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Helmes E, Montgomery J, Alarcio G, Mendoza HG, Blea JA, Beal PA, Moeller BC. Non-Targeted Detection of Synthetic Oligonucleotides in Equine Serum Using Liquid Chromatography-High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5752. [PMID: 38891955 PMCID: PMC11172053 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
There is great concern in equine sport over the potential use of pharmaceutical agents capable of editing the genome or modifying the expression of gene products. Synthetic oligonucleotides are short, single-stranded polynucleotides that represent a class of agents capable of modifying gene expression products with a high potential for abuse in horseracing. As these substances are not covered by most routine anti-doping analytical approaches, they represent an entire class of compounds that are not readily detectable. The nucleotide sequence for each oligonucleotide is highly specific, which makes targeted analysis for these agents problematic. Accordingly, we have developed a non-targeted approach to detect the presence of specific product ions that are not naturally present in ribonucleic acids. Briefly, serum samples were extracted using solid-phase extraction with a mixed-mode cartridge following the disruption of protein interactions to isolate the oligonucleotides. Following the elution and concentration steps, chromatographic separation was achieved utilizing reversed-phase liquid chromatography. Following an introduction to a Thermo Q Exactive HF mass spectrometer using electrospray ionization, analytes were detected utilizing a combination of full-scan, parallel reaction monitoring and all ion fragmentation scan modes. The limits of detection were determined along with the accuracy, precision, stability, recovery, and matrix effects using a representative 13mer oligonucleotide. Following method optimization using the 13mer oligonucleotide, the method was applied to successfully detect the presence of specific product ions in three unique oligonucleotide sequences targeting equine-specific transcripts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Helmes
- KL Maddy Equine Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA (J.M.); (G.A.)
| | - Jacob Montgomery
- KL Maddy Equine Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA (J.M.); (G.A.)
| | - Gwendolyne Alarcio
- KL Maddy Equine Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA (J.M.); (G.A.)
| | - Herra G. Mendoza
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (H.G.M.); (P.A.B.)
| | - Jeffrey A. Blea
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA;
| | - Peter A. Beal
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (H.G.M.); (P.A.B.)
| | - Benjamin C. Moeller
- KL Maddy Equine Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA (J.M.); (G.A.)
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Paßreiter A, Naumann N, Thomas A, Grogna N, Delahaut P, Thevis M. Detection of sgRNA via SHERLOCK as Potential CRISPR Related Gene Doping Control Strategy. Anal Chem 2024; 96:7452-7459. [PMID: 38685726 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c05776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Apprehensions about gene doping have grown consistently due to advancements in gene engineering techniques, particularly with the emergence of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated (CRISPR/Cas)-based tools. These tools not only provide unprecedented possibilities for illicit performance enhancement by athletes but also offer new avenues for the detection of gene doping through biosensing of nucleic acids. Hence, pursuing on a previous study, an analytical method based on reverse transcriptase-recombinase polymerase amplification (RT-RPA) and subsequent qualitative nucleic acid detection by means of Specific High Sensitive Enzymatic Reporter UnLOCKing (SHERLOCK) was optimized for the direct detection of sgRNA associated with Streptococcus pyogenes in serum. Detection device, assay parameters, and sample handling were adjusted, to overcome previously determined assay limitations. The conducted method characterization confirmed the methods' specificity and increased detection sensitivity from 100 pM to 1 fM sgRNA in 100 μL of serum. Furthermore, reanalysis of in vivo mouse administration samples collected in a previous proof-of-concept study was conducted with successful identification of sgRNA in all anticipated postadministration samples within the 24-h collection period. Those findings support the applicability of the refined analytical procedure for the detection of illegal doping attempts via ribonucleoprotein-based CRISPR/Cas application through sgRNA identification, offering a new potential doping control strategy for CRISPR related gene doping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Paßreiter
- Center for Preventive Doping Research/Institute of Biochemistry, German Sport University Cologne, Am Sportpark Müngersdorf 6, 50933 Cologne, Germany
| | - Nana Naumann
- Center for Preventive Doping Research/Institute of Biochemistry, German Sport University Cologne, Am Sportpark Müngersdorf 6, 50933 Cologne, Germany
