The authors acknowledge and thank all blood donors who participated, as well as the Trauma and Transfusion Medicine Research Lab phlebotomists and the UPMC Montefiore Clinical and Translational Research Center for assistance in collections. SMS is supported by K25HL161401. MDN is supported by 1R01HL166944-01A1.

All research was performed in compliance with institutional guidelines. Approval from the University of Pittsburgh Human Research Protection Office was obtained and informed consent from healthy human volunteers was obtained.
1. Microfluidic device preparation
<ol>
	<li>To fabricate the PDMS portion of the device, prepare a master mold using brass via computer numerical control (CNC) micromachining. 
	NOTE: Depending on channel dimensions, photolithography techniques may be used to create a master mold. The device used in this protocol includes eight parallel micromachined channels approximately 480 &#181;m wide, 140 &#181;m tall at the device inlet and outlet, and 40 &#181;m tall at the device stenosis, with a ramp length to/from the stenotic region of approximately 0.3 mm. Channel lengths are approximately 6 mm.</li>
	<li>With a master mold obtained, pour the Silicone Elastomer Base (obtained from the elastomer kit) into a weighing dish. Add the Silicone Curing Agent (obtained from the elastomer kit), which facilitates the cross-linking of the silicone polymer chains to transform the liquid PDMS into a durable and flexible solid, at a ratio of 10:1 (base agent) and stir the mixture well.</li>
	<li>Place the mold into a Petri dish and pour the uncured PDMS onto the mold. Place the Petri dish inside a vacuum desiccator for 30 min to remove bubbles.</li>
	<li>Finish curing the PDMS in the master mold by placing it in an oven set to 70 &#176;C for 90 min.</li>
	<li>After complete PDMS curing, cut out the microfluidic cast using a razor blade or scalpel. Punch holes at the edges of the channels (1.5 mm in diameter on both sides).</li>
	<li>Using lab tape, clean the surface of a glass slide and the etched side of the microfluidic cast. Use compressed air as needed to remove remaining debris.</li>
	<li>Place the glass slide and the microfluidic cast with etched side upward into a Plasma Cleaner. Start the vacuum pump, seal the chamber, and turn on the plasma cleaner to the high setting. Leave the slide and PDMS in the plasma cleaner for 30 s, then turn the plasma cleaner off and remove vacuum.</li>
	<li>Bind the plasma-cleaned cast and glass slide together by gently pressing together the sides that were face up in the plasma cleaner. Then, place the microfluidic device in an oven/hotplate at 70 &#176;C for 10 min. 
	NOTE: Do not apply too much pressure when bonding the cast and glass slide together as that could lead to a loss in channel morphology.</li>
	<li>Rinse each chamber with 10-30 &#181;L of 70% ethanol to sterilize and allow the microfluidic device to dry on a 70 &#176;C hot plate. 
	NOTE: Devices should be made at least 24 h in advance but may be made weeks to months in advance. Devices should be stored in an airtight container or covered Petri dish at room temperature.</li>
	<li>The day before experimentation with the microfluidic device, re-rinse each chamber with 10-30 &#181;L of 70% ethanol to sterilize and allow the microfluidic device to dry on a 70 &#176;C hotplate.</li>
	<li>Coat the chamber with Type 1 equine fibrillar collagen reagent (1 mg/mL), diluted in 0.9% NaCl in a 1:5 volumetric ratio through a designated outlet to designated inlet. Make sure directionality is conserved within an experiment. Store the device in a warm, humid closed container to prevent evaporation of the coated collagen within the channel.</li>
	<li>After 1 h, rinse with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) to flush out the collagen solution. Flush in the opposite direction of the coating. When not in use, store the device again in a warm, humid, closed container.</li>
</ol>
2. Blood sample preparation
<ol>
	<li>Obtain a citrated whole blood sample via venipuncture. Incubate citrated whole blood with FC receptor blocking solution (1:600). 
	NOTE: Blood samples are stored at room temperature prior to and during experimentation.</li>
	<li>Incubate citrated whole blood with fluorescence-conjugated (using a fluorophore of choice) CD41 antibody (1:600). Stain for 30 min on a nutating rocker.</li>
	<li>As a positive control for platelet inhibition, add Ticagrelor, a P2Y12 receptor antagonist reconstituted in a solution of 30% w/v 2-hydroxypropyl-&#946;-cyclodextrin (HP-&#946;-CD) in PBS. 
	NOTE: Ticagrelor stocks up to 6.4 mM should be prepared and further dilution of Ticagrelor stocks in HP-&#946;-CD solution (30% HP-&#946;-CD dissolved in PBS) can be done prior to experimentation (1,000x stock concentrations are recommended).</li>
	<li>Incubate the citrated sample with Ticagrelor (final concentration up to 6.4 &#181;M) for 30 min to observe platelet inhibition.</li>
	<li>If mixing the blood product with the citrated sample, stain the blood product with FC receptor blocking solution (1:600) and fluorescence-conjugated (using a separate and distinct fluorophore to the citrated sample) CD41 antibody (1:600).
	<ol>
		<li>Mix a volumetric equivalent of the transfused product units with the citrated sample. For example, to simulate 2 units of platelet products transfused into a hemorrhaging person (approximately 250 mL per product into a total blood volume of 5,000 mL), mix 100 &#181;L of blood product into 1,000 &#181;L of citrated blood sample.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Immediately before experimentation, filter the blood sample through a 40 &#181;m filter into a sterile 1.5 mL microcentrifuge tube.</li>
</ol>
3. Platelet function testing under flow (Method 1)
<ol>
	<li>Turn on the microscope and associated software.</li>
	<li>Set a withdrawal syringe pump level with the stage of the microscope. Adjust the settings on the syringe pump.
	<ol>
		<li>Calculate a volumetric flow rate (Q) for a desired average wall shear rate (&#947;) of 3,500 s-1 at the stenotic region of the channel using equations (1) and (2)21.&#160;&#160; 
		<img alt="Equation 1" src="/files/ftp_upload/67214/67214eq01.jpg" style="margin: auto;" />&#160; &#160; &#160;(1) 
		<img alt="Equation 2" src="/files/ftp_upload/67214/67214eq02v2.jpg" style="margin: auto;" />&#160; &#160; &#160;(2) 
		Where A is the cross-sectional area of the channel, P is the wetted perimeter, &#955; is the shape factor, b is the short side of the rectangle (height), and a is the long side of the rectangle (width). 
