Samples were collected and handled as described in Samaan et al. [19 (link)]. Two-hour fasting blood samples were collected, allowed 30 min clotting time, and spun at 1500 g for 15 min ensuring adequate blood separation. Samples were aliquoted in cryovials within 2 h of collection and stored at −196 °C (liquid nitrogen) at the Clinical Research and Clinical Trial Laboratory in Hamilton, Ontario. Serum BDNF levels were measured in the samples with a Quantikine® ELISA Human BDNF Immunoassay (R&D Systems Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA). Sample analysis was conducted in a blinded fashion to avoid bias.
This study is reported in accordance with the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines [20 (link)].
This study is reported in accordance with the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines [20 (link)].
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