This work was supported by grants from National Natural Science Foundation of China (81673247 &#38; 81872682) and Australian-China Collaborative Grant (NH &#38; MRC - APP1112767 -NSFC 81561128020).

All the subjects included in the protocol have been approved by the Ethics Committee of the Capital Medical University, Beijing, China12. Written informed consent was obtained from each subject at the beginning of the study.
1. IgG isolation
<ol>
	<li>Prepare the chemicals including binding buffer (phosphate buffered saline, PBS): 1x PBS (pH = 7.4), neutralizing buffer: 10x PBS (pH = 6.6-6.8), eluent: 0.1 M formic acid (pH = 2.5), neutralizing solution for eluent: 1 M ammonium bicarbonate, stored buffer: 20% ethanol + 20 mM Tris + 0.1 M NaCl (pH = 7.4), cleaning solution for protein G: 0.1 M NaOH + 30% propan-2-ol. 
	NOTE: The level of pH is critical in this protocol. The elution of IgG requires a very low pH, and there is a risk of the loss of sialic acids due to acid hydrolysis. Therefore, elution occurs within seconds, and the pH is quickly restored to neutrality, preserving the integrity of IgG and the sialic acids.</li>
	<li>Prepare the samples: thaw the frozen plasma sample then centrifuge at 80 x g for 10 min, and leave the protein G monolithic plate and the abovementioned chemicals for 30 min at room temperature (RT).</li>
	<li>Transfer a 100 &#181;L sample (which can be used to detect 2x to prevent the first failure) into a 2 mL collection plate (here, a total of six standard samples, one control sample [ultra-pure water], and 89 plasma samples were designed for 96 well plates and randomly assigned to the plate).</li>
	<li>Dilute the samples with 1x PBS by 1:7 (v/v).</li>
	<li>Clean a 0.45 &#181;m hydrophilic polypropylene (GHP) filter plate with 200 &#181;L of ultra-pure water (repeat 2x).</li>
	<li>Transfer the diluted samples into the filter plate and filter the samples into the collection plate using a vacuum pump (control vacuum pressure at 266.6-399.9 Pa).</li>
	<li>Preparation of the protein G monolithic plates
	<ol>
		<li>Discard the storage buffer.</li>
		<li>Clean the monolithic plates with 2 mL of ultra-pure water, 2 mL of 1x PBS, 1 mL of 0.1 M formic acid, 2 mL of 10x PBS, 2 mL of 1x PBS (sequentially), and remove flowing liquid using a vacuum pump.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Transfer the filtered samples to the protein G monolithic plate for IgG binding and cleaning, then clean the monolithic plates with 2 mL of 1x PBS (repeat the cleaning 2x).</li>
	<li>Elute IgG with 1 mL of 0.1 M formic acid and filter the samples into the collection plate by vacuum pump, then add 170 &#181;L of 1 M ammonium bicarbonate into the collection plate.</li>
	<li>Detect IgG concentration using an absorption spectrophotometer (optimal wavelength = 280 nm).
	<ol>
		<li>Open the software and select the protein-CY3 mode.</li>
		<li>Draw 2 &#181;L of ultra-pure water and load it into the screen, then click Blank in the software to clear the screen (repeat 1x).</li>
		<li>Draw 2 &#181;L of ultra-pure water and load it into the screen, then click Sample in the software to detect the ultra-pure water.</li>
		<li>Draw 2 &#181;L of IgG sample and load it into the screen, then click Sample in the software to detect the sample.</li>
		<li>Draw 2 &#181;L of ultra-pure water and load it into the screen, then click Blank in the software to clear the screen.</li>
		<li>Close the software. 
		NOTE: The formula for calculating IgG concentration is as follows: 
		 