		NOTE: The value of 3,500 s-1 is chosen due to VWF critical shear and is in the arterial regime7,22,23.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Place the microfluidic device on the microscope stage. Tape the edges of the microfluidic device to the stage to avoid movement. Ensure that the outlet is facing the back of the microscope.</li>
	<li>Connect one end of 1/16&#8221; ID tubing (approximately 30 cm long) to an elbow connector and the other end to a 10 mL syringe with 1/16&#8221; ID connector.</li>
	<li>Fill the syringe with sterile PBS and connect it to the syringe pump.</li>
	<li>Place the elbow connector into the device outlet.</li>
	<li>Prepare inlet lines approximately 10 cm long with the elbow connector on one end and the angled cut on the other end.</li>
	<li>Connect the inlet elbow connector into the device inlet.</li>
	<li>Position the inlet line into a waste microcentrifuge tube on an angled holder.</li>
	<li>Use the 10x objective for channel dimensions approximately 500 &#181;m in width and focus on the microfluidic device channel edges.</li>
	<li>Prime the lines with PBS and clear the channel of any PDMS/debris by advancing the syringe pump manually. Be sure to check near the channel inlet and outlet.</li>
	<li>Open the saved image capture settings or create an image capture procedure for time series images captured every 1&#8211;2 s with a brightfield channel and fluorescent channels corresponding to the fluorescent CD41 antibodies used in the blood sample.</li>
	<li>Obtain the filtered citrated blood sample and mix by pipetting up and down just prior to the experiment. Place the sample on the angled microcentrifuge holder.</li>
	<li>Position the inlet line into the sample.</li>
	<li>Start recording the image capture.</li>
	<li>Slowly, withdraw the syringe to fill the dead volume in the tubing. Once blood reaches the channel, immediately hit play on the syringe pump to resume flow at the desired shear rate.</li>
	<li>Adjust the focus if needed.</li>
	<li>Run the experiment until platelets have completely occluded the stenotic region of the microfluidic device or until an experimental endpoint (i.e., 10 min).</li>
	<li>Ensure the inlet tubing is submerged in the blood sample for the duration of the experiment.</li>
	<li>Once the experiment is complete, stop the image capture and stop the syringe pump. Save the image capture.</li>
	<li>Remove the inlet elbow connector and empty the contents of the tubing into a waste conical. Empty the contents of syringe and outlet lines into waste conical as well.</li>
	<li>Replace the inlet and outlet connectors and tubing as necessary for subsequent samples. &#160;</li>
</ol>
4. Platelet function testing under flow with low-volume samples (below 1 mL) (Method 2)
<ol>
	<li>Repeat steps 1.1 through 1.4&#160;as above.</li>
	<li>Punch a 1.5 mm in diameter outlet and 3 mm in diameter inlet at the edges of the channels.</li>
	<li>Repeat steps 1.6 through 3.6 as above.</li>
	<li>Use the 10x objective for channel dimensions approximately 500 &#181;m in width and focus on the microfluidic device channel edges.</li>
	<li>Clear the channel of any PDMS/debris by advancing the syringe pump manually and wicking away access fluid with a laboratory wipe. Remove any debris with lab tape on the top of the microfluidic device.</li>
	<li>Manually advance the pump to fill the 3 mm inlet reservoir with PBS.</li>
	<li>Open the saved image capture settings or create an image capture procedure for time series images captured every 1&#8211;2 s with a brightfield channel and fluorescent channels corresponding to the fluorescent CD41 antibodies used in the blood sample.</li>
	<li>Start withdrawal on the syringe pump (manually or with set speed) and once PBS is advancing into the channel and the fill line in the reservoir is going down, pause the withdrawal on the pump.</li>
	<li>Remove excess PBS from the reservoir with a pipette.</li>
	<li>Start the image capture.</li>
	<li>Pipette the blood sample into the reservoir (approximately 40 &#956;L) and immediately start the withdrawal syringe. Ensure flow starts. 
	NOTE: If the syringe pump motor for withdrawal was not primed in step 4.8, flow will not start immediately, and the experiment should be repeated.</li>
	<li>Refill the blood reservoir for the duration of the experiment, ensuring no air pockets enter the channel.&#160;</li>
	<li>Run the experiment until the platelets have completely occluded the stenotic region of the microfluidic device or until an experimental endpoint (i.e., 10 min).</li>
	<li>Once the experiment is complete, stop image capture and stop the syringe pump. Save the image capture.</li>
	<li>Remove excess blood in the reservoir by pipetting. Empty the contents of the withdrawal tubing into a waste conical tube.</li>
	<li>Replace the connectors and tubing as necessary for subsequent samples.&#160;</li>
</ol>
5. Decontamination
<ol>
	<li>Clear the inlet and outlet lines of blood by flushing into a 10% bleach solution.</li>
	<li>If all the channels on the microfluidic device have been used, then discard the device in the Sharps biohazardous waste container. 
	NOTE: All biological waste should be disposed of in biohazard waste appropriately.</li>
</ol>
6. Image analysis
<ol>
	<li>Export the images from kinetic experiments using software by clicking File | Export/Import | Export.</li>
	<li>Select the following parameters: filetype: Tagged Image File Format (TIFF); compression: LZW; check Original Data and Shift Pixel; uncheck Apply display curve and channel color; check Define Subset (Region, Rectangle region, and select the channel area with a conserve width and height measurement between conditions). Export to the desired folder and check Create folder.</li>
	<li>Note the below experimental values on the software: start frame when blood enters the channel; frame rate (Info, Time Series).</li>
	<li>Measure the normalized mean fluorescence intensity of each frame in an experiment utilizing Matlab code provided as Supplemental File 1, changing the following inputs for each experiment: start frame/end frame based on experiment length (ensure the experiment length is conserved between conditions); experiment name/folder name; cropping X, Y, H, and W parameters. Run the code once for the recipient platelet fluorescent channel and once for the product platelet fluorescent channel. Report normalized MFI (column 2) and normalized AUC values (normalized to start frame). Subtract the experiment length value from the normalized AUC value.</li>
</ol>

