Screening for lead poisoning in urban school children of southern India using capillary and venous blood samples

Our study aimed at comparing lead and zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) levels in capillary and venous blood samples in a small population and to employ an easier method of sample collection for a major screening program in school children in major Indian cities. An awareness program on lead and its effects was conducted in two different schools. A total of thirty urban school children from South India, with an age group between 4–12 years consented for dual blood sampling and reported for the study. Venous and capillary blood samples were obtained simultaneously. Blood lead and zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) levels were estimated using ESA Lead Analyzer and Haematofluorometer respectively. A significant correlation between capillary and venous ZPP (r=0.98) and lead (r=0.99) was observed. Rank sum test showed that there is no statistically significant difference between capillary and venous ZPP (P=0.891) and lead (P=0.672) values. This pilot study recommends that screening for lead may be done using capillary blood samples since significant correlation is observed between capillary and venous blood measurements. Obtaining samples using this mode is a non-invasive, less expensive, quick and easy method in children. Appropriately performed capillary sampling may be considered as an acceptable alternative to venipuncture for screening of blood for lead poisoning both in children and adults.     

黑龙江省农产品第三方物流供应商优选研究

首次尝试把网络层次分析（ANP）法和信息熵相结合,构建了ANP/信息熵模型,并运用此模型对黑龙江省农产品企业第三方物流供应商进行评价优选。网络层次分析法能够反映出指标之间的相互依存与反馈的关系;网络层次分析（ANP）法和信息熵相结合的方法能从主观和客观两方面对第三方物流供应商进行优选,因而该模型具有科学性。实证研究表明,ANP/信息熵模型计算简单,便于实践应用操作。     

Modifications in flow cytometric estimation of t cell subsets and b cells in peripheral blood to reduce the cost of investigation

The development of monoclonal antibodies combined with flow cytometry has revolutionized the analysis of lymphocyte subsets. These newer methods using the Q-prep leucocyte preparation system require only 1–2 ml of blood as compared to 10 ml required traditionally. One of the main impediments in the use of this superior technology in Indian laboratories has been the high cost of reagents. This study evaluated methods to reduce the cost of assays. In the first experiment from 26 healthy subjects, 2ml venous blood samples in EDTA (ethylenediamine tetra-acetate) were obtained. Each sample was divided into two equal portions, one portion was stained using diluted monoclonal antibody, whereas the other portion was stained using standard concentrations of antibodies. In the second experiment, blood samples from 12 subjects were again divided into 2 portions; one portion of each pair was processed using commercial Q-prep reagents while the other portion was processed using our own reagents. In the first experiment, which evaluated use of a diluted antibody against the standard recommended concentrations, a 5-tube panel that estimated CD3, CD4, CD8, CD20 was used. In the second experiment CD3, CD4 and CD8 were estimated. The total cost per sample for a 5-panel estimation was however reduced from $39.11 to $1.10. Given the proven advantages of using a whole blood stain-lyse method for T cell subset estimations, its use should be encouraged in developing country settings. With the suggested methods the whole blood Q-prep could be performed at appreciably reduced costs, without loss in precision.     

Serum adenosine deaminase, 5′ nucleotidase and malondialdehyde in acute infective hepatitis

Serum adenosine deaminase (ADA), 5′ nucleotidase (5′NT) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were estimated in patients with acute infective hepatitis (AIH) along with the routine parameters of liver disease. Present study is done to evaluate these special parameters in patients with clinical history of AIH and to assess the utility of these parameters as diagnostic/ prognostic indices of liver function and to correlate special parameters with routine live function tests (LFT). ADA, 5′NT and MDA along with routine LFT was estimated in 25 patients with AIH and 25 samples from healthy voluntary blood donars served as the control group. Routine LFT was estimated by standard clinical chemistry procedures on dade behring analyser and ADA, 5′NT and MDA were estimated by berthlot reaction, fiske and subbarao method and thiobarbituric acid method respectively. Statistical analysis showed that serum ADA, 5′NT and MDA were significantly higher in patients as compared with the controls. There was a significant positive correlation between ADA and total bilirubin and MDA and total bilirubin. Hence we can conclude that these tests would be more sensitive to diagnose the patients with AIH and that the raised bilirubin levels could be looked upon, as a protective mechanism which the liver has evolved in order to combat oxidative stress.     