		CIgG = absorbance x extinction coefficient (13.7) x 1,000 &#181;g/mL</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Put the extracted IgG to dry in an oven at 60 &#176;C and preserve the extracted IgG (300 &#181;L extracted IgG for 4 h).
	<ol>
		<li>Remove 300 &#181;L of extracted IgG if the concentration is greater than 1,000 &#181;g/mL.</li>
		<li>Remove 350 &#181;L of extracted IgG if the concentration is between 500-1,000 &#181;g/mL.</li>
		<li>Remove 400 &#181;L of extracted IgG if the concentration is between 200-500 &#181;g/mL.</li>
		<li>Remove 600 &#181;L of extracted IgG if the concentration is smaller than 200 &#181;g/mL. 
		NOTE: The concentration of IgG should be preferably &#62;200 &#181;g/mL for subsequent detection. The average amount of IgG should be preferably &#62;1,200 &#181;g, which can be tested 2x in case the first test fails.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Cleaning the protein G monolithic plate for reuse
	<ol>
		<li>Wash the plate with 2 mL of ultra-pure water, 1 mL of 0.1 M NaOH (for removing precipitated proteins), 4 mL of ultra-pure water, and 4 mL of 1x PBS (sequentially), then remove flowing liquid using a vacuum pump.</li>
		<li>Wash the plate with 2 mL of ultra-pure water, 2 mL of 30% propan-2-ol (for removing bound hydrophobic proteins), 2 mL of ultra-pure water, and 4 mL of 1x PBS (sequentially), then remove flowing liquid using a vacuum pump.</li>
		<li>Wash the plate with 1 mL of buffer (20% ethanol + 20 Mm Tris + 0.1 M NaCl) and add 1 mL of buffer (20% ethanol + 20 Mm Tris + 0.1 M NaCl) to the plate, then leave the plate at 4 &#176;C.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
</ol>
2. Glycan release
<ol>
	<li>Prepare the dried IgG and store the chemicals including 1.33% SDS, 4% Igepal (store away from light), and 5x PBS at RT.</li>
	<li>Prepare PNGase F enzyme by diluting 250 U enzyme with 250 &#181;L of ultra-pure water.</li>
	<li>Denaturation of IgG
	<ol>
		<li>Add 30 &#181;L of 1.33% SDS and mix by vortexing, transfer the sample into a 65 &#176;C oven for 10 min, then remove it from the oven and let rest for 15 min.</li>
		<li>Add 10 &#181;L of 4% Igepal and place it on the shaking incubator for 5 min.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Removal and release of glycans
	<ol>
		<li>Add 20 &#181;L of 5x PBS and 30-35 &#181;L of 0.1 mol/L NaOH to regulate a pH of 8.0, and mix by vortexing. Add 4 &#181;L of PNGase F enzyme and mix by vortexing. Then, incubate for 18-20 h in a 37 &#176;C water bath.</li>
		<li>Put the released glycans to dry in an oven at 60 &#176;C for 2.5-3.0 h.</li>
		<li>Save the released glycans at -80 &#176;C until further measurement. 
		NOTE: This step is critical. The key to glycan release is improving the activity of the PNGase F enzyme to maximize its efficiency.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
</ol>
3. Glycan labeling and purification
<ol>
	<li>Prepare the 2-aminobenzamide (2-AB) labeling reagent with 0.70 mg of 2-AB, 10.50 &#181;L of acetic acid, 6 mg of sodium cyanoborohydride (NaBH3CN), and 24.50 &#181;L of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) (total volume = 35 &#181;L). Then, add acetic acid, 2-AB, and NaBH3CN into the DMSO in order.</li>
	<li>Label the glycans using 35 &#181;L of 2-AB labeling reagent, transfer the labeled glycans to the oscillator for 5 min, transfer to the oven for 3 h at 65 &#176;C, then transfer to RT for 30 min. 
	NOTE: The entire glycan labeling step must be performed while protected from light.</li>
	<li>Pretreat a 0.2 &#181;m GHP filter plate with 200 &#181;L of 70% ethanol, 200 &#181;L of ultra-pure water, and 200 &#181;L of 96% acetonitrile (4 &#176;C), then remove waste using a vacuum pump.</li>
	<li>Purification of 2-AB labeled glycan
	<ol>
		<li>Add 700 &#181;L of 100% acetonitrile to the 2-AB labeled glycan and transfer to a shaking incubator for 5 min.</li>
		<li>Centrifuge at 134 x g for 5 min (4 &#176;C).</li>
		<li>Transfer the sample to a 0.2 &#181;m GHP filter plate for 2 min and remove the filtrate (flowing liquid) using a vacuum pump.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Wash 2-AB labeled glycan with 200 &#181;L of 96% acetonitrile (4 &#176;C) and remove the filtrate (flowing liquid) using a vacuum pump 5x-6x.</li>
	<li>Elute 2-AB labeled glycan with 100 &#181;L of ultra-pure water 3x.</li>
	<li>Transfer the 2-AB labeled glycan into an oven to dry at 60 &#176;C for 3.5 h.</li>
	<li>Save the labeled N-glycans at -80 &#176;C until further measurement.</li>
</ol>
4. Hydrophilic interaction chromatography and analysis of glycans
<ol>
	<li>Conditioning of UPLC instruments and preparation of mobile phases
	<ol>
		<li>Prepare mobile phases including solvent A: 100 mM ammonium formate (pH = 4.4), solvent B: 100% acetonitrile, solvent C: 90% ultra-pure water (10% methanol), and solvent D: 50% methanol (ultra-pure water).</li>
		<li>Open the software to control the mobile phases.</li>
		<li>Wash UPLC instruments at flow rate of 0.2 mL/min (50% solvent B and 50% solvent C) balancing for 30 min, then at a flow rate of 0.2 mL/min (25% solvent A and 75% solvent B) balancing for 20 min, then a flow rate of 0.4 mL/min balancing.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Dissolve the labeled N-glycans with 25 &#181;L of a mixture of 100% acetonitrile and ultra-pure water at a 2:1 ratio (v/v). Then, centrifuge at 134 &#215; g for 5 min (4 &#176;C) and load 10 &#181;L of the labeled N-glycans into the UPLC instruments.</li>
	<li>Separate the labeled N-glycans at flow rate of 0.4 mL/min with a linear gradient of 75% to 62% acetonitrile for 25 min. Then, perform an analytical run by dextran calibration ladder/glycopeptide column on a UPLC at 60 &#176;C (here, samples were kept at 4 &#176;C prior to injection).</li>
	<li>Detect N-glycan fluorescence at excitation and emission wave lengths of 330 nm and 420 nm, respectively.</li>
	<li>Integrate the glycans based on peak position and retention time.</li>
	<li>Calculate the relative value of each Glycan Peak (GP)/ all Glycan Peaks (GPs) (percentage, %) as follows: GP1: GP1/GPs*100, GP2: GP2/GPs*100, GP3: GP3/GPs*100, etc.</li>
</ol>