Platform for Assessing Platelet Function in Trauma and Transfusion

<ol>
	<li>Moore, E. E., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Trauma-induced+coagulopathy.">Trauma-induced coagulopathy.</a> Nat Rev Dis Primers. 7 (1), 1-23 (2021).</li><li>Vulliamy, P., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Alterations+in+platelet+behavior+after+major+trauma:+adaptive+or+maladaptive.">Alterations in platelet behavior after major trauma: adaptive or maladaptive.</a> Platelets. 32 (3), 295-304 (2021).</li><li>Starr, N. E., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Identification+of+injury+and+shock+driven+effects+on+ex+vivo+platelet+aggregometry:+A+cautionary+tale+of+phenotyping.">Identification of injury and shock driven effects on ex vivo platelet aggregometry: A cautionary tale of phenotyping.</a> J Trauma Acute Care Surg. 89 (1), 20-28 (2020).</li><li>Kutcher, M. E., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Characterization+of+platelet+dysfunction+after+trauma.">Characterization of platelet dysfunction after trauma.</a> J Trauma Acute Care Surg. 73 (1), 13-19 (2012).</li><li>Yakusheva, A. A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Traumatic+vessel+injuries+initiating+hemostasis+generate+high+shear+conditions.">Traumatic vessel injuries initiating hemostasis generate high shear conditions.</a> Blood Adv. 6 (16), 4834-4846 (2022).</li><li>Colace, T. V., Diamond, S. L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Direct+observation+of+von+Willebrand+factor+elongation+and+fiber+formation+on+collagen+during+acute+whole+blood+exposure+to+pathological+flow.">Direct observation of von Willebrand factor elongation and fiber formation on collagen during acute whole blood exposure to pathological flow.</a> Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 33 (1), 105-113 (2013).</li><li>Schneider, S. W., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Shear-induced+unfolding+triggers+adhesion+of+von+Willebrand+factor+fibers.">Shear-induced unfolding triggers adhesion of von Willebrand factor fibers.</a> Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 104 (19), 7899-7903 (2007).</li><li>Savage, B., Almus-Jacobs, F., Ruggeri, Z. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Specific+synergy+of+multiple+substrate-receptor+interactions+in+platelet+thrombus+formation+under+flow.">Specific synergy of multiple substrate-receptor interactions in platelet thrombus formation under flow.</a> Cell. 94 (5), 657-666 (1998).</li><li>Savage, B., Sald&#237;var, E., Ruggeri, Z. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Initiation+of+platelet+adhesion+by+arrest+onto+fibrinogen+or+translocation+on+von+Willebrand+factor.">Initiation of platelet adhesion by arrest onto fibrinogen or translocation on von Willebrand factor.</a> Cell. 84 (2), 289-297 (1996).</li><li>Ruggeri, Z. M., Mendolicchio, G. L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Adhesion+mechanisms+in+platelet+function.">Adhesion mechanisms in platelet function.</a> Circ Res. 100 (12), 1673-1685 (2007).</li><li>Chernysh, I. N., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+distinctive+structure+and+composition+of+arterial+and+venous+thrombi+and+pulmonary+emboli.">The distinctive structure and composition of arterial and venous thrombi and pulmonary emboli.</a> Sci Rep. 10 (1), 5112 (2020).</li><li>Holcomb, J. B., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Transfusion+of+plasma,+platelets,+and+red+blood+cells+in+a+1:1:1+vs+a+1:1:2+ratio+and+mortality+in+patients+with+severe+trauma:+The+PROPPR+randomized+clinical+trial.">Transfusion of plasma, platelets, and red blood cells in a 1:1:1 vs a 1:1:2 ratio and mortality in patients with severe trauma: The PROPPR randomized clinical trial.</a> JAMA. 313 (5), 471-482 (2015).</li><li>Shea, S. M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Doing+more+with+less:+low-titer+group+O+whole+blood+resulted+in+less+total+transfusions+and+an+independent+association+with+survival+in+adults+with+severe+traumatic+hemorrhage.">Doing more with less: low-titer group O whole blood resulted in less total transfusions and an independent association with survival in adults with severe traumatic hemorrhage.</a> J Thromb Haemost. 22 (1), 140-151 (2024).</li><li>Cardenas, J. C., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Platelet+transfusions+improve+hemostasis+and+survival+in+a+substudy+of+the+prospective,+randomized+PROPPR+trial.">Platelet transfusions improve hemostasis and survival in a substudy of the prospective, randomized PROPPR trial.</a> Blood Adv. 2 (14), 1696-1704 (2018).</li><li>Sperry, J. L., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Prehospital+plasma+during+air+medical+transport+in+trauma+patients+at+risk+for+hemorrhagic+shock.">Prehospital plasma during air medical transport in trauma patients at risk for hemorrhagic shock.</a> N Engl J Med. 379 (4), 315-326 (2018).</li><li>Meyer, D. E., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Every+minute+counts:+Time+to+delivery+of+initial+massive+transfusion+cooler+and+its+impact+on+mortality.">Every minute counts: Time to delivery of initial massive transfusion cooler and its impact on mortality.</a> J Trauma Acute Care Surg. 83 (1), 19-24 (2017).</li><li>Shea, S. M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Cold-stored+platelet+hemostatic+capacity+is+maintained+for+three+weeks+of+storage+and+associated+with+taurine+metabolism.">Cold-stored platelet hemostatic capacity is maintained for three weeks of storage and associated with taurine metabolism.</a> J Thromb Haemost. 22 (4), 1154-1166 (2024).</li><li>Sperry, J. L., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Early+cold+stored+platelet+transfusion+following+severe+injury:+a+randomized+clinical+trial.">Early cold stored platelet transfusion following severe injury: a randomized clinical trial.</a> Ann Surg. 280 (2), 212-221 (2024).</li><li>Schoeman, R. M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+microfluidic+model+of+hemostasis+sensitive+to+platelet+function+and+coagulation.">A microfluidic model of hemostasis sensitive to platelet function and coagulation.</a> Cell Mol Bioeng. 10 (1), 3-15 (2017).</li><li>Sakurai, Y., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+microengineered+vascularized+bleeding+model+that+integrates+the+principal+components+of+hemostasis.">A microengineered vascularized bleeding model that integrates the principal components of hemostasis.</a> Nat Commun. 9 (1), 509 (2018).</li><li>Miller, C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Predicting+non-Newtonian+flow+behavior+in+ducts+of+unusual+cross+section.">Predicting non-Newtonian flow behavior in ducts of unusual cross section.</a> Ind Eng Chem Fundamentals. 11 (4), 524-528 (1972).</li><li>Kim, D., Bresette, C., Liu, Z., Ku, D. N. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Occlusive+thrombosis+in+arteries.">Occlusive thrombosis in arteries.</a> APL Bioeng. 3 (4), 041502 (2019).</li><li>Kroll, M. H., Hellums, J. D., McIntire, L. V., Schafer, A. I., Moake, J. L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Platelets+and+shear+stress.">Platelets and shear stress.</a> Blood. 88 (5), 1525-1541 (1996).</li><li>Sorrells, M. G., Neeves, K. B. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Adsorption+and+absorption+of+collagen+peptides+to+polydimethlysiloxane+and+its+influence+on+platelet+adhesion+flow+assays.">Adsorption and absorption of collagen peptides to polydimethlysiloxane and its influence on platelet adhesion flow assays.</a> Micromachines. 11 (1), 62 (2020).</li></ol>

