Effects of Poria cocos polysaccharide on growth performance,physiological parameters,and lipid metabolism of spotted sea bass Lateolabrax maculatus

The aquaculture industry has developed significantly over the past few decades and has had a substantial impact on the global food supply and marine fisheries resources.However,some problems arise behind the scenes due to excessive intensive farming,such as slow animal growth,frequent disease,and lipid metabolism disorders.These problems have limited the sustainable development of the aquaculture industry,and a continuable solution is required.The use of fungal polysaccharide appears to provide a solution to these problems.Therefore,different supplemented levels of Poria cocos polysaccharide(PCP)(0,0.4,0.8,1.2,1.6,and 2.0 g/kg,respectively)were fed to spotted sea bass(Lateolabrax maculatus)in similar size(30.28±0.18 g)in current study.The effects of PCP on growth,physiological parameters,and lipid metabolism of spotted sea bass were investigated after a 4-week rearing period.Results showed,fish with PCP intake presented a significantly higher weight gain,specific growth rate,and a significantly lower feed conversion ratio.Significantly higher trypsin activity in liver and intestine were observed in fish with PCP intake.The superoxide dismutase activity in serum and liver of fish with PCP intake were significantly improved,while significantly higher serum total antioxidant capacity and hepatic catalase activity were also observed.However,no significant differences in lysozyme and alkaline phosphatase activity were evident among groups.Fish with PCP intake showed a significantly lower total cholesterol,but no noteworthy change in triglyceride and lipid-metabolismrelated genes expression were observed among groups.Results indicated that intake of PCP has a positive effect on growth and antioxidant capacity of spotted sea bass,but seems to have a limited effect on the non-specific immunity and lipid metabolism of spotted sea bass.Based on the regression analysis results,1.4 g/kg of PCP is the optimal dose for spotted sea bass in size(30.28±0.18 g).

Localization for mixed near-field and far-field sources under impulsive noise

In order to solve the problem that the performance of traditional localization methods for mixed near-field sources(NFSs)and far-field sources(FFSs)degrades under impulsive noise,a robust and novel localization method is proposed.After eliminating the impacts of impulsive noise by the weighted out-lier filter,the direction of arrivals(DOAs)of FFSs can be estimated by multiple signal classification(MUSIC)spectral peaks search.Based on the DOAs information of FFSs,the separation of mixed sources can be performed.Finally,the estimation of localizing parameters of NFSs can avoid two-dimension spectral peaks search by decomposing steering vectors.The Cramer-Rao bounds(CRB)for the unbiased estimations of DOA and range under impulsive noise have been drawn.Simulation experiments verify that the proposed method has advantages in probability of successful estimation(PSE)and root mean square error(RMSE)compared with existing localization methods.It can be concluded that the proposed method is effective and reliable in the environment with low generalized signal to noise ratio(GSNR),few snapshots,and strong impulse.

Development and Quality Improvement of Lianqingshan Scenic Spot in Tengzhou City

Since the 21st century,China’s overall national strength has increased continuously.With the rapid development of the tourism industry,people have an increasingly strong demand for travel.Firstly,tourists’satisfaction to Lianqingshan Scenic Spot was surveyed,and then the types of tourism resources,current development situation and problems in the scenic spot were analyzed.Finally,some countermeasures and suggestions for its development and quality improvement were put forward.It is found that based on the environmental quality,safety and service quality of Lianqingshan Scenic Spot,the basic situation of the development of the scenic spot was investigated,and the comprehensive satisfaction of each item is 3.30,3.24 and 3.32.The tourists of the scenic spot is mainly from Tengzhou City and its surrounding cities,and the popularity of the scenic spot is relatively low.The management personnel of the scenic spot needs to increase the tourist flow by improving its exposure.The problems of the scenic spot include low popularity,poor environmental quality,low safety of tourists,poor operating condition of catering industry and service quality of service personnel.

