Soluble proteins were quantified in EDTA-anticoagulated plasma using the Luminex multiplex platform (Luminex) with custom-developed reagents (R&D Systems), as described in detail (Guiducci et al., 2006 (link)) or single-plex ELISA (R&D Systems). Analytes quantified using the Luminex multiplex platform were read on the MAGPIX instrument and raw data were analyzed using the xPONENT software. Analytes quantified using single-plex ELISA were read using optical density. Values outside the lower limit of quantification were assigned a value of one-third of the lower limit of the standard curve for analytes quantified by Luminex and half of the lower limit of the standard curve for analytes quantified by ELISA. CXCL4 concentrations were determined using CXCL4/PF4 Quantikine (from R&D Systems) ELISA kit.