Characterization of residual oils for biodiesel production

BackgroundResidual oils were characterized according to their physicochemical properties, i.e. acidity, iodine value, peroxide value and saponification number, to evaluate the degradation level and viability for biodiesel production.ResultsThe methyl esters of fatty acids (FAME) from samples of residual bovine, chicken and soybean oils were quantified by using four transesterification methods, using acidic and basic catalysis and, gas chromatography with flame ionization detector (GC–FID). Methods that used acidic catalysis at a lower temperature were the most efficient. Methyl biodiesel samples were synthesized by basic catalysis (KOH) for all quantified oils and the physicochemical properties of the biofuel were evaluated, i.e. viscosity, flash and fire points, density, water content, iodine and acidity numbers.ConclusionsThe obtained results suggesting that it is possible to take advantage of these residues for biodiesel production as the obtained products were approved according to the rules established by the National Association of Petroleum (ANP); the bovine samples were the exception regarding moisture and acidity.     

网络层次分析法应用形式的多样性

网络层次分析法(ANP)是管理决策与现代绩效评估中的一种十分有效的方法,在解决预测、计划、效力确定以及冲突分析等问题时得到广泛应用和迅速推广。本文针对ANP应用形式的多样性问题进行了分析论证,通过比较ANP矩阵的特点,得出不同条件下比较矩阵的不同表现形式,为解决各类不同ANP问题提供了依据。     

跨境电商生态圈构建及发展路径研究

对国际贸易方式中最具市场活力的跨境电商,从商业生态系统理论视角出发,以实地访谈材料与文献资料为研究样本,通过扎根理论方法构建其生态圈模型,归纳出跨境电商生态圈成员、内部要素与生态圈环境3个主类属,在此基础上构建网络分析法(ANP)模型以识别跨境电商发展的关键影响因素,从而为政府部门发展跨境电商以及跨境电商企业发展的路径决策提供参考。     

Effect of buspirone: An anxiolytic drug on blood glucose in humans

The present study investigated the effect of an antianxiety drug, buspirone on blood glucose and plasma insulin level concerning the role of 5-HT_1A receptors in blood glucose regulation in healthy humans. Twelve healthy male volunteers were administered single oral doses of buspirone (10 mg) or placebo, in a randomized, crossover way, followed by oral glucose load (75 gm in 200 ml) at reported T_max i.e. the time of peak plasma concentration of the respective administered drug. The blood samples were collected as predose, postdose and post oral glucose load at 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0 hr to investigate the effect of buspirone or placebo at basal blood glucose and plasma insulin level and after oral glucose load induced (postprandial) blood glucose and plasma insulin level. Blood glucose and plasma insulin concentrations were estimated by glucose hexokinase method and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method respectively. The concentration of blood glucose was significantly (p<0.05) decreased after oral glucose load following administration of buspirone in comparison with placebo however no significant change was observed in the fasting blood glucose and plasma insulin (fasting and oral glucose load induced) level. In conclusions, the present study findings show that buspirone produced a significant alteration in blood glucose level in healthy humans. In addition, study results also indicate that the involvement of serotonergic (5-HT, receptors) mechanism of blood glucose regulation in humans is different from animals.     

A biochemical study on variability of Superoxide dismutase,Catalase and Glutathione peroxidase in dry cleaners

Several chemicals which induce cytotoxicity are broadly classified into three types and they are organophosphate, organochlorine and carbomate compounds. Perchloroethylene has been clearly identified as a carcinogen in experimental animals and it’s a very common carcinogen used for dry clean purpose. Hence, in the present study, blood samples from dry cleaners were taken, Superoxide dismutase, Catalase and Glutathione peroxidase activity was estimated in blood samples of dry cleaners. There was a significant increase in the activity of Catalase, Glutathione Peroxidase, Superoxide Dismutase in dry cleaners of chronically exposed to perchloroethylene as compared to controls. The increased activities of antioxidant enzymes may be a compensatory regulation in response to increased oxidative stress induced by perchloroethylene.     