Overexpression of auxin/indole-3-acetic acid gene MdIAA24 enhances Glomerella leaf spot resistance in apple(Malus domestica)

Auxin is throughout the entire life process of plants and is involved in the crosstalk with other hormones,yet its role in apple disease resistance remains unclear.In this study,we investigated the function of auxin/indole-3-acetic acid(IAA)gene Md IAA24 overexpression in enhancing apple resistance to Glomerella leaf spot(GLS)caused by Colletotrichum fructicola(Cf).Analysis revealed that,upon Cf infection,35S::Md IAA24 plants exhibited enhanced superoxide dismutase(SOD)and peroxidase(POD)activity,as well as a greater amount of glutathione(reduced form)and ascorbic acid accumulation,resulting in less H_(2)O_(2)and superoxide anion(O_(2)^(-))in apple leaves.Furthermore,35S::Md IAA24 plants produced more protocatechuic acid,proanthocyanidins B1,proanthocyanidins B2 and chlorogenic acid when infected with Cf.Following Cf infection,35S::Md IAA24 plants presented lower levels of IAA and jasmonic acid(JA),but higher levels of salicylic acid(SA),along with the expression of related genes.The overexpression of Md IAA24 was observed to enhance the activity of chitinase andβ-1,3-glucanase in Cfinfected leaves.The results indicated the ability of Md IAA24 to regulate the crosstalk between IAA,JA and SA,and to improve reactive oxygen species(ROS)scavenging and defense-related enzymes activity.This jointly contributed to GLS resistance in apple.

Genomic Selection for Frogeye Leaf Spot Resistance in Soybean

Soybean frogeye leaf spot(FLS) disease is a global disease affecting soybean yield, especially in the soybean growing area of Heilongjiang Province. In order to realize genomic selection breeding for FLS resistance of soybean, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator(LASSO) regression and stepwise regression were combined, and a genomic selection model was established for 40 002 SNP markers covering soybean genome and relative lesion area of soybean FLS. As a result, 68 molecular markers controlling soybean FLS were detected accurately, and the phenotypic contribution rate of these markers reached 82.45%. In this study, a model was established, which could be used directly to evaluate the resistance of soybean FLS and to select excellent offspring. This research method could also provide ideas and methods for other plants to breeding in disease resistance.

单核细胞与淋巴细胞比值联合T-SPOT.TB检测在涂阴肺结核诊断中的应用价值

目的:探讨单核细胞与淋巴细胞比值(MLR)联合结核感染T细胞斑点试验(T-SPOT.TB)检测在涂阴肺结核诊断中的应用价值。方法:选取2021年9月—2023年9月孝感市中心医院收治的疑似肺结核患者329例作为研究对象,均行MLR、T-SPOT.TB检测。统计涂阴肺结核的检出情况,以综合诊断结果为“金标准”,将受试者分为结核组与非结核组,比较两组单核细胞、淋巴细胞、MLR;绘制受试者操作特征(ROC)曲线,计算MLR诊断涂阴肺结核的最佳临界值;分析MLR、T-SPOT.TB检测及两者联合检测的诊断效能。结果:329例受试者综合诊断结果显示,涂阴肺结核患者157例。结核组单核细胞、MLR高于非结核组,淋巴细胞低于非结核组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.001)。ROC曲线分析显示,MLR诊断涂阴肺结核的ROC曲线下总面积为0.78,最佳临界值为0.30。MLR检测诊断涂阴肺结核的准确度、特异度、阳性预测值高于T-SPOT.TB检测、联合检测,联合检测诊断涂阴肺结核的灵敏度高于MLR检测、T-SPOT.TB检测,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);不同检测方式诊断涂阴肺结核的阴性预测值比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:MLR联合T-SPOT.TB检测对涂阴肺结核具有良好的辅助诊断作用,其中MLR检测的诊断准确度、特异度、阳性预测值较高,联合检测能够提高诊断灵敏度。

通过教学反思促进教师专业发展——美国大学STEM课堂观察工具SPOT研究及启示

SPOT(Student Participation Observation Tool)是美国加利福利亚州的圣何塞州立大学发布的大学STEM课堂观察工具,用于评价大学STEM课堂上教师促进学生主动学习的教学行为及其质量。为了验证该观察工具的有效性,工具开发者针对五所大学的STEM课堂举办了一个系列的研讨会,结果显示:SPOT可以促使教师反思他们的教学方法和课堂上的学生活动,而不是课程内容或课程组织形式,教师能够使用SPOT观察课堂教学并获得可靠的数据,以反思和改变他们的课堂实践,进而实现自身的专业发展。基于对SPOT的阐释与研究,我国大学教学尤其要从如何促进教师专业发展的角度,关注师生的课堂参与行为,促进教师的教学反思。