The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

The above protocol has some critical steps to ensure the reliability and reproducibility of experiments. First, fluorescent antibodies should be carefully considered. The antibodies used to detect platelets in the sample should not block the function of the glycoprotein Ib (GPIb) platelet receptor. Lot matching, whenever possible between experiments, is also critical to ensure the reproducibility of the fluorescent signal. Another critical step in this protocol is using sterile consumables and solutions and filtered samp...

Trauma is a leading global cause of death and disability. Severe injury is frequently complicated by a unique, endogenous disturbance of hemostasis and thrombosis, termed trauma-induced coagulopathy (TIC)1. Platelets play a critical role in TIC, and they have been described as having both adaptive and maladaptive functions2. The mechanisms of platelet dysfunction after injury remain unclear, and there is a critical need to better understand the cellular response to guide the development of improved resuscitation and therapy. An additional vexing problem regarding platelet function after injury is the uncertainty of the reliability of present readouts of platelet function in the trauma patient.
Multiple studies have shown that even mildly injured patients, with no known clinical bleeding phenotype, have abnormal platelet function using conventional platelet function testing such as aggregometry3,4. However, limitations in aggregometry to assess platelet function in an injury setting include a lack of physiologically relevant injury surface, a reductionist approach to agonist stimulation, sample dilution with whole blood impedance aggregometry, plasma separation with optical light transmission aggregometry, and stagnant sample assessment. Additionally, whether this sensitivity of platelet function represents true cellular dysfunction or a measurement artifact, such as increased baseline electrical impedance, in the setting of injury remains unclear2. Thus, studying relevant platelet functions in the context of trauma is crucial to understanding TIC, and there is substantial room for innovation and improvement in this area.
Platforms traditionally used to study platelet function do not include fluid dynamics and flow, which may be critical in understanding platelet dysfunction pertaining to trauma and trauma-induced coagulopathy5. Mechanisms of hemostasis that are dependent on flow include von Willebrand factor (VWF) elongation at high shear, above a critical shear rate, and platelet capture via glycoprotein 1b6,7,8, which are not captured using stagnant platelet function assays. Additionally, platelets preferentially bind VWF or fibrinogen depending on the flow regime and elicit differential roles in arterial versus venous thrombosis9,10. Arterial thrombi are mainly comprised of platelets while venous thrombi are mainly comprised of red blood cells, based, in part, on flow regimes11. Assays that incorporate flow regimes can aid in elucidating dysfunctions pertaining to the spectrum of TIC phenotypes, from hypocoagulability and bleeding phenotypes to hypercoagulability and thrombotic phenotypes. Finally, blood volume sampling constraints with trauma patient populations may make traditional platelet function testing challenging. While assays such as flow cytometry can and should be utilized in these circumstances, results often depict a physical characterization of a sample and not a hemostatic functional assessment.
While mechanisms of platelet dysfunction may not be completely understood in trauma, modeling platelet dysfunction in vitro, with P2Y12 antagonists for example, can also help guide the study of therapeutic interventions. Hemostatic resuscitation is critically important in trauma patients where blood products are transfused in a balanced approach to address shock, coagulopathy, and endothelial injury with either whole blood or blood components (red blood cells, plasma, and platelet concentrates) in a 1:1:1 unit ratio12,13,14. In trauma patients, early use of blood products is associated with improved survival15,16. To extend shelf life, cold-stored platelet products have been increasingly studied. Examination of cold-stored platelets shows increased hemostatic activity, as well as safety when transfused following injury17,18.
The evolution of cold-stored platelet resuscitation emphasizes the need for additional testing to understand the most efficacious platelet product available for trauma. However, traditional platelet function assays are often over- or under-potentiated to detect dysfunction, occurring both in the trauma patient receiving therapeutic platelet transfusion as well as in the transfused product itself seen in platelet storage lesions. Determining the origin of dysfunction can be challenging, given the limitations in current platelet function assays, including the static nature of most of these tests. Therefore, when studying hemostatic resuscitation in vitro, the platform and detection methods for both recipient and product platelet populations are of critical importance in determining optimal therapeutic interventions.
Microfluidic testing offers flow profiles and biofidelic surfaces to create a physiologically relevant assay on which to study platelets. Microfluidic devices can be customized to study particular pathophysiology or injury types, such as vessel puncture19 or endothelial damage20. These devices are generally comprised of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) bonded to a glass microscope slide with surface modifications, such as collagen, to mimic sub-endothelium and tissue injury. Utilizing these types of flow-based devices can aid in guiding trauma-related platelet dysfunction research and aid in examining optimal transfusion medicine approaches to ameliorate platelet dysfunction. These strategies may help to clarify the existing confusion about the relevance of static platelet assays such as aggregometry in the injured patient.