| | - Andreas Thomas
- Center for Preventive Doping Research/Institute of Biochemistry, German Sport University Cologne, Am Sportpark Müngersdorf 6, 50933 Cologne, Germany
| | - Nicolas Grogna
- CER Groupe - Département Santé, Rue du Point du Jour 8, 6900 Marche-en-Famenne, Belgium
| | - Philippe Delahaut
- CER Groupe - Département Santé, Rue du Point du Jour 8, 6900 Marche-en-Famenne, Belgium
| | - Mario Thevis
- Center for Preventive Doping Research/Institute of Biochemistry, German Sport University Cologne, Am Sportpark Müngersdorf 6, 50933 Cologne, Germany
- European Monitoring Center for Emerging Doping Agents (EuMoCEDA), Am Sportpark Müngersdorf 6, 50933 Cologne, Germany
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Thomas A, Thevis M. Recent advances in mass spectrometry for the detection of doping. Expert Rev Proteomics 2024; 21:27-39. [PMID: 38214680 DOI: 10.1080/14789450.2024.2305432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The analysis of doping control samples is preferably performed by mass spectrometry, because obtained results meet the highest analytical standards and ensure an impressive degree of reliability. The advancement in mass spectrometry and all its associated technologies thus allow for continuous improvements in doping control analysis. AREAS COVERED Modern mass spectrometric systems have reached a status of increased sensitivity, robustness, and specificity within the last decade. The improved sensitivity in particular has, on the other hand, also led to the detection of drug residues that were attributable to scenarios where the prohibited substances were not administered consciously but rather by the unconscious ingestion of or exposure to contaminated products. These scenarios and their doubtless clarification represent a great challenge. Here, too, modern MS systems and their applications can provide good insights in the interpretation of dose-related metabolism of prohibited substances. In addition to the development of new instruments itself, software-assisted analysis of the sometimes highly complex data is playing an increasingly important role and facilitating the work of doping control laboratories. EXPERT OPINION The sensitive analysis and evaluation of a higher number of samples in a shorter time is made possible by the ongoing developments in mass spectrometry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Thomas
- Institute of Biochemistry/Center for Preventive Doping Research, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Mario Thevis
- Institute of Biochemistry/Center for Preventive Doping Research, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- European Monitoring Center for Emerging Doping Agents (EuMoCEDA), Cologne/Bonn, Germany
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Naumann N, Paßreiter A, Thomas A, Krug O, Walpurgis K, Thevis M. Analysis of Potential Gene Doping Preparations for Transgenic DNA in the Context of Sports Drug Testing Programs. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15835. [PMID: 37958821 PMCID: PMC10648417 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene doping has been classified as a prohibited method by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for over two decades. As gene therapeutic approaches improve and, concomitantly, safety concerns regarding clinical applications decline, apprehensions about their illicit use in elite sports continue to grow. Two products available via Internet-based providers and advertised as EPO-gene- and IGF1-gene-containing materials were analyzed for the presence of potential gene doping agents using a newly developed analytical approach, allowing for the detection of transgenic DNA corresponding to seven potential targets (EPO, FST, GH1, MSTN (Propeptide), IGF1, VEGFA, and VEGFD). Panel detection was based on a 20-plex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by a single base extension (SBE) reaction and subsequent SBE product analyses via matrix-assisted time-of-flight laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Extracts of both products were found to contain transgenic EPO-DNA, while transgenic DNA for IGF-1 was not detected. The results were confirmed using SYBR Green qPCR with primer sets directed against EPO and IGF1 cDNA, and the CMV promotor sequence. In this case study, the detection of authentic (whilst low concentrated) transgenes, potentially intended for gene doping practices in readily available products, is reported for the first time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nana Naumann
- Center for Preventive Doping Research, Institute of Biochemistry, German Sport University Cologne, 50933 Cologne, Germany (M.T.)
| | - Alina Paßreiter
- Center for Preventive Doping Research, Institute of Biochemistry, German Sport University Cologne, 50933 Cologne, Germany (M.T.)
| | - Andreas Thomas
- Center for Preventive Doping Research, Institute of Biochemistry, German Sport University Cologne, 50933 Cologne, Germany (M.T.)
| | - Oliver Krug
- Center for Preventive Doping Research, Institute of Biochemistry, German Sport University Cologne, 50933 Cologne, Germany (M.T.)