腺苷脱氨酶及其联合外周血T-SPOT.TB对儿童结核性胸腔积液鉴别诊断的意义

目的探讨胸腔积液腺苷脱氨酶(ADA)与外周血结核感染T细胞斑点试验(T-SPOT.TB)联合检测对于儿童结核性胸腔积液鉴别诊断的意义。方法回顾性分析河北省儿童医院139例因胸腔积液入院患儿资料,根据最终诊断分为结核性胸腔积液组(结核组)66例与肺炎旁胸腔积液组(肺炎组)73例。应用受试者工作曲线(ROC)分析ADA及T-SPOT.TB对结核组与肺炎组及不同年龄亚组(0~<6岁组55例、6~<11岁组56例、11~<16岁组28例)的灵敏度、特异度及曲线下面积(AUC)等,根据约登指数确定儿童结核性胸腔积液ADA最佳临界值。结果患儿胸腔积液ADA水平结核组[49.50(19.50)U/L]显著高于肺炎组[38.00(35.50)U/L],差异有统计学意义(P=0.002);0~<6岁及6~<11岁患儿ADA水平结核组与肺炎组[47.50(14.75)U/L与41.00(43.00)U/L,50.00(23.00)U/L与44.00(28.50)U/L]相比差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05),11~<16岁结核组[58.00(19.00)U/L]显著高于肺炎组[22.00(21.50)U/L],差异有统计学意义(P=0.001)。总体患儿、0~<6岁、6~<11岁及11~<16岁组ADA最佳临界值分别为38.5、24.5、38.5及43.0,AUC为0.655、0.566、0.630及0.844,灵敏度为83.3%、100.0%、87.0%及80.0%,特异度为50.7%、37.0%、39.4%及84.6%。ADA与T-SPOT.TB并联试验时,各组灵敏度为98.5%、100%、100%及100%;特异度分别为49.3%、37%、36.4%及84.6%;AUC分别为0.739、0.685、0.682及0.923。串联试验时,灵敏度分别为81.8%、92.9%、87%及80%;特异度分别为93.2%、96.3%、90.9%及92.3%;AUC分别为0.875、0.946、0.889及0.862。结论ADA对11岁以上患儿鉴别诊断结核性胸腔积液与肺炎旁胸腔积液具有一定价值,其联合外周血T-SPOT.TB可显著提高11岁以下患儿的诊断效能,具有临床意义。

SPOT屈光筛查仪在6岁以下儿童视力筛查的转诊标准研究

目的:基于2021版美国斜视与小儿眼科协会(AAPOS)《儿童视力筛查指南》,修订SPOT屈光筛查仪在6岁以下儿童的转诊标准,并评估其准确性。方法:纳入2022-01/2023-04在南京市雨花台区妇幼保健所就诊的儿童,进行SPOT屈光筛查仪、睫状肌麻痹检影验光等检查,并根据AAPOS指南定义具有弱视危险因素(ARFs)及有临床意义屈光不正(VSRE)的目标人群。使用受试者工作曲线计算最佳转诊标准,并与厂商标准、吴标准、Peterseim标准进行对比。结果:共有959名儿童接受检查,其中<4岁组342人,≥4岁组617人。<4岁组的最佳转诊标准为:近视≤-2.75D、远视≥+2.25D、散光≤-2.75D、屈光参差≥1.00D;≥4岁组为近视≤-1.75D、远视≥+2.00D、散光≤-2.25D、屈光参差≥1.00D;其约登指数分别为0.38与0.52,均高于其他标准。结论:采用新的6岁以下儿童屈光筛查转诊标准,其准确性较高,优于既往其他标准,能为儿童眼保健工作提供有益参考。

An insight on the mechanism of efficient leaching of vanadium from vanadium shale induced by microwave-generated hot spots

Microwave heating can rapidly and uniformly raise the temperature and accelerate the reaction rate.In this paper,microwave heating was used to improve the acid leaching,and the mechanism was investigated via microscopic morphology analysis and numerical simulation by COMSOL Multiphysics software.The effects of the microwave power,leaching temperature,CaF_(2) dosage,H_(2)SO_(4) concentration,and leaching time on the vanadium recovery were investigated.A vanadium recovery of 80.66%is obtained at a microwave power of 550 W,leaching temperature of 95℃,CaF_(2) dosage of 5wt%,H_(2)SO_(4) concentration of 20vol%,and leaching time of 2.5 h.Compared with conventional leaching technology,the vanadium recovery increases by 6.18%,and the leaching time shortens by 79.17%.More obvious pulverization of shale particles and delamination of mica minerals happen in the microwave-assisted leaching process.Numerical simulation results show that the temperature of vanadium shales increases with an increase in electric field(E-field).The distributions of E-field and temperature among vanadium shale particles are relatively uniform,except for the higher content at the contact position of the particles.The analysis results of scaleup experiments and leaching experiments indicate high-temperature hot spots in the process of microwave-assisted leaching,and the local high temperature destroys the mineral structure and accelerates the reaction rate.