Quantitation of proteinuria by spot urine sampling

Few studies have shown that calculation of protein/creatinine ratio in a spot urine sample correlates well with the 24-hour urine collection. A study was conducted to compare the accuracy of a spot urinary protein/creatinine ratio (P/C ratio) and urinary dipstick (albustix) with the 24-hour urine protein (24-HUP). Fifty samples from 26 patients were collected. This included a 24-hour urine sample followed by the next voided spot sample. The protein/creatinine ratio was calculated and dipstick (albustix) was performed on the spot sample. This was compared with the 24-hour urine protein excretion. The correlation between the three samples was statistically highly significant (p=<0.001) for all levels of proteinuria. The normal value of protein/creatinine ratio in Indian children was also estimated on 100 normal children attending the OPD and was calculated to be 0.053 (S.E of mean±0.003).     

Diagnostic strategies for subclinical hypothyroidism

The aim of this study is to delineate laboratory diagnostic strategies for subclinical hypothyroidism in patients who are clinically symptomatic but may have a normal thyroid profile. Tri — iodothyronine (T₃), thyroxine (T₄), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and anti thyroid peroxidase antibodies (anti-TPO) were estimated on fasting blood samples from 99 patients using electrochemiluminescence methods on ELECSYS 1010 (Roche). 74% of study subjects had elevated anti-TPO levels.61% patients had subclinical hypothyroidism. 45 of the 61 subclinical hypothyroid patients had elevated anti-TPO levels (73%). This is an important finding suggesting an autoimmune etiology for subclinical thyroid dysfunction with a higher risk of developing overt hypothyroidism.     

Verification of a 6-part differential haematology analyser Siemens Advia 2120i

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to perform a comprehensive verification of a 6-part differential haematology analyser Siemens Advia 2120i (Erlangen, Germany), prior to its routine implementation.Materials and methodsOur verification protocol included: precision (within- and between-run), estimated bias (%) as measure of trueness, which was calculated from observed and manufacturers’ declared value, analytical measuring interval (AMI), carryover, confirmation of a limit of blank (LoB), determination of a limit of detection (LoD) and limit of quantitation (LoQ). The K₂ ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) patients’ leftover samples were used for verification of analyser Advia 2021i. Acceptance criteria were based on manufacturer technical specifications (Siemens), 2016 state-of-the-art criteria (Vis and Huisman), and EFLM Biological Variation Database.ResultsThe within- and between-run precision were acceptable for all parameters and the lowest coefficients of variation were observed for mean corpuscular volume (MCV) (0.3% and 0.6%, respectively). Estimated bias was within the acceptance criteria for all parameters except for MCV (the estimated bias was 2.2% (acceptance criteria 2.0%). AMI was confirmed for all tested parameters (r > 0.99). The carryover estimates ranged from 0.1% for platelet count (Plt) to 0.6% for red blood cell count and were within the manufacturers’ specifications (≤ 1%). Manufacturers’ claims for LoB were confirmed for leukocytes, erythrocytes, haemoglobin, and platelets. The estimated LoD and LoQ were 0.05 x10⁹/L and 0.1 x10⁹/L for white blood cell count, while for Plt values were 2 x10⁹/L and 3 x10⁹/L, respectively.ConclusionsAnalytical performance of the Siemens Advia 2120i meets predefined quality goals and is suitable for routine use in a clinical laboratory.Key words: verification, haematology analyser, haematology, blood cell count     

The effects of transport by pneumatic tube system on blood cell count,erythrocyte sedimentation and coagulation tests

Introduction:

Today, the pneumatic tube transport system (PTS) is used frequently because of its advantages related to timing and speed. However, the impact of various types of PTS on blood components is unknown. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of PTS on the quality of routine blood cell counts, erythrocyte sedimentation, and certain blood coagulation tests.