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	<li>Kolarich, D., Lepenies, B., Seeberger, P. H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Glycomics,+glycoproteomics+and+the+immune+system.">Glycomics, glycoproteomics and the immune system.</a> Current Opinion in Chemical Biology. 16, 214 (2012).</li><li>Cummings, R., Pierce, J. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+Challenge+and+Promise+of+Glycomics.">The Challenge and Promise of Glycomics.</a> Chemistry Biology. 21 (1), (2014).</li><li>Shade, K. T. C., Anthony, R. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Antibody+Glycosylation+and+Inflammation.">Antibody Glycosylation and Inflammation.</a> Antibodies. 2, 392 (2013).</li><li>Gudelj, I., Lauc, G., Pezer, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Immunoglobulin+G+glycosylation+in+aging+and+diseases.">Immunoglobulin G glycosylation in aging and diseases.</a> Cellular Immunology. 333, 65 (2018).</li><li>Huffman, J. 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=Comparative+performance+of+four+methods+for+high-throughput+glycosylation+analysis+of+immunoglobulin+G+in+genetic+and+epidemiological+research.">Comparative performance of four methods for high-throughput glycosylation analysis of immunoglobulin G in genetic and epidemiological research.</a> Molecular Cellular Proteomics. 13, 1598 (2014).</li><li>Stockmann, H., Adamczyk, B., Hayes, J., Rudd, P. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Automated,+high-throughput+IgG-antibody+glycoprofiling+platform.">Automated, high-throughput IgG-antibody glycoprofiling platform.</a> Analytical Chemistry. 85, 8841 (2013).</li><li>Kristic, J., 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=Glycans+are+a+novel+biomarker+of+chronological+and+biological+ages.">Glycans are a novel biomarker of chronological and biological ages.</a> Journals of Gerontology. Series A, Biological Sciences Medical Sciences. 69, 779 (2014).</li><li>Nikolac, P. 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=The+association+between+galactosylation+of+immunoglobulin+G+and+body+mass+index.">The association between galactosylation of immunoglobulin G and body mass index.</a> Progress in Neuropsychopharmacology Biological Psychiatry. 48, 20 (2014).</li><li>Liu, D., 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+changes+of+immunoglobulin+G+N-glycosylation+in+blood+lipids+and+dyslipidaemia.">The changes of immunoglobulin G N-glycosylation in blood lipids and dyslipidaemia.</a> Journal of Translational Medicine. 16, 235 (2018).</li><li>Lemmers, R., 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=IgG+glycan+patterns+are+associated+with+type+2+diabetes+in+independent+European+populations.">IgG glycan patterns are associated with type 2 diabetes in independent European populations.</a> Biochimica Biophysica Acta General Subjects. 1861, 2240 (2017).</li><li>Wang, 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=The+Association+Between+Glycosylation+of+Immunoglobulin+G+and+Hypertension:+A+Multiple+Ethnic+Cross-Sectional+Study.">The Association Between Glycosylation of Immunoglobulin G and Hypertension: A Multiple Ethnic Cross-Sectional Study.</a> Medicine (Baltimore). 95, e3379 (2016).</li><li>Liu, D., 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=Ischemic+stroke+is+associated+with+the+pro-inflammatory+potential+of+N-glycosylated+immunoglobulin+G.">Ischemic stroke is associated with the pro-inflammatory potential of N-glycosylated immunoglobulin G.</a> Journal of Neuroinflammation. 15, 123 (2018).</li><li>Russell, A. 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=The+N-glycosylation+of+immunoglobulin+G+as+a+novel+biomarker+of+Parkinson's+disease.">The N-glycosylation of immunoglobulin G as a novel biomarker of Parkinson's disease.</a> GLYCOBIOLOGY. 27, 501 (2017).</li><li>Bones, J., Mittermayr, S., O'Donoghue, N., Guttman, A., Rudd, P. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Ultra+performance+liquid+chromatographic+profiling+of+serum+N-glycans+for+fast+and+efficient+identification+of+cancer+associated+alterations+in+glycosylation.">Ultra performance liquid chromatographic profiling of serum N-glycans for fast and efficient identification of cancer associated alterations in glycosylation.</a> Analytical Chemistry. 82, 10208 (2010).</li><li>Pucic, 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=High+throughput+isolation+and+glycosylation+analysis+of+IgG-variability+and+heritability+of+the+IgG+glycome+in+three+isolated+human+populations.">High throughput isolation and glycosylation analysis of IgG-variability and heritability of the IgG glycome in three isolated human populations.</a> Molecular Cellular Proteomics. 10, M111 (2011).</li><li>Berruex, L. G., Freitag, R., Tennikova, T. B. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Comparison+of+antibody+binding+to+immobilized+group+specific+affinity+ligands+in+high+performance+monolith+affinity+chromatography.">Comparison of antibody binding to immobilized group specific affinity ligands in high performance monolith affinity chromatography.</a> Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis. 24, 95 (2000).</li><li>Ren, S., 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=Distribution+of+IgG+galactosylation+as+a+promising+biomarker+for+cancer+screening+in+multiple+cancer+types.">Distribution of IgG galactosylation as a promising biomarker for cancer screening in multiple cancer types.</a> Cell Research. 26, 963 (2016).</li></ol>

The authors have nothing to disclose.