<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Equipments</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Axio Observer</td>
			<td>Zeiss</td>
			<td>491917-0001-000</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Bel-Art Space Saver Vacuum Desiccators</td>
			<td>Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>08-594-15A</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Fisherbrand Isotemp Digital Hotplate Stirrer</td>
			<td>Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>FB30786161</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Nutating Mixer</td>
			<td>Fischer Scientific</td>
			<td>88-861-043</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>OHAUS Scout Balance Scale</td>
			<td>Uline</td>
			<td>H-5852</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Oven</td>
			<td>Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>15-103-0520</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Plasma cleaner</td>
			<td>Harrick</td>
			<td>PDC-32G (115V)</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Syringe Pump (PHD ULTRA CP, I/W PROGRAMMABLE)</td>
			<td>Harvard Apparatus</td>
			<td>883015</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Zen 3.4</td>
			<td>Zeiss</td>
			<td>Blue edition</td>
			<td>Software</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Material</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>1/16 inch ID - Barbed Elbow Connectors</td>
			<td>Qosina</td>
			<td>11691</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>10 mL syringe</td>
			<td>Fischer Scientific</td>
			<td>14-955-459</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>2-Hydroxypropyl-&#946;-cyclodextrin</td>
			<td>Cayman Chemicals</td>
			<td>16169</td>
			<td>30% Dissolved in Phosphate buffered saline</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>40-micron filters</td>
			<td>Fischer Scientific</td>
			<td>NC1469671</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>CD41 antibody</td>
			<td>Novus Biologicals</td>
			<td>&#160;NB100-2614</td>
			<td>1:600 Ratio in Whole Blood</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Chrono-Par Collagen Reagent</td>
			<td>Chrono Log Corporation</td>
			<td>385</td>
			<td>1:5 Ratio in 0.9% Saline</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Electron Microscopy Sciences Miltex Biopsy Punch with Plunger, 3.0 mm</td>
			<td>Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>NC0856599</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Eppendorf Snap-Cap Microcentrifuge SafeLock Tubes, 1.5 mL</td>
			<td>Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>05-402-25</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Essendant 121oz. Clorox Germicidal Bleach</td>
			<td>Fischer Scientific</td>
			<td>50371500</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ethanol</td>
			<td>Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>07-678-005</td>
			<td>70%</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Falcon Safety Dust Off DPSXLRCP Compressed Gas</td>
			<td>Supra</td>
			<td>1381978</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Human TruStain</td>
			<td>Biolegend</td>
			<td>422302</td>
			<td>1:600 Ratio in Whole Blood</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>LevGo smartSpatula Disposable Polypropylene Spatula</td>
			<td>Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>18-001-017</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Microscope Slides</td>
			<td>Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>12-550-A3</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Phosphate buffered saline</td>
			<td>Gibco</td>
			<td>10010-023</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Safety Scalpel</td>
			<td>Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>22-079-718</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Saline</td>
			<td>Millipore</td>
			<td>567442</td>
			<td>0.90%</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Sartorius Polystyrene Weighing Boats</td>
			<td>Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>13-735-744</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Superslip Cover Slips - Superslip No. 1.5</td>
			<td>Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>12-541-055</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>SYLGARD 184 Silicone Elastomer Kit</td>
			<td>Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>NC9285739</td>
			<td>Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ticagrelor</td>
			<td>Cayman Chemicals</td>
			<td>15425</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Tygon PVC Clear Tubing 1/16&#34; ID, 1/8&#34; OD, 50 ft length</td>
			<td>McMaster-Carr</td>
			<td>6516T11</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ultra-Machinable 360 Brass Bar</td>
			<td>McMaster-Carr</td>
			<td>8954K721</td>
			<td>For master mold fabrication</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Vacutainers</td>
			<td>BD</td>
			<td>363083</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>World Precision Instrument Reusable Biopsy Punch, 1.5mm</td>
			<td>Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>NC1215626</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

microfluidics in assessing platelet function

Microfluidics incorporate physiologically relevant substrates and flows that mimic the vasculature and are, therefore, a valuable tool for studying aspects of thrombosis and hemostasis. At high-shear environments simulating arterial flow, a microfluidic assay facilitates the study of platelet function, as platelet-rich thrombi form in a localized stenotic region of a flow channel. Utilizing devices that allow for small sample volume can additionally aid in evaluating platelet function under flow from volume-limited patient samples or animal models. Studying trauma patient samples or samples following platelet product transfusion may aid in directing therapeutic strategies for patient populations in which platelet function is critical. Effects of platelet inhibition via pharmacological agents can also be studied in this model. The objective of this protocol is to establish a microfluidic platform that incorporates physiologic flow, biological surfaces, and relevant hemostatic mechanisms to assess platelet function with implications for the study of trauma induced coagulopathy and transfusion medicine.