- European Monitoring Center for Emerging Doping Agents (EuMoCEDA), 50933 Cologne, Germany
| | - Katja Walpurgis
- Center for Preventive Doping Research, Institute of Biochemistry, German Sport University Cologne, 50933 Cologne, Germany (M.T.)
| | - Mario Thevis
- Center for Preventive Doping Research, Institute of Biochemistry, German Sport University Cologne, 50933 Cologne, Germany (M.T.)
- European Monitoring Center for Emerging Doping Agents (EuMoCEDA), 50933 Cologne, Germany
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Lu Y, Yan J, Ou G, Fu L. A Review of Recent Progress in Drug Doping and Gene Doping Control Analysis. Molecules 2023; 28:5483. [PMID: 37513354 PMCID: PMC10386588 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28145483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The illicit utilization of performance-enhancing substances, commonly referred to as doping, not only infringes upon the principles of fair competition within athletic pursuits but also poses significant health hazards to athletes. Doping control analysis has emerged as a conventional approach to ensuring equity and integrity in sports. Over the past few decades, extensive advancements have been made in doping control analysis methods, catering to the escalating need for qualitative and quantitative analysis of numerous banned substances exhibiting diverse chemical and biological characteristics. Progress in science, technology, and instrumentation has facilitated the proliferation of varied techniques for detecting doping. In this comprehensive review, we present a succinct overview of recent research developments within the last ten years pertaining to these doping detection methodologies. We undertake a comparative analysis, evaluating the merits and limitations of each technique, and offer insights into the prospective future advancements in doping detection methods. It is noteworthy that the continual design and synthesis of novel synthetic doping agents have compelled researchers to constantly refine and innovate doping detection methods in order to address the ever-expanding range of covertly employed doping agents. Overall, we remain in a passive position for doping detection and are always on the road to doping control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuze Lu
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, School of Physical Education, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Jiayu Yan
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, School of Physical Education, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Gaozhi Ou
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, School of Physical Education, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Li Fu
- Key Laboratory of Novel Materials for Sensor of Zhejiang Province, College of Materials and Environmental Engineering, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China
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Xiong Q, Zhang Y. Small RNA modifications: regulatory molecules and potential applications. J Hematol Oncol 2023; 16:64. [PMID: 37349851 PMCID: PMC10286502 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-023-01466-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Small RNAs (also referred to as small noncoding RNAs, sncRNA) are defined as polymeric ribonucleic acid molecules that are less than 200 nucleotides in length and serve a variety of essential functions within cells. Small RNA species include microRNA (miRNA), PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA), small interfering RNA (siRNA), tRNA-derived small RNA (tsRNA), etc. Current evidence suggest that small RNAs can also have diverse modifications to their nucleotide composition that affect their stability as well as their capacity for nuclear export, and these modifications are relevant to their capacity to drive molecular signaling processes relevant to biogenesis, cell proliferation and differentiation. In this review, we highlight the molecular characteristics and cellular functions of small RNA and their modifications, as well as current techniques for their reliable detection. We also discuss how small RNA modifications may be relevant to the clinical applications for the diagnosis and treatment of human health conditions such as cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qunli Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
- Abdominal Oncology Ward, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yaguang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China.
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Thevis M, Piper T, Thomas A. Recent advances in identifying and utilizing metabolites of selected doping agents in human sports drug testing. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2021; 205:114312. [PMID: 34391136 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2021.114312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Probing for evidence of the administration of prohibited therapeutics, drugs and/or drug candidates as well as the use of methods of doping in doping control samples is a central assignment of anti-doping laboratories. In order to accomplish the desired analytical sensitivity, retrospectivity, and comprehensiveness, a considerable portion of anti-doping research has been invested into studying metabolic biotransformation and elimination profiles of doping agents. As these doping agents include lower molecular mass drugs such as e.g. stimulants and anabolic androgenic steroids, some of which further necessitate the differentiation of their natural/endogenous or xenobiotic origin, but also higher molecular mass substances such as e.g. insulins, growth hormone, or siRNA/anti-sense oligonucleotides, a variety of different strategies towards the identification of employable and informative metabolites have been developed. In this review, approaches supporting the identification, characterization, and implementation of metabolites exemplified by means of selected doping agents into routine doping controls are presented, and challenges as well as solutions reported and published between 2010 and 2020 are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Thevis
- Center for Preventive Doping Research - Institute of Biochemistry, German Sport University Cologne, Am Sportpark Müngersdorf 6, 50933, Cologne, Germany; European Monitoring Center for Emerging Doping Agents (EuMoCEDA), Cologne, Bonn, Germany.