UPLC serves as a relative quantitative analysis method5,15. The results indicate that UPLC is a stable detection technology with good reproducibility and relative quantitative accuracy. The amount of glycans in each peak is expressed as a percentage of the total integrated area using UPLC, which is the relative value. The relative quantification improves the comparability of test samples. In addition, 96 well protein G plates are used to purify IgG with 96 sample...

N-glycosylation of human proteins is a common and essential post-translational modification1 and may help predict the occurrence and development of diseases relatively accurately. Due to the complexity of its structure, it is expected that there are more than 5,000 glycan structures, providing great potential as diagnostic and predictive biomarkers for diseases2. N-glycans attached to immunoglobulin G (IgG) have been shown to be essential for IgG&#39;s function, and IgG N-glycosylation participates in the balance between the pro- and anti-inflammatory systems3. Differential IgG N-glycosylation is involved in disease development and progression, representing both a predisposition and functional mechanism involved in disease pathology. The inflammatory role of IgG N-glycosylation has been associated with aging, inflammatory diseases, autoimmune diseases, and cancer4.
With the development of detection technology, the following methods are most widely used in high throughput glycomics: hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC) ultra-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (UPLC-FLR), multiplex capillary gel electrophoresis with laser induced fluorescence detection (xCGE-LIF), matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS), and liquid chromatography electrospray mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS). These methods have overcome previous shortcomings of low flux, unstable results, and poor sensitivity specificity5,6.
UPLC is widely used to explore the association between IgG N-glycosylation and certain diseases (i.e., ageing7, obesity8, dyslipidemia9, type II diabetes10, hypertension11, ischemic stroke12, and Parkinson&#39;s disease13). Compared to the other three abovementioned methods, UPLC has the following advantages5,14. First, it provides a relative quantitative analysis method, and the data analysis that involves total area normalization improves the comparability of each sample. Second, the cost of equipment and required expertise are relatively low, which makes it easier to implement and transform glycosylation biomarkers into clinical applications. Presented here is an introduction to UPLC so it can be more widely used.

<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>2-aminobenzamide, 2-AB</td>
			<td>Sigma, China</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>96-well collection plate</td>
			<td>AXYGEN</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>96-well filter plate</td>
			<td>Pol</td>
			<td>0.45 um GHP</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>96-well monolithic plate</td>
			<td>BIA Separations</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>96-well plate rotor</td>
			<td>Eppendorf Co., Ltd, Germany</td>
			<td>T_1087461900</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Acetic acid</td>
			<td>Sigma, China</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Acetonitrile</td>
			<td>Huihai Keyi Technology Co., Ltd, China</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ammonium bicarbonate</td>
			<td>Shenggong Biological Engineering Co., Ltd, China</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ammonium formate</td>
			<td>Beijing Minruida Technology Co., Ltd.</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Constant shaking incubator/rocker</td>
			<td>Zhicheng analytical instrument manufacturing co., Ltd, China</td>
			<td>ZWY-10313</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Dextran Calibration Ladder/Glycopeptide column</td>
			<td>Watts technology Co., Ltd, China</td>
			<td>BEH column</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)</td>
			<td>Sigma, China</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Disodium phosphate</td>
			<td>Shenggong Biological Engineering Co., Ltd, China</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Electric ovens</td>
			<td>Tester instruments Co., Ltd</td>
			<td>202-2AB</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Empower 3.0</td>
			<td>Waters technology Co., Ltd, America</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ethanol</td>
			<td>Huihai Keyi Technology Co., Ltd, China</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Formic acid</td>
			<td>Sigma, China</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>GlycoProfile 2-AB Labeling kit</td>
			<td>Sigma, China</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>HCl</td>
			<td>Junrui Biotechnology Co., Ltd, China</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>High-speed centrifuge</td>
			<td>Eppendorf Co., Ltd, Germany</td>
			<td>5430</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Igepal</td>
			<td>Sigma, China</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Low temperature centrifuge</td>
			<td>Eppendorf Co., Ltd, Germany</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Low temperature refrigerator</td>
			<td>Qingdao Haier Co., Ltd</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Manifold 96-well plate</td>
			<td>Watts technology Co., Ltd, China</td>
			<td>186001831</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Methanol</td>
			<td>Huihai Keyi Technology Co., Ltd, China</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Milli-Q pure water meter</td>
			<td>Millipore Co., Ltd, America</td>
			<td>Advantage A10</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>NaOH</td>
			<td>Shenggong Biological Engineering Co., Ltd, China</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>PH tester</td>
			<td>Sartorius Co., Ltd, Germany</td>
			<td>PB-10</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Phosphate buffered saline, PBS</td>
			<td>Shenggong Biological Engineering Co., Ltd, China</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Pipette</td>
			<td>Eppendorf Co., Ltd, Germany</td>
			<td>4672100, 0.5-10&#956;l &#38; 10-100&#956;l &#38; 20-200&#956;l &#38; 1000&#956;l</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>PNGase F enzyme</td>
			<td>Sigma, China</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Potassium dihydrogen phosphate</td>
			<td>Shenggong Biological Engineering Co., Ltd, China</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Propan-2-ol</td>
			<td>Huihai Keyi Technology Co., Ltd, China</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>SDS</td>
			<td>Sigma, China</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Sodium chloride</td>
			<td>Shenggong Biological Engineering Co., Ltd, China</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Sodium cyanoborohydride (NaBH3CN)</td>
			<td>Sigma, China</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Spectrophotometer</td>
			<td>Shanghai Yuanxi instrument Co., Ltd</td>
			<td>B-500</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Transfer liquid gun</td>
			<td>Smer Fell Science and Technology Co., Ltd, China</td>
			<td>4672100</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Tris</td>
			<td>Amresco, America</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ultra-low temperature refrigerator</td>
			<td>Thermo Co., Ltd, America</td>
			<td>MLT-1386-3-V; MDF-382E</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ultra-performance liquid chromatography</td>
			<td>Watts technology Co., Ltd, China</td>
			<td>Acquity MLtraPerformance LC</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Vacuum Pump</td>
			<td>Watts technology Co., Ltd, China</td>
			<td>725000604</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Volatilizing machine/Dryer</td>
			<td>Eppendorf Co., Ltd, Germany</td>
			<td>T_1087461900</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Vortex</td>
			<td>Changzhou Enpei instrument Co., Ltd, China</td>
			<td>NP-30S</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Water-bath</td>
			<td>Tester instruments Co., Ltd</td>
			<td>DK-98-IIA</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Weighing balance</td>
			<td>Shanghai Jingke Scientific Instrument Co., Ltd.</td>
			<td>MP200B</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