Genome-wide identification of the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinases in pear and their functional analysis in response to black spot

The mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)cascade is crucial to plant growth,development,and stress responses.MAPK kinases(MAPKK)play a vital role in linking upstream MAPKK kinases(MAPKKK)with the downstream MAPK.Black spot is one of the most serious fungal diseases of pear which is an important part of the fruit industry in China.The MAPKK genes have been identified in many plants,however,none has been reported in pear(Pyrus bretschneideri).In order to explore whether MAPK gene of pear is related to black spot disease,we designed this experiment.The present study investigated eight putative PbrMAPKK genes obtained from the Chinese white pear genome.The phylogenetic analysis revealed that PbrMAPKK genes were divided into A,B,C,and D groups.These PbrMAPKK genes are randomly distributed on 7 out of 17 chromosomes and mainly originated from the whole-genome duplication(WGD)event.The expression analysis of PbrMAPKK genes in seven pear tissues and the leaves of susceptible and resistant varieties after Alternaria alternata infection by quantitative real-time PCR(qRT-PCR)identified seven candidate genes associated with resistance.Furthermore,virus-induced gene silencing(VIGS)indicated that PbrMAPKK6 gene enhanced resistance to pear black spot disease in pear.

Integrative analysis of the transcriptome and metabolome reveals the response mechanism to tomato spotted wilt virus

Tomato spotted wilt virus(TSWV)is an important virus that has rapidly spread throughout the world.TSWV seriously hinders the production of tomato(Solanum lycopersicum)and other plants.In order to discover more new genes and metabolites related to TSWV resistance in tomato plants,the genes and metabolites related to the resistance of tomato plants inoculated with TSWV were identified and studied herein.The tomato TSWV-resistance line YNAU335(335)and TSWV-susceptible lines NO5 and 96172I(961)were used as the transcriptome and metabolome research materials.Transcriptomic and metabolomic techniques were used to analyze the gene and metabolite response mechanisms to TSWV inoculation.A total of 3566,2951,and 2674 differentially expressed genes(DEGs)were identified in lines 335,NO5,and961,respectively.Meanwhile,208,228,and 273 differentially accumulated metabolites(DAMs)were identified in lines 335,NO5,and 961,respectively.In line 335,the number of DEGs was the highest,but the number of DAMs was lowest.Furthermore,903 DEGs and 94 DAMs were common to the response to TSWV in the three inbred lines.The 903 DEGs and 94 DAMs were mainly enriched in the plant hormone signal transduction and flavonoid synthesis pathways.In addition,many nucleotide-binding site-leucine-rich repeat genes and transcription factors were found that might be involved in the TSWV response.These results provide new insights into TSWV resistance mechanisms.

Measurement of optical coherence structures of random optical fields using generalized Arago spot experiment

The optical coherence structures of random optical fields can determine beam propagation behavior,light–matter interactions,etc.Their performance makes a light beam robust against turbulence,scattering,and distortion.Recently,we proposed optical coherence encryption and robust far-field optical imaging techniques.All related applications place a high demand on precision in the experimental measurements of complex optical coherence structures,including their real and imaginary parts.Past studies on these measurements have mainly adopted theoretical mathematical approximations,limited to Gaussian statistic involving speckle statistic(time-consuming),or used complicated and delicate optical systems in the laboratory.In this study,we provide:a robust,convenient,and fast protocol to measure the optical coherence structures of random optical fields via generalized Arago(or Poisson)spot experiments with rigorous mathematical solutions.Our proposal only requires to capture the intensity thrice,and is applicable to any optical coherence structures,regardless of their type or optical statistics.The theoretical and experimental results demonstrated that the real and imaginary parts of the structures could be simultaneously recovered with high precision.We believe that such a protocol can be widely employed in phase measurement,optical imaging,and image transfer.