| | - Thomas Piper
- Center for Preventive Doping Research - Institute of Biochemistry, German Sport University Cologne, Am Sportpark Müngersdorf 6, 50933, Cologne, Germany
| | - Andreas Thomas
- Center for Preventive Doping Research - Institute of Biochemistry, German Sport University Cologne, Am Sportpark Müngersdorf 6, 50933, Cologne, Germany
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Paßreiter A, Thomas A, Grogna N, Delahaut P, Thevis M. First Steps toward Uncovering Gene Doping with CRISPR/Cas by Identifying SpCas9 in Plasma via HPLC–HRMS/MS. Anal Chem 2020; 92:16322-16328. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.0c04445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Alina Paßreiter
- Center for Preventive Doping Research/Institute of Biochemistry, German Sport University Cologne, Am Sportpark Müngersdorf 6, 50933 Cologne, Germany
| | - Andreas Thomas
- Center for Preventive Doping Research/Institute of Biochemistry, German Sport University Cologne, Am Sportpark Müngersdorf 6, 50933 Cologne, Germany
| | - Nicolas Grogna
- CER Groupe—Département Santé, Rue du Point du Jour 8, 6900 Marloie, Belgium
| | - Philippe Delahaut
- CER Groupe—Département Santé, Rue du Point du Jour 8, 6900 Marloie, Belgium
| | - Mario Thevis
- Center for Preventive Doping Research/Institute of Biochemistry, German Sport University Cologne, Am Sportpark Müngersdorf 6, 50933 Cologne, Germany
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Gendoping und molekulares Doping. Rechtsmedizin (Berl) 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s00194-020-00431-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Abstract
Being an elite athlete is an extremely coveted position, which can lead an individual to use doping. As knowledge is extended, doping techniques have become increasingly sophisticated, and the newest method of doping is gene doping. This article aims to present an updated bibliographic survey that addresses gene doping between 1983 and 2018. Anti-doping agencies have not yet approved any detection technique for this type of doping. The possibility of eradicating such doping is almost zero mainly because gene therapy advances rapidly. In this scenario, the future of gene doping must be discussed and decided before irreversible limits are exceeded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebeca Araujo Cantelmo
- Curso de Especialização em Ciências Forenses, Instituto Paulista de Estudos Bioéticos e Jurídicos (IPEBJ), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | | | - Celso Teixeira Mendes-Junior
- Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Departmento de Química, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Daniel Junqueira Dorta
- Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Departmento de Química, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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Thevis M, Kuuranne T, Geyer H, Schänzer W. Annual banned-substance review: analytical approaches in human sports drug testing. Drug Test Anal 2014; 7:1-20. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.1769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2014] [Accepted: 12/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mario Thevis
- Center for Preventive Doping Research - Institute of Biochemistry; German Sport University Cologne; Am Sportpark Müngersdorf 6 50933 Cologne Germany
- European Monitoring Center for Emerging Doping Agents; Cologne Germany
| | - Tiia Kuuranne
- Doping Control Laboratory; United Medix Laboratories; Höyläämötie 14 00380 Helsinki Finland
| | - Hans Geyer
- Center for Preventive Doping Research - Institute of Biochemistry; German Sport University Cologne; Am Sportpark Müngersdorf 6 50933 Cologne Germany
| | - Wilhelm Schänzer
- Center for Preventive Doping Research - Institute of Biochemistry; German Sport University Cologne; Am Sportpark Müngersdorf 6 50933 Cologne Germany
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Thevis M, Schänzer W. Analytical approaches for the detection of emerging therapeutics and non-approved drugs in human doping controls. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2014; 101:66-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2014.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2014] [Revised: 05/05/2014] [Accepted: 05/06/2014] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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Kuuranne T. Fast, sensitive, and reliable. Drug Test Anal 2013; 5:809. [PMID: 24353189 DOI: 10.1002/dta.1586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2013] [Accepted: 10/18/2013] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Tiia Kuuranne
- Doping Control Laboratory, United Medix Laboratories, Helsinki, Finland.
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