immunoglobulin g n-glycan analysis by ultra-performance liquid chromatography

Glycomics is a new subspecialty in omics system research that offers significant potential in discovering next-generation biomarkers for disease susceptibility, drug target discovery, and precision medicine. Alternative IgG N-glycans have been reported in several common chronic diseases and suggested to have great potential in clinical applications (i.e., biomarkers for diagnosis and prediction of diseases). IgG N-glycans are widely characterized using the method of hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC) ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC). UPLC is a stable detection technology with good reproducibility and high relative quantitative accuracy. In addition, the structure of IgG N-glycan is clearly separated, and glycan composition and relative abundance in plasma are characterized.

As shown in Figure 1, IgG N-glycans were analyzed into 24 initial IgG glycan peaks (GPs) based on peak position and retention time. The N-glycan structures are available through mass spectrometry detection according to a previous study (Table 1)15. To ensure that the results were comparable, total area normalization was applied, in which the amount of glycans in each peak was expressed as a percentage...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Immunoglobulin G N-Glycan Analysis by Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography at JoVE.com

Immunoglobulin G N-Glycan Analysis by Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography

Immunoglobulin G (IgG) N-glycan is characterized using hydrophilic interaction chromatography UPLC. In addition, the structure of IgG N-glycan is clearly separated. Presented here is an introduction to this experimental method so that it can be widely used in research settings.

Glycomics is a new subspecialty in omics system research that offers significant potential in discovering next-generation biomarkers for disease ...

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Medicine

8.3K Views.  Capital Medical University. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) N-glycan is characterized using hydrophilic interaction chromatography UPLC. In addition, the structure of IgG N-glycan is clearly separated. Presented here is an introduction to this experimental method so that it can be widely used in research settings.

Video: Immunoglobulin G N-Glycan Analysis by Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography

A Murine Model of Muscle Training by Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is a common clinical modality that is widely used to restore1, maintain2 or enhance3-5 muscle functional capacity. Transcutaneous surface stimulation of skeletal muscle involves a current flow between a cathode and an anode, thereby inducing excitement of the motor unit and the surrounding muscle fibers. 
NMES is an attractive modality to evaluate skeletal muscle adaptive responses for several reasons. First, it provides a reproducible experimental model in which physiological adaptations, such as myofiber hypertophy and muscle strengthening6, angiogenesis7-9, growth factor secretion9-11, and muscle precursor cell activation12 are well documented. Such physiological responses may be carefully titrated using different parameters of stimulation (for Cochrane review, see 13). In addition, NMES recruits motor units non-selectively, and in a spatially fixed and temporally synchronous manner14, offering the advantage of exerting a treatment effect on all fibers, regardless of fiber type. Although there are specified contraindications to NMES in clinical populations, including peripheral venous disorders or malignancy, for example, NMES is safe and feasible, even for those who are ill and/or bedridden and for populations in which rigorous exercise may be challenging. 
Here, we demonstrate the protocol for adapting commercially available electrodes and performing a NMES protocol using a murine model. This animal model has the advantage of utilizing a clinically available device and providing instant feedback regarding positioning of the electrode to elicit the desired muscle contractile effect. For the purpose of this manuscript, we will describe the protocol for muscle stimulation of the anterior compartment muscles of a mouse hindlimb.

A murine model of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), a safe and inexpensive clinical modality, to the anterior compartment muscles is described. This model has the advantage of modifying a readily available clinical device for the purpose of eliciting targeted and specific muscle contractions in mice.