Microfluidic experiments following the use of this method should show platelet-rich thrombi formation in the region of stenosis of the flow channel (Figure 1). Figure 1A illustrates representative results where functional platelets formed a thrombus in the stenotic region of the channel to block blood flow through the channel. Mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) curves of kinetic images taken for the duration of the experiment illustrate a lag, growth, and plateau...

Microfluidics in Assessing Platelet Function

Platelet function under flow can be assessed and simulated hemostatic resuscitation can be modeled using a microfluidic device, which has applications in trauma and transfusion medicine.

Microfluidics incorporate physiologically relevant substrates and flows that mimic the vasculature and are, therefore, a valuable tool for studying ...

microfluidics-in-assessing-platelet-function

Research

JoVE Journal

Medicine

647 Views.  University of Pittsburgh. Platelet function under flow can be assessed and simulated hemostatic resuscitation can be modeled using a microfluidic device, which has applications in trauma and transfusion medicine. 

Video: Microfluidics in Assessing Platelet Function

Assessing Teratogenic Changes in a Zebrafish Model of Fetal Alcohol Exposure

Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a severe manifestation of embryonic exposure to ethanol. It presents with characteristic defects to the face and organs, including mental retardation due to disordered and damaged brain development. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a term used to cover a continuum of birth defects that occur due to maternal alcohol consumption, and occurs in approximately 4% of children born in the United States. With 50% of child-bearing age women reporting consumption of alcohol, and half of all pregnancies being unplanned, unintentional exposure is a continuing issue2. In order to best understand the damage produced by ethanol, plus produce a model with which to test potential interventions, we developed a model of developmental ethanol exposure using the zebrafish embryo. Zebrafish are ideal for this kind of teratogen study3-8. Each pair lays hundreds of eggs, which can then be collected without harming the adult fish. The zebrafish embryo is transparent and can be readily imaged with any number of stains. Analysis of these embryos after exposure to ethanol at different doses and times of duration and application shows that the gross developmental defects produced by ethanol are consistent with the human birth defect. Described here are the basic techniques used to study and manipulate the zebrafish FAS model.

In order to understand the molecular mechanisms of the ethanol-induced developmental damage, we have developed a zebrafish model of ethanol exposure and are exploring the physical, cellular, and genetic alterations that occur after ethanol exposure1. We then seek to find potential interventions and rapidly test them in this animal model.

Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a severe manifestation of embryonic exposure to ethanol. It presents with characteristic defects to the face and organs, ...

Assessing Replication and Beta Cell Function in Adenovirally-transduced Isolated Rodent Islets

Glucose homeostasis is primarily controlled by the endocrine hormones insulin and glucagon, secreted from the pancreatic beta and alpha cells, respectively. Functional beta cell mass is determined by the anatomical beta cell mass as well as the ability of the beta cells to respond to a nutrient load. A loss of functional beta cell mass is central to both major forms of diabetes 1-3. Whereas the declining functional beta cell mass results from an autoimmune attack in type 1 diabetes, in type 2 diabetes, this decrement develops from both an inability of beta cells to secrete insulin appropriately and the destruction of beta cells from a cadre of mechanisms. Thus, efforts to restore functional beta cell mass are paramount to the better treatment of and potential cures for diabetes.
Efforts are underway to identify molecular pathways that can be exploited to stimulate the replication and enhance the function of beta cells. Ideally, therapeutic targets would improve both beta cell growth and function. Perhaps more important though is to identify whether a strategy that stimulates beta cell growth comes at the cost of impairing beta cell function (such as with some oncogenes) and vice versa.
By systematically suppressing or overexpressing the expression of target genes in isolated rat islets, one can identify potential therapeutic targets for increasing functional beta cell mass 4-6. Adenoviral vectors can be employed to efficiently overexpress or knockdown proteins in isolated rat islets 4,7-15. Here, we present a method to manipulate gene expression utilizing adenoviral transduction and assess islet replication and beta cell function in isolated rat islets (Figure 1). This method has been used previously to identify novel targets that modulate beta cell replication or function 5,6,8,9,16,17.

This protocol allows one to identify factors that modulate functional beta cell mass to find potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of diabetes. The protocol consists of a streamlined method to assess islet replication and beta cell function in isolated rat islets following manipulation of gene expression with adenoviruses.

Glucose homeostasis is primarily controlled by the endocrine hormones insulin and glucagon, secreted from the pancreatic beta and alpha cells, ...

Assessing Specificity of Anticancer Drugs In Vitro

A procedure for assessing specificity of anticancer drugs in vitro using cultures containing both tumor and non-tumor cells is demonstrated. The key element is the quantitative determination of a tumor-specific genetic alteration in relation to a universal sequence using a dual-probe digital PCR assay and the subsequent calculation of the proportion of tumor cells. The assay is carried out on a culture containing tumor cells of an established line and spiked-in non-tumor cells. The mixed culture is treated with a test drug at various concentrations. After the treatment, DNA is prepared directly from the survived adhesive cells in wells of 96-well plates using a simple and inexpensive method, and subjected to a dual-probe digital PCR assay for measuring a tumor-specific genetic alteration and a reference universal sequence. In the present demonstration, a heterozygous deletion of the NF1 gene is used as the tumor-specific genetic alteration and a RPP30 gene as the reference gene. Using the ratio NF1/RPP30, the proportion of tumor cells was calculated. Since the dose-dependent change of the proportion of tumor cells provides an in vitro indication for specificity of the drug, this genetic and cell-based in vitro assay will likely have application potential in drug discovery. Furthermore, for personalized cancer-care, this genetic- and cell-based tool may contribute to optimizing adjuvant chemotherapy by means of testing efficacy and specificity of candidate drugs using primary cultures of individual tumors.

Assessing Specificity of Anticancer Drugs In Vitro

The goal of this protocol is to assess specificity of anticancer drugs in vitro using mixed cultures containing both tumor and non-tumor cells.