Materials and methods:

Paired blood samples were obtained from each of 45 human volunteers and evaluated by blood cell count, erythrocyte sedimentation, and several coagulation tests, including prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). Blood samples were divided into 2 groups: Samples from group 1 were transported to the laboratory via the PTS, and samples from group 2 were transported to the laboratory manually. Both groups were evaluated immediately by the tests listed above.

Results:

The blood sample test results from groups 1 and 2 were evaluated and compared. No statistically significant differences were observed (P = 0.069–0.977).

Conclusion:

The PTS yielded no observable effects on blood cell counts, erythrocyte sedimentation, or PT and aPTT test results. We concluded that the PTS can be used to transport blood samples and yield reliable results for blood cell counts, erythrocyte sedimentation, and several coagulation tests.     

基于AHP和ANP的R&D国际化综合评价

试图运用AHP和ANP两种方法对所选取OECD国家的R&D国际化水平进行综合评价,并比较两种方法对排序结果的影响。研究表明:与AHP方法相比,ANP方法得到的综合指数更能真实反映一个国家R&D国际化的整体水平,结果更加合理。     

Temporal Trends of Malondialdehyde in Stored Human Plasma

Malondialdehyde (MDA) is widely used as oxidative stress biomarker in biomedical research. Plasma is stored in deep freezers generally till analysis. Effect of such storage on MDA values, which may be variable and prolong, was incidentally observed in the ongoing study which is to estimate oxidative stress with oral iron. Plasma from blood samples of pregnant women (20–30 years age) in third trimester of singleton pregnancy (n = 139), consuming oral iron tablets was stored at −20 °C with intention of MDA estimation, as soon as possible. However logistic problems led this storage for prolonged and variable period (1–708 days). When values of MDA estimated using “Ohkawa” 79 method and readings were plotted against time to check the temporal effect, it showed a hyperbolic curve. Standard deviation (SD) was lowest when samples were tested within 3 weeks time. The samples analyzed within 3 weeks had mean ± SD value of 31.59 ± 26.11 μmol/L, while 123.7 ± 93.97 and 366.5 ± 189.8 μmol/L for samples stored for 1–3 and 4 months to 1 year respectively. Mean ± SD were 539.9 ± 196.8 in the samples store for more than a year. Rate of change in values was also lowest (0.0433 μmol/L/day) in the samples tested within first 3 weeks, which rose to 1.2 μmol/L/day during 3 month’s storage. This rate peaked at storage of 120 days (1.87 μmol/L/day) and fell to 0.502 μmol/L/day in the second year of storage. It is concluded that at −20 °C, only 3 weeks of storage time should be considered valid for fairly acceptable stability in MDA values.     

Quick chip assay using locked nucleic acid modified epithelial cell adhesion molecule and nucleolin aptamers for the capture of circulating tumor cells

The role of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in disease diagnosis, prognosis, monitoring of the therapeutic efficacy, and clinical decision making is immense and has attracted tremendous focus in the last decade. We designed and fabricated simple, flat channel microfluidic devices polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS based) functionalized with locked nucleic acid (LNA) modified aptamers (targeting epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) and nucleolin expression) for quick and efficient capture of CTCs and cancer cells. With optimized flow rates (10 μl/min), it was revealed that the aptamer modified devices offered reusability for up to six times while retaining optimal capture efficiency (>90%) and specificity. High capture sensitivity (92%) and specificity (100%) was observed in whole blood samples spiked with Caco-2 cells (10–100 cells/ml). Analysis of blood samples obtained from 25 head and neck cancer patients on the EpCAM LNA aptamer functionalized chip revealed that an average count of 5 ± 3 CTCs/ml of blood were captured from 22/25 samples (88%). EpCAM intracellular domain (EpICD) immunohistochemistry on 9 oral squamous cell carcinomas showed the EpICD positivity in the tumor cells, confirming the EpCAM expression in CTCs from head and neck cancers. These microfluidic devices also maintained viability for in vitro culture and characterization. Use of LNA modified aptamers provided added benefits in terms of cost effectiveness due to increased reusability and sustainability of the devices. Our results present a robust, quick, and efficient CTC capture platform with the use of simple PDMS based devices that are easy to fabricate at low cost and have an immense potential in cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic planning.     