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is a common clinical modality that is widely used to restore1, maintain2 or enhance3-5 muscle functional ...

Mouse Model of Intraluminal MCAO: Cerebral Infarct Evaluation by Cresyl Violet Staining

Stroke is the third cause of mortality and the leading cause of disability in the World. Ischemic stroke accounts for approximately 80% of all strokes. However, the thrombolytic tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is the only treatment of acute ischemic stroke that exists. This led researchers to develop several ischemic stroke models in a variety of species. Two major types of rodent models have been developed: models of global cerebral ischemia or focal cerebral ischemia. To mimic ischemic stroke in patients, in whom approximately 80% thrombotic or embolic strokes occur in the territory of the middle cerebral artery (MCA), the intraluminal middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model is quite relevant for stroke studies. This model was first developed in rats by Koizumi et al. in 1986 1. Because of the ease of genetic manipulation in mice, these models have also been developed in this species 2-3.
	Herein, we present the transient MCA occlusion procedure in C57/Bl6 mice. Previous studies have reported that physical properties of the occluder such as tip diameter, length, shape, and flexibility are critical for the reproducibility of the infarct volume 4. Herein, a commercial silicon coated monofilaments (Doccol Corporation) have been used. Another great advantage is that this monofilament reduces the risk to induce subarachnoid hemorrhages. Using the Zeiss stereo-microscope Stemi 2000, the silicon coated monofilament was introduced into the internal carotid artery (ICA) via a cut in the external carotid artery (ECA) until the monofilament occludes the base of the MCA. Blood flow was restored 1 hour later by removal of the monofilament to mimic the restoration of blood flow after lysis of a thromboembolic clot in humans. The extent of cerebral infarct may be evaluated first by a neurologic score and by the measurement of the infarct volume. Ischemic mice were thus analyzed for their neurologic score at different post-reperfusion times. To evaluate the infarct volume, staining with 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) was usually performed. Herein, we used cresyl violet staining since it offers the opportunity to test many critical markers by immunohistochemistry. In this video, we report the MCAO procedure; neurological scores and the evaluation of the infarct volume by cresyl violet staining.

The intraluminal middle cerebral occlusion model in mice is herein presented. The extent of cerebral infarct is evaluated by a neurologic score and cresyl violet staining, an alternative staining to TTC, offering the great advantage to test in parallel many interest markers.

Stroke is the third  cause of mortality and the leading cause of disability in the World. Ischemic  stroke accounts for approximately 80% of all strokes. ...

Retinal Detachment Model in Rodents by Subretinal Injection of Sodium Hyaluronate

Subretinal injection of sodium hyaluronate is a widely accepted method of inducing retinal detachment (RD). However, the height and duration of RD or the occurrence of subretinal hemorrhage can affect photoreceptor cell death in the detached retina. Hence, it is advantageous to create reproducible RDs without subretinal hemorrhage for evaluating photoreceptor cell death. We modified a previously reported method to create bullous and persistent RDs in a reproducible location with rare occurrence of subretinal hemorrhage. The critical step of this modified method is the creation of a self-sealing scleral incision, which can prevent leakage of sodium hyaluronate after injection into the subretinal space. To make the self-sealing scleral incision, a scleral tunnel is created, followed by scleral penetration into the choroid with a 30 G needle. Although choroidal hemorrhage may occur during this step, astriction with a surgical spear reduces the rate of choroidal hemorrhage. This method allows a more reproducible and reliable model of photoreceptor death in diseases that involve RD such as rhegmatogenous RD, retinopathy of prematurity, diabetic retinopathy, central serous chorioretinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Creating experimental retinal detachments with a reproducible and sustained height of detachment, and without subretinal hemorrhage, is important for studying the pathophysiology of photoreceptor cell loss in retinal disease and evaluating potential therapeutic interventions. Here, we report such a method in detail.

Subretinal injection of sodium hyaluronate is a widely accepted method of inducing retinal detachment (RD). However, the height and duration of RD or the ...

In utero Measurement of Heart Rate in Mouse by Noninvasive M-mode Echocardiography

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most frequent noninfectious cause of death at birth. The incidence of CHD ranges from 4 to 50/1,000 births (Disease and injury regional estimates, World Health Organization, 2004). Surgeries that often compromise the quality of life are required to correct heart defects, reminding us of the importance of finding the causes of CHD. Mutant mouse models and live imaging technology have become essential tools to study the etiology of this disease. Although advanced methods allow live imaging of abnormal hearts in embryos, the physiological and hemodynamic states of the latter are often compromised due to surgical and/or lengthy procedures. Noninvasive ultrasound imaging, however, can be used without surgically exposing the embryos, thereby maintaining their physiology. Herein, we use simple M-mode ultrasound to assess heart rates of embryos at E18.5 in utero. The detection of abnormal heart rates is indeed a good indicator of dysfunction of the heart and thus constitutes a first step in the identification of developmental defects that may lead to heart failure.

In utero Measurement of Heart Rate in Mouse by Noninvasive M-mode Echocardiography

Ultra-high frequency ultrasound is a powerful live imaging tool to examine cardiac abnormalities in small animals. Its noninvasiveness allows maintaining the physiologic state of embryos. Herein, we show the use of M-mode ultrasound to measure the heart rates of embryos at E18.5 in utero.

