.

Aim: To investigate the effect of early specialist palliative care among advanced cancer patients identified in oncology departments.

Setting/participants: The Danish Palliative Care Trial (DanPaCT) (ClinicalTrials.

Dyslipidemia and reference values for fasting plasma lipid concentrations in Danish/North-European White children and adolescents.

Background: Dyslipidemia is reported in 27 - 43% of children and adolescents with overweight/obesity and tracks into adulthood, increasing the risk of cardiovascular morbidity. Cut-off values for fasting plasma lipid concentrations are typically set at fixed levels throughout childhood. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to generate fasting plasma lipid references for a Danish/North-European White population-based cohort of children and adolescents, and investigate the prevalence of dyslipidemia in this cohort as well as in a cohort with overweight/obesity.

Quantification of multiple elements in dried blood spot samples.

Background: Dried blood spots (DBS) is a unique matrix that offers advantages compared to conventional blood collection making it increasingly popular in large population studies. We here describe development and validation of a method to determine multiple elements in DBS.

Methods: Elements were extracted from punches and analyzed using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).

Arterial Iron Content Is Increased in Patients with High Plasma Ferritin Levels.

The association between increased amounts of stored iron and development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been recognized for many years. However, basic information on iron content in human arteries is limited. We envision that associations between body iron content and CVD are based on the accumulation of iron in the arteries, possibly leading to the dysfunction of cellular biochemical pathways.

How does pain experience relate to the need for pain relief? A secondary exploratory analysis in a large sample of cancer patients.

Purpose: To explore (1) the information obtained from related but conceptually different approaches to pain assessment and (2) the extent to which the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) can be used as a screening tool to predict patient-reported need for pain relief.

Methods: Cancer patients randomly sampled from 56 hospital departments were included. Questionnaire items assessed patients' (a) pain experience using the EORTC QLQ-C30 pain scale and its two pain items separately (pain intensity and pain interference) and (b) pain burden and (c) need for pain relief using the Three-Levels-of-Needs Questionnaire (3LNQ).