Order of draw of blood samples affect potassium results without K-EDTA contamination during routine workflow

IntroductionA specific sequence is recommended for filling blood tubes during blood collection to prevent erroneous test results due to carryover of additives. However, requirement of this procedure is still debatable. This study was aimed to investigate the potassium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (K-EDTA) contamination in blood samples taken after a tube containing the additive during routine workflow. The study was also carried out to examine the effect of order of draw on potassium results, regardless of K-EDTA contamination.Materials and methodsIn 388 outpatients, to determine the probability of K-EDTA cross-contamination, blood was drawn sequentially into a serum tube, followed by a tube containing K-EDTA, and by another serum tube. In another 405 outpatients, to evaluate the effect of order of draw blood unrelated to K-EDTA contamination, two serum tube were successively collected. Potassium was measured on Cobas 6000 c501 analyser (Roche Diagnostic GmbH, Mannheim, Germany) by indirect ion selective electrode method.ResultsOf paired samples collected before and after a K-EDTA tube, 24% had a potassium difference of above 0.3 mmol/L. However, no EDTA contamination was detected in these samples as well as 95% confidence intervals (CI) of limits of agreement for calcium were within the allowable error limits based on reference change values. Interestingly, of blood samples drawn successively, 24% had also a difference greater than 0.3 mmol/L for potassium.ConclusionIncorrect order of draw using closed blood collection system does not cause K-EDTA contamination, even in routine workflow. However, regardless of K-EDTA contamination, order of draw has significant influence on the potassium results.     

基于ANP的天津市信息化水平评价指标体系研究

信息是当今社会发展的重要战略资源,信息化发展水平是天津实现跨越式发展的关键.在对现有的评价指标体系进行研究的基础上,建立适合天津市信息化发展的评价指标体系.并应用网络分析法(ANP)构建指标体系的数学模型,分析指标间的依存和反馈关系,最后用Super Decisions软件包对模型进行快速求解.     

Estimation of inter-laboratory reference change values from external quality assessment data

IntroductionIt is common for patients to switch between several healthcare providers. In this context, the long-term follow-up of medical conditions based on laboratory test results obtained from different laboratories is a challenge. The measurement uncertainty in an inter-laboratory context should also be considered in data mining research based on routine results from randomly selected laboratories. As a proof-of-concept study, we aimed at estimating the inter-laboratory reference change value (IL-RCV) for exemplary analytes from publicly available data on external quality assessment (EQA) and biological variation.Materials and methodsExternal quality assessment data of the Reference Institute for Bioanalytics (RfB, Bonn, Germany) for serum creatinine, calcium, aldosterone, PSA, and of whole blood HbA1c from campaigns sent out in 2019 were analysed. The median CVs of all EQA participants were calculated based on 8 samples from 4 EQA campaigns per analyte. Using intra-individual biological variation data from the EFLM database, positive and negative IL-RCV were estimated with a formula based on log transformation under the assumption that the analytes under examination have a skewed distribution.ResultsWe estimated IL-RCVs for all exemplary analytes, ranging from 13.3% to 203% for the positive IL-RCV and - 11.8% to - 67.0% for the negative IL-RCV (serum calcium - serum aldosterone), respectively.ConclusionExternal quality assessment data together with data on the biological variation – both freely available – allow the estimation of inter-laboratory RCVs. These differ substantially between different analytes and can help to assess the boundaries of interoperability in laboratory medicine.     

基于ANP模型的供应链界面管理能力评价研究

供应链组织单元之间存在大量的界面,界面管理能力影响着供应链长期竞争优势。在阐述供应链界面运作活动与外部环境的基础上,分析了各因素之间的关联关系,并构建了供应链界面管理能力评价的网络层次分析(ANP)分析模型。用超级决策软件计算建立了ANP收敛超矩阵,最后通过虚拟企业的示例对供应链界面管理能力进行了评价。