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most frequent noninfectious cause of death at birth. The incidence of CHD ranges from 4 to 50/1,000 births (Disease ...

Isolation of Human Lymphatic Endothelial Cells by Multi-parameter Fluorescence-activated Cell Sorting

Lymphatic system disorders such as primary lymphedema, lymphatic malformations and lymphatic tumors are rare conditions that cause significant morbidity but little is known about their biology. Isolating highly pure human lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) from diseased and healthy tissue would facilitate studies of the lymphatic endothelium at genetic, molecular and cellular levels. It is anticipated that these investigations may reveal targets for new therapies that may change the clinical management of these conditions. A protocol describing the isolation of human foreskin LECs and lymphatic malformation lymphatic endothelial cells (LM LECs) is presented. To obtain a single cell suspension tissue was minced and enzymatically treated using dispase II and collagenase II. The resulting single cell suspension was then labelled with antibodies to cluster of differentiation (CD) markers CD34, CD31, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-3 (VEGFR-3) and PODOPLANIN. Stained viable cells were sorted on a fluorescently activated cell sorter (FACS) to separate the CD34LowCD31PosVEGFR-3PosPODOPLANINPos LM LEC population from other endothelial and non-endothelial cells. The sorted LM LECs were cultured and expanded on fibronectin-coated flasks for further experimental use.

The goal of this protocol is to isolate lymphatic endothelial cells lining human lymphatic malformation cyst-like vessels and foreskins using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). Subsequent cell culturing and expansion of these cells permits a new level of experimental sophistication for genetic, proteomic, functional and cell differentiation studies.

Lymphatic system disorders such as primary lymphedema, lymphatic malformations and lymphatic tumors are rare conditions that cause significant morbidity ...

Functional Human Liver Preservation and Recovery by Means of Subnormothermic Machine Perfusion

There is currently a severe shortage of liver grafts available for transplantation. Novel organ preservation techniques are needed to expand the pool of donor livers. Machine perfusion of donor liver grafts is an alternative to traditional cold storage of livers and holds much promise as a modality to expand the donor organ pool. We have recently described the potential benefit of subnormothermic machine perfusion of human livers. Machine perfused livers showed improving function and restoration of tissue ATP levels. Additionally, machine perfusion of liver grafts at subnormothermic temperatures allows for objective assessment of the functionality and suitability of a liver for transplantation. In these ways a great many livers that were previously discarded due to their suboptimal quality can be rescued via the restorative effects of machine perfusion and utilized for transplantation. Here we describe this technique of subnormothermic machine perfusion in detail. Human liver grafts allocated for research are perfused via the hepatic artery and portal vein with an acellular oxygenated perfusate at 21 &#176;C.

We describe a method of ex vivo machine perfusion of human liver grafts at subnormothermic temperature (21 &#176;C).

There is currently a severe shortage of liver grafts available for transplantation.  Novel organ preservation techniques are needed to expand the pool of ...

VDJ-Seq: Deep Sequencing Analysis of Rearranged Immunoglobulin Heavy Chain Gene to Reveal Clonal Evolution Patterns of B Cell Lymphoma

Understanding tumor clonality is critical to understanding the mechanisms involved in tumorigenesis and disease progression. In addition, understanding the clonal composition changes that occur within a tumor in response to certain micro-environment or treatments may lead to the design of more sophisticated and effective approaches to eradicate tumor cells. However, tracking tumor clonal sub-populations has been challenging due to the lack of distinguishable markers. To address this problem, a VDJ-seq protocol was created to trace the clonal evolution patterns of diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) relapse by exploiting VDJ recombination and somatic hypermutation (SHM), two unique features of B cell lymphomas.
In this protocol, Next-Generation sequencing (NGS) libraries with indexing potential were constructed from amplified rearranged immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) VDJ region from pairs of primary diagnosis and relapse DLBCL samples. On average more than half million VDJ sequences per sample were obtained after sequencing, which contain both VDJ rearrangement and SHM information. In addition, customized bioinformatics pipelines were developed to fully utilize sequence information for the characterization of IgH-VDJ repertoire within these samples. Furthermore, the pipeline allows the reconstruction and comparison of the clonal architecture of individual tumors, which enables the examination of the clonal heterogeneity within the diagnosis tumors and deduction of clonal evolution patterns between diagnosis and relapse tumor pairs. When applying this analysis to several diagnosis-relapse pairs, we uncovered key evidence that multiple distinctive tumor evolutionary patterns could lead to DLBCL relapse. Additionally, this approach can be expanded into other clinical aspects, such as identification of minimal residual disease, monitoring relapse progress and treatment response, and investigation of immune repertoires in non-lymphoma contexts.

This protocol describes an approach to interrogate the recombined immunoglobulin heavy chain VDJ regions of lymphomas by deep-sequencing and retrieve VDJ rearrangement and somatic hypermutation status to delineate clonal architecture of individual tumor. Comparing clonal architecture between paired diagnosis and relapse samples reveals lymphoma relapse clonal evolution modes.

Understanding tumor clonality is critical to understanding the mechanisms involved in tumorigenesis and disease progression. In addition, understanding ...