A procedure for assessing specificity of anticancer drugs in vitro using cultures containing both tumor and non-tumor cells is demonstrated. The key ...

Transcutaneous Assessment of Renal Function in Conscious Rodents

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is the gold standard to assess overall kidney function. However, traditional methods to evaluate GFR are cumbersome and time-consuming. In addition, serial blood or urine samples are required, with the associated stress for the experimental animals. A recent technique significantly reduces the investment in time and resources, minimizing the invasiveness and the animal stress, but being equally valid as the traditional approaches. The method measures transcutaneously renal function. Using an optical device and the exogenous renal marker fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-sinistrin, this technique is capable of measuring the elimination kinetics of the marker through the skin. With neither blood nor urine samples nor the associated laboratory assays needed, the results of the transcutaneous measurement are almost instantaneously available. The method has been already validated in different species and successfully applied in several models of renal pathology. Moreover, due to its minimally invasive characteristics, it is suitable for sequential measurements within the same animal. Here is provided a detailed protocol to carry out the transcutaneous assessment of renal function in rodents.

Determination of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is the gold standard to assess overall kidney function. However, traditional procedures to measure this parameter are cumbersome and require a large investment of time. Here we describe a faster and minimally invasive method to determinate GFR transcutaneously.

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is the gold standard to assess overall kidney function. However, traditional methods to evaluate GFR are cumbersome and ...

Nerve-sparing Mid-urethral Obstruction (NeMO) in Female Small Rodents

Partial bladder outlet obstruction (pBOO) has a high prevalence, causes significant patient burden, and immense health care costs. The most common animal model to investigate bladder remodeling in pBOO are female rodents undergoing partial obstruction at the proximal urethra. Variability in the degree of obstruction and animal mortality are major concerns with proximal obstruction. Furthermore, dissecting around the proximal urethra and bladder neck jeopardizes bladder innervation.
We developed a nerve-sparing mid-urethral obstruction (NeMO) model for pBOO avoiding the disadvantages of the traditional model. We approached the urethra just inferior to the pubic symphysis, which obviated the need for laparotomy as well as for dissection in this area; also, the striated urethral sphincter remained untouched. We performed NeMO in female Sprague-Dawley rats (12 obstructions, 6 sham animals) as well as in female C57/bl6 mice (20 obstructions, 18 sham animals). After two weeks, we evaluated bladder function, bladder mass, and body mass.
We had no mortalities among obstructed- or sham-operated female rats; as described for the traditional proximal pBOO-method, we tied the suture around the proximal urethra and a temporarily placed 0.9 mm metal rod. NeMO induced an 85% increase in bladder mass after two weeks, average residual urine volume was 0.4 mL in partially obstructed rats while only 0.03 mL in sham animals. In mice, we tested 3 sizes of cannulas that we placed along the urethra when tying the suture. We found that using a 27-gauge cannula resulted in over 50% animal mortality; placing the 25-gauge cannula did not yield the desired response in increasing bladder mass; utilizing a 26-gauge cannula yielded favorable results with minimal animal mortality (1/8) yet a significant 2-fold increase in bladder mass.

Nerve-sparing Mid-urethral Obstruction NeMO in Female Small Rodents

Traditional modeling of partial bladder outlet obstruction in rodents is fraught with animal mortality. A denervation injury from dissection around the proximal urethra and bladder neck is also of major concern. We developed and evaluated a safe and reliable mid-urethral obstruction model, avoiding the shortcomings of the traditional model.

Partial bladder outlet obstruction (pBOO) has a high prevalence, causes significant patient burden, and immense health care costs. The most common animal ...

Turbidimetry on Human Washed Platelets: The Effect of the Pannexin1-inhibitor Brilliant Blue FCF on Collagen-induced Aggregation

Turbidimetry is a laboratory technique that is applied to measure the aggregation of platelets suspended in either plasma (platelet-rich plasma, PRP) or in buffer (washed platelets), by the use of one or a combination of agonists. The use of washed platelets separated from their plasma environment and in the absence of anticoagulants allows for studying intrinsic platelet properties. Among the large panel of agonists, arachidonic acid (AA), adenosine di-phosphate (ADP), thrombin and collagen are the most frequently used. The aggregation response is quantified by measuring the relative optical density (OD) over time of platelet suspension under continuous stirring. Platelets in homogeneous suspension limit the passage of light after the addition of an agonist, platelet shape change occurs producing a small transitory increase in OD. Following this initial activation step, platelet clots form gradually, allowing the passage of light through the suspension as a result of decreased OD. The aggregation process is ultimately expressed as a percentage, compared to the OD of platelet-poor plasma or buffer. Rigorous calibration is thus essential at the beginning of each experiment. As a general rule: calibration to 0% is set by measuring the OD of a non-stimulated platelet suspension while measuring the OD of the suspension medium containing no platelets represents a value of 100%. Platelet aggregation is generally visualized as a real-time aggregation curve. Turbidimetry is one of the most commonly used laboratory techniques for the investigation of platelet function and is considered as the historical gold standard and used for the development of new pharmaceutical agents aimed at inhibiting platelet aggregation. Here, we describe detailed protocols for 1) preparation of human washed platelets and 2) turbidimetric analysis of collagen-induced aggregation of human washed platelets pretreated with the food dye Brilliant Blue FCF that was recently identified as an inhibitor of Pannexin1 (Panx1) channels.

We describe a straightforward method for the isolation of washed platelets from human blood followed by agonist-induced platelet aggregation measurements by turbidimetry. As an example we apply this method for studying the aggregation response of human platelets to collagen after a pre-incubation with the Pannexin1 channel inhibitor Brilliant Blue FCF.

Turbidimetry is a laboratory technique that is applied to measure the aggregation of platelets suspended in either plasma (platelet-rich plasma, PRP) or ...

