Cross-evaluation of five slidemakers and three automated image analysis systems: The pitfalls of automation?

Introduction: Automated slidemakers and stainers and digital microscopes are coupled with haematology analysers to achieve better efficiency and cost-effectiveness. This study evaluates the integrated performance of slidemakers and digital microscopes commonly available on the market.

Methods: We compared the percentage of neutrophils for five slidemakers (two Siemens Advia Autoslides, a SysmexSP-10 and SP-50 and an Abbot Alinity hs) and a Horiba Hemaprep to the corresponding haematology analyser data (Siemens Advia 2120i, Sysmex XN and Abbot Alinity hq).

The value of seroprevalence data as surveillance tool for Lyme borreliosis in the general population: the experience of Belgium.

Background: Serological surveillance, based on the measurement of the presence of specific antibodies in a given population, can be used in addition to traditional and routine disease surveillance methods. The added value of this has been largely documented for vaccine-preventable diseases, but to a lesser extent for vector-borne diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the utility of seroprevalence data as additional source of information on the epidemiology of Lyme borreliosis in Belgium.

Chromosomal Amplification of the blaOXA-58 Carbapenemase Gene in a Proteus mirabilis Clinical Isolate.

Horizontal gene transfer may occur between distantly related bacteria, thus leading to genetic plasticity and in some cases to acquisition of novel resistance traits. Proteus mirabilis is an enterobacterial species responsible for human infections that may express various acquired β-lactam resistance genes, including different classes of carbapenemase genes. Here we report a Proteus mirabilis clinical isolate (strain 1091) displaying resistance to penicillin, including temocillin, together with reduced susceptibility to carbapenems and susceptibility to expanded-spectrum cephalosporins.

Quantification of darunavir and etravirine in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells using high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), clinical application in a cohort of 110 HIV-1 infected patients and evidence of a potential drug-drug interaction.

Objectives: To describe the validation of a sensitive high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method allowing the simultaneous quantification of darunavir (DRV) and etravirine (ETR) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and its application in a cohort of HIV-1 infected patients.

Methods: Blood samples were obtained from 110 patients. PMBCs were isolated using density gradient centrifugation.

Anti-Müllerian hormone testing: Evaluation of a novel method allowing more automation.

The anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), a 140 kDa homodimeric glycoprotein of the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) superfamily, is a useful serum biomarker of ovarian reserve. As an indicator, it mainly allows for the evaluation of primary ovarian insufficiency, the diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and the prediction of the outcome of in vitro fertilization. Despite its increasing clinical importance, the methods for measuring AMH concentrations still require various manual steps.