The Role of Mediterranean Spotted Fever in the Spectrum of Pediatric Fever with Rashes

When febrile illnesses develop a rash in children, parents are very concerned about a serious disease. Many rashes associated with fever are caused by infectious diseases. Rashes are generally nonspecific and play a supportive role in differential diagnosis, but for some diseases, the appearance of the rash is essential in making a diagnosis. Here is presented the case of a 4-year-old boy with high fever, headache, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and a generalized maculo-papular rash including palms and soles. On physical examination were found a black eschar, cervical lymphadenopathy, and hepatosplenomegaly. Laboratory findings resulted in moderate leukocytosis and moderate involvement of the liver and renal function. Based on this finding, a diagnosis of Mediterranean Spotted Fever was performed. The child recovered after medication with azithromycin. Because there is no reliable test that can confirm MSF in its early stages, the diagnosis is commonly made on the basis of clinical findings, so a high index of suspicion should be maintained while evaluating a child with fever and rash.

The Yellow Spot Pattern of Salamander (Salamandra infraimmaculata) in Various Habitats at the Southern Border of Its Distribution in Israel

The present study describes the different color-pattern phenotypes of yellow spots on the black back of Salamandra infraimmaculata in various habitats at the southern border of its distribution in Israel. At Tel Dan, we photographed 454 salamanders in moist habitats where water flows year round;100 of these were sampled to measure the percentage of yellow and black color on the back, and the number of spots on the head. At Kibbutz Sasa, 201 salamanders were photographed, of which 62 were sampled for the measurements. In Kibbutz Yehiam, 200 salamanders were photographed, and 60 were sampled for the measurements. At all sites, about a third of the salamanders were photographed more than once. For all three populations, yellow spots on the salamander back were found in one row, two rows or scattered. For two indices (proportion of yellow/black and number of spots on the head), the Dan population (under wet, running water all year round conditions) differed from the two other populations of salamanders (under semi-arid mountain conditions). The number of yellow spots on the head of the salamanders in the three populations varied from 1 to 7. In all populations, 4 spots pattern was the most common. In the Dan population, there were significantly more salamanders with 1 to 3 spots on their head than in the Sasa or Yehiam populations. No difference was found in the number of head spots for Sasa vs. Yehiam salamanders. The percentage of yellow on the black back was significantly larger for the Dan salamanders vs. the two other populations. The main question examined was whether there is an effect of the habitat conditions in isolated populations on the spot pattern on the salamander back. The answer is positive and is supported by previous studies.

Impact of Three Isolates of Cercosporidium personatum (Berk. Et M.A Curt.), a Pathogen of Late Leaf Spot, on Defoliation and Yield in Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) under Controlled Conditions

Late leaf spot caused by Cercosporidium personatum is one of the most widespread groundnut leaf diseases. Along with early leaf spot and rust, it is one of the main fungal diseases hampering groundnut production worldwide. Late leaf spot accounts for significant yield losses throughout the world where groundnuts are grown. This reduction in yield caused by the disease could result in yield losses of between 50% and 70%. In Burkina Faso, the disease is present throughout the country, with incidence varying according to region and season. Could the variability in the incidence of the disease be linked to the nature of the isolates or to the conditions from each agro-ecological zone? In this study, the aim was to assess the capacity of three isolates from three agroclimatic zones of the country to defoliate and reduce groundnut yield. To this end, three isolates of Cercosporidium personatum (Berk. Et M.A Curt.) were collected in these zones and evaluated on three contrasting groundnut varieties. A split-splot design was used for the experiment. Isolates were prepared from samples collected in farmers’ fields. After incubation in the laboratory, leaf spots showing good sporulation were scraped off with a scalpel after immersing the leaves in distilled water. Inoculations were carried out under controlled environment. After inoculation with the isolate, the percentage of defoliation and the reduction in yield of these varieties were then evaluated. Inoculation was carried out from the 30th day after sowing with Cercosporidium personatum spore suspensions at 105 spores/ml. The study showed that the percentage of defoliation (P = 0.0001) and the reduction in yield (P = 0.0001) were significant. The study revealed that, whatever the variety, isolate I3TF from the Upper Basins region in the South Sudanese zone caused the greatest defoliation and the greatest reduction in yield. The variety TS32-1, regardless of the isolate used for the treatment, recorded the best yield. The variety PC79-79, regardless of the isolate used for the treatment, recorded the lowest percentage of defoliation. The highest defoliation recorded under the effect of the isolates was of the order of 72.20%;the highest yield reduction was of the order of 87.20% compared with the water control.