Routine Screening Method for Microparticles in Platelet Transfusions

Platelet inventory management based on screening microparticle content in platelet concentrates is a new quality improvement initiative for hospital blood banks. Cells fragment off microparticles (MP) when they are stressed. Blood and blood components may contain cellular fragments from a variety of cells, most notably from activated platelets. When performing their roles as innate immune cells and major players in coagulation and hemostasis, platelets change shape and generate microparticles. With dynamic light scattering (DLS)-based microparticle detection, it is possible to differentiate activated (high microparticle) from non-activated (low microparticle) platelets in transfusions, and optimize the use of this scarce blood product. Previous research suggests that providing non-activated platelets for prophylactic use in hematology-oncology patients could reduce their risk of becoming refractory and improve patient care. The goal of this screening method is to routinely differentiate activated from non-activated platelets. The method described here outlines the steps to be performed for routine platelet inventory management in a hospital blood bank: obtaining a sample from a platelet transfusion, loading the sample into the capillary for DLS measurement, performing the DLS test to identify microparticles, and using the reported microparticle content to identify activated platelets.

Platelet inventory management based on screening microparticle content in platelet concentrates is a new quality improvement initiative in hospital blood banks. The goal is to differentiate activated from non-activated platelets to optimize the use of platelets. Providing non-activated platelets to hematology-oncology patients might reduce their high risk to become refractory.

Platelet inventory management based on screening microparticle content in platelet concentrates is a new quality improvement initiative for hospital blood ...

Platelet-based Detection of Nitric Oxide in Blood by Measuring VASP Phosphorylation

Platelets are the blood components responsible for proper blood clotting. Their function is highly regulated by various pathways. One of the most potent vasoactive agents, nitric oxide (NO), can also act as a powerful inhibitor of platelet aggregation. Direct NO detection in blood is very challenging due to its high reactivity with cell-free hemoglobin that limits NO half-life to the millisecond range. Currently, NO changes after interventions are only estimated based on measured changes of nitrite and nitrate (members of the nitrate-nitrite-NO metabolic pathway). However precise, these measurements are rather difficult to interpret vis a vis actual NO changes, due to the naturally high baseline nitrite and nitrate levels that are several orders of magnitude higher than expected changes of NO itself. Therefore, the development of direct and simple methods that would allow one to detect NO directly is long overdue. This protocol addresses a potential use of platelets as a highly sensitive NO sensor in blood. It describes initial platelet rich plasma (PRP) and washed platelet preparations and the use of nitrite and deoxygenated red blood cells as NO generators. Phosphorylation of VASP at serine 239 (P-VASPSer239) is used to detect the presence of NO. The fact that VASP protein is highly expressed in platelets and that it is rapidly phosphorylated when NO is present leads to a unique opportunity to use this pathway to directly detect NO presence in blood.

Here, we present a protocol to address the potential use of platelets as a highly sensitive nitric oxide sensor in blood. It describes initial platelet preparation and the use of nitrite and deoxygenated red blood cells as nitric oxide generators.

Platelets are the blood components responsible for proper blood clotting. Their function is highly regulated by various pathways. One of the most potent ...

A Computerized Functional Skills Assessment and Training Program Targeting Technology Based Everyday Functional Skills

Today, many functional skills are technology-based, so development of a technology-based training program has broad importance. Here we present a computerized functional skills training program that was paired in half of the participants with a commercially available cognitive training (CCT) program.
Non-impaired older individuals (NC) aged 60+ (n=45) and similarly aged individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI; n=50) were randomized to receive 12 weeks of twice-weekly computerized functional skills training (CFST) or 12 weeks of twice-weekly sessions split between CCT and CFST. Skills trained were use of an ATM; internet banking; ticket kiosk; telephone and internet prescription refill; medication management; and internet shopping. As with previous functional capacity assessments, we focus on completion time for each simulation.
51 participants completed the training program, either by mastering all 6 tasks (34) or completing 12 weeks of training. 44 more participants completed 4 or more training sessions so they were also analyzed for improvement up to their last training session. Completion time for all 6 tests significantly improved from the baseline assessment to the final training session in both groups of participants (all p&#60;0.001 with an average improvement in task completion time of 45%). Further, there was no differential improvement in MCI and NC in the 6 tests from baseline to end of training (all t&#60;1.66, all p&#62;0.12). Finally, combined CCT plus CFST did not differ from CSFT alone on any of the percent-change score measures (all t&#60;1.64, all p&#62;0.11).
Both NC and MCI groups evidenced substantial improvements in performance. CCT supplementation led to similar functional gains with half as many training sessions. The NC participants proceeded through the training fairly rapidly even without CCT supplementation; MCI participants required more training but learned equivalently. These findings suggest that even in cases with memory impairments, functional skills can be efficiently learned with training.

This training protocol uses computerized training to teach technology-related everyday functional skills. These skills include financial skills, travel and transit, as well as medication management.

Today, many functional skills are technology-based, so development of a technology-based training program has broad importance. Here we present a ...

Assessing Whole-Body Lipid-Handling Capacity in Mice

Assessing lipid metabolism is a cornerstone of evaluating metabolic function, and it is considered essential for in vivo metabolism studies. Lipids are a class of many different molecules with many pathways involved in their synthesis and metabolism. A starting point for evaluating lipid hemostasis for nutrition and obesity research is needed. This paper describes three easy and accessible methods that require little expertise or practice to master, and that can be adapted by most labs to screen for lipid-metabolism abnormalities in mice. These methods are (1) measuring several fasting serum lipid molecules using commercial kits (2) assaying for dietary lipid-handling capability through an oral intralipid tolerance test, and (3) evaluating the response to a pharmaceutical compound, CL 316,243, in mice. Together, these methods will provide a high-level overview of lipid handling capability in mice.

This paper provides three easy and accessible assays for assessing lipid metabolism in mice.

Assessing lipid metabolism is a cornerstone of evaluating metabolic function, and it is considered essential for in vivo metabolism studies. Lipids are a ...