To characterize synovial disease activity and to confirm appropriate sampling before molecular analysis, the synovitis score as published by Krenn and colleagues [ 20, 21] was applied.
Before molecular analysis, the wastewater sample was processed by both salt flotation (11 ) and immunomagnetic separation (Dynal, Lake Success, NY), following the manufacturer-recommended procedures (14 ).
Before molecular analysis, the representativity and the quality of the sample were verified by a pathologist (Figure S1).
DNA samples were stored at –20°C before molecular analysis.
Material was identified before molecular analysis based on shell morphology following the currently accepted taxonomy of African Viviparidae, e.g. [ 20].
The presence or absence of blast cells in the BM aspirate and PB was reviewed before molecular analysis.
Assessing the quality of stored urine for molecular analysis, by using the type of strategy described here, is paramount before these samples are used for molecular prognostic monitoring, genetic analyses and disease diagnosis.
The specimens were then coded for anonymity before subsequent molecular analysis.
Secondary RHU, caused by isolated or generalized tubular defects, such as Fanconi syndrome, Wilson disease, cystinosis, heavy metal poisoning or drug-induced tubulopathy, was excluded before the molecular analysis of the SLC22A12 and SLC2A9 genes in the present study.
These two events were further confirmed by molecular analysis.