Exosomal miRNA Analysis in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Patients' Plasma Through qPCR: A Feasible Liquid Biopsy Tool

The discovery of alterations in the EGFR and ALK genes, amongst others, in NSCLC has driven the development of targeted-drug therapy using selective tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). To optimize the use of these TKIs, the discovery of new biomarkers for early detection and disease progression is mandatory. These plasma-isolated exosomes can be used as a non-invasive and repeatable way for the detection and follow-up of these biomarkers. One ml of plasma from 12 NSCLC patients, with different mutations and treatments (and 6 healthy donors as controls), were used as exosome sources. After RNAse treatment, in order to degrade circulating miRNAs, the exosomes were isolated with a commercial kit and resuspended in specific buffers for further analysis. The exosomes were characterized by western blotting for ALIX and TSG101 and by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis, the standard techniques to obtain biochemical and dimensional data of these nanovesicles. Total RNA extraction was performed with a high yield commercial kit. Due to the limited miRNA-content in exosomes, we decided to perform retro-transcription PCR using an individual assay for each selected miRNA. A panel of miRNAs (30b, 30c, 103, 122, 195, 203, 221, 222), all correlated with NSCLC disease, were analyzed taking advantage of the remarkable sensitivity and specificity of Real-Time PCR analysis; mir-1228-3p was used as endogenous control and data were processed according to the formula 2-&#916;&#916;ct 13. Control values were used as baseline and results are shown in logarithmic scale.

Exosomal miRNA Analysis in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer NSCLC Patients' Plasma Through qPCR: A Feasible Liquid Biopsy Tool

This protocol describes the feasibility to perform miRNA profiling in exosomes, released in plasma of NSCLC patients, through a commercial exosome isolation kit with Proteinase K and RNAse treatments, in order to avoid circulating miRNAs contamination and evaluate their biomarker features in NSCLC.

The discovery of alterations in the EGFR and ALK genes, amongst others, in NSCLC has driven the development of targeted-drug therapy using selective ...

Spatial Quantification of Drugs in Pulmonary Tuberculosis Lesions by Laser Capture Microdissection Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LCM-LC/MS)

Tuberculosis is still a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Improvements to existing drug regimens and the development of novel therapeutics are urgently required. The ability of dosed TB drugs to reach and sterilize bacteria within poorly-vascularized necrotic regions (caseum) of pulmonary granulomas is crucial for successful therapeutic intervention. Effective therapeutic regimens must therefore contain drugs with favorable caseum penetration properties. Current LC/MS methods for quantifying drug levels in biological tissues have limited spatial resolution capabilities, making it difficult to accurately determine absolute drug concentrations within small tissue compartments such as those found within necrotic granulomas. Here we present a protocol combining laser capture microdissection (LCM) of pathologically-distinct tissue regions with LC/MS quantification. This technique provides absolute quantification of drugs within granuloma caseum, surrounding cellular lesion and uninvolved lung tissue and, therefore, accurately determines whether bactericidal concentrations are being achieved. In addition to tuberculosis research, the technique has many potential applications for spatially-resolved quantification of drugs in diseased tissues.

Spatial Quantification of Drugs in Pulmonary Tuberculosis Lesions by Laser Capture Microdissection Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry LCM-LC/MS

Here, we describe a protocol using laser capture microdissection coupled with LC/MS analysis to spatially-quantify drug distributions within pulmonary tuberculosis granulomas. The approach has broad applicability to quantifying drug concentrations within tissues at high spatial detail.

Tuberculosis is still a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Improvements to existing drug regimens and the development of novel ...

Quality-Controlled Sputum Analysis by Flow Cytometry

Sputum, widely used to study the cellular content and other microenvironmental features to understand the health of the lung, is traditionally analyzed using cytology-based methodologies. Its utility is limited because reading the slides is time-consuming and requires highly specialized personnel. Moreover, extensive debris and the presence of too many squamous epithelial cells (SECs), or cheek cells, often renders a sample inadequate for diagnosis. In contrast, flow cytometry allows for high-throughput phenotyping of cellular populations while simultaneously excluding debris and SECs.
The protocol presented here describes an efficient method to dissociate sputum into a single cell suspension, antibody stain and fix cellular populations, and acquire samples on a flow cytometric platform. A gating strategy that describes the exclusion of debris, dead cells (including SECs) and cell doublets is presented here. Further, this work also explains how to analyze viable, single sputum cells based on a cluster of differentiation (CD)45 positive and negative populations to characterize hematopoietic and epithelial lineage subsets. A quality control measure is also provided by identifying lung-specific macrophages as evidence that a sample is derived from the lung and is not saliva. Finally, it has been demonstrated that this method can be applied to different cytometric platforms by providing sputum profiles from the same patient analyzed on three flow cytometers; Navios EX, LSR II, and Lyric. Furthermore, this protocol can be modified to include additional cellular markers of interest. A method to analyze an entire sputum sample on a flow cytometric platform is presented here that makes sputum amenable for developing high-throughput diagnostics of lung disease.

This protocol describes an efficient method for dissociating sputum into a single cell suspension and the subsequent characterization of cellular subsets on standard flow cytometric platforms.

Sputum, widely used to study the cellular content and other microenvironmental features to understand the health of the lung, is traditionally analyzed ...