Interaction between a Peptide and White Spot Syndrome Virus VP28 Envelope Protein

White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) is one of the most important pathogens that endanger the global shrimp aquaculture. Studies have confirmed that in the early stage of infection, VP28, the main envelope protein of WSSV, is used as a viral adhesion protein to bind PcRab7 of Penaeus chinensis, helping virus enter the host cells, resulting in shrimp infection. Hence, inhibition of envelope protein VP28 would be a novel way to deal with the infection. Peptide 2E6 was confirmed to have a high specificity and blocked virus infection. However, the mechanism by which it combines with VP28 is not clear. Clarifying the binding mechanism between peptides and VP28 is of great significance for further optimization and screening of antiviral peptides. In this research, the MD simulation and binding free energy analysis were implemented to validate and capture intermolecular interactions aims to clarify the blocking mechanism.

A unified model of cusp spot, High Latitude Dayside aurora (HiLDA)/(Space Hurricane), and 15MLT-PCA

Cusp spot,High Latitude Dayside aurora(HiLDA),‘space hurricane’,and 15MLT-PCA(Polar Cap Arc observed around 15:00 Magnetic Local Time)are mesoscale auroral structures observed in the polar cap region.They share many common properties and,at the same time,have notable differences.A 15MLT-PCA is a polar cap arc connected to the auroral oval,but the others are auroral spots detached from the oval.A cusp spot differs from a HiLDA in local time location.A space hurricane differs from a HiLDA in having spiral-arm structures.Until now,relationships among these auroras have not been depicted clearly.Here we propose a unified model,based on lobe reconnection,that encompasses their similarities and differences.We then provide critical supporting evidence for the model.The model suggests that different reconnection sites under different IMF conditions result in these differently-appearing auroral forms.The model explains all the characteristic features of these auroras and has implications for understanding the dawn/dusk and inter-hemispheric asymmetries observed in their occurrence patterns.We anticipate confirmation of the model by observations to be made during the Solar wind-Magnetosphere-Ionosphere Link Explorer(SMILE)mission.Moreover,since the model indicates that these auroras appear on the footprint of the poleward cusp boundary,we expect data from the SMILE mission to make it possible to estimate the approximate shape of the cusp.

The Spatial Patterns of Road Traffic Crash Black Spots and Emergency Facilities in Federal Capital City

This study aimed at determining the spatial patterns of Road Traffic Crash (RTC) black spots, Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) zebra points and emergency health care facilities in Federal Capital City (FCC). The aim was to provide stakeholders with information that will aid their understanding of accident prone locations and accessible rescue possibilities for accident victims on the roads in FCT. GPS Map 76S Mark (GARMIN) was used to locate and pick coordinates of data in the study area. A total of 16 possible emergency health care facilities, seventy (70) RTC black spots and Five Zebra point locations were obtained from FRSC. ArcGIS 10.0 was used to compute the data by plotting the coordinates to produce maps of the spatial relationship and to carry out Nearest Neighbour Analysis (NNA). The result was further used to determine the spatial patterns of RTC black spots as well as patterns of the emergency facilities. Generally, the result shows that the spatial trend is turning towards dispersion. However, there is less than 1% likelihood that the dispersed patterns could be the result of random chance. It was recommended that, the Federal Road Safety Commission should be staffed with trained professionals that can be responsible for accident data surveillance and analysis using geospatial techniques.

Storage of Gamma-Glutamyltransferase from Dried Serum Spots: Matrix for Field Based Studies

Background: Gamma-glutamyltransferase is recognised as a biomarker to assess the harms associated with alcohol misuse. The objective ways to measure GGT in areas lacking central lab facilities are desirable. This study aims to measure GGT from dried serum spots and its storage from dried serum spots. Method: The study was approved by the institutional ethical committee. One hundred and eighty (180) patients were included in the study. Their blood samples were collected. The serum samples were spotted onto filter paper (Whatman 903) dried and stored at 4°C. The GGT levels were measured on the day of collection and at various time periods to assess the effect of storage. All the analysis was performed on SPSS version 21. Result: The GGT levels measured from fresh serum GGT levels mean (SD) 286.5 (539.4) correlated well with their respective dried serum levels 287.18 (538.2) (P = 0.80). The mean recovery of GGT from dried serum was observed to be 103.3%. A sub-sample (n = 12) was stored at 4°C. The dried serum spots were found to be stable at the end of four weeks using repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA) (P = 0.39). Conclusion: This method has the potential to be used for epidemiological or field based studies to assess harms associated with alcohol use.