scholarly journals VectorDisk: A Microfluidic Platform Integrating Diagnostic Markers for Evidence-Based Mosquito Control

Processes ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. 1677
Author(s):  
Sebastian Hin ◽  
Desirée Baumgartner ◽  
Mara Specht ◽  
Jan Lüddecke ◽  
Ehsan Mahmodi Arjmand ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mosquito Control ◽  
Feasibility Studies ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Resistance Mechanisms ◽  
Cold Chain ◽  
Potential Candidate ◽  
Accurate Identification ◽  
Dna And Rna ◽  
Specialist Knowledge ◽  
Microfluidic Chambers

Effective mosquito monitoring relies on the accurate identification and characterization of the target population. Since this process requires specialist knowledge and equipment that is not widely available, automated field-deployable systems are highly desirable. We present a centrifugal microfluidic cartridge, the VectorDisk, which integrates TaqMan PCR assays in two feasibility studies, aiming to assess multiplexing capability, specificity, and reproducibility in detecting disk-integrated vector-related assays. In the first study, pools of 10 mosquitoes were used as samples. We tested 18 disks with 27 DNA and RNA assays each, using a combination of multiple microfluidic chambers and detection wavelengths (geometric and color multiplexing) to identify mosquito and malaria parasite species as well as insecticide resistance mechanisms. In the second study, purified nucleic acids served as samples to test arboviral and malaria infective mosquito assays. Nine disks were tested with 14 assays each. No false positive results were detected on any of the disks. The coefficient of variation in reproducibility tests was <10%. The modular nature of the platform, the easy adaptation of the primer/probe panels, the cold chain independence, the rapid (2–3 h) analysis, and the assay multiplexing capacity are key features, rendering the VectorDisk a potential candidate for automated vector analysis.

scholarly journals Feasibility of an 8-week Yoga Intervention among Middle-aged and Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Neha P. Gothe ◽  
Emily Erlenbach ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Adverse Events ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Feasibility Studies ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Yoga Intervention ◽  
Enrollment Rates

Feasibility studies play a critical role in determining whether the target population is likely to engage with larger scale efficacy and effectiveness trials. Feasibility data for yoga interventions designed and conducted with older adults is limited. In this paper we present feasibility and acceptability data from an 8-week randomized controlled trial (RCT) conducted with middle aged and older adults. Participants n=118 (Mean age: 62.0 years) were randomized to either a Hatha yoga or Stretching Control group with hour long group exercise classes held 3x/week for 8 weeks. Herein we report feasibility and acceptability, including enrollment rates, attendance, attrition and adverse events, participant feedback and satisfaction data. Of the 265 adults screened, 118 were eligible and randomized. Session attendance was high for both groups (80.82 to 81.29 %) and only 10 people were lost to follow-up. Program satisfaction for both groups was high (4.8 and 4.86 out of 5) and no adverse events were reported. Participants’ feedback regarding most and least helpful aspects of the program as well as suggestions for future yoga interventions are summarized. Overall, the yoga intervention was highly feasible and acceptable. The feasibility parameters from this trial can aid researchers in estimating desired sample sizes to successfully recruit, randomize and retain older adults in short- and long-term yoga based RCTs.

Comparative evaluation of Assays for Broad Detection of Molecular Resistance Mechanisms in Enterobacterales Isolates

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. N. Brazelton de Cardenas ◽  
C. D. Garner ◽  
Y Su ◽  
L Tang ◽  
R. T. Hayden
Keyword(s):  
Antibiotic Resistance ◽  
Rapid Evolution ◽  
Antibiotic Resistance Genes ◽  
Resistance Mechanisms ◽  
Beta Lactam ◽  
Accurate Identification ◽  
Gram Negative ◽  
Diagnostic Role ◽  
Clinically Significant ◽  
Third Generation Cephalosporins

Rapid detection of antimicrobial resistance in both surveillance and diagnostic settings is still a major challenge for the clinical lab, compounded by the rapid evolution of antibiotic resistance mechanisms. This study compares four methods for the broad detection of antibiotic resistance genes in Enterobacterales isolates: two multiplex PCR assays, (the Streck ARM-D® beta-lactamase kit and the OpGen Acuitas AMR Gene Panel u5.47 (research use only (RUO)), and one microarray assay (the Check-MDR CT103XL assay), with whole genome sequencing as a reference standard. A total of 65 Gram-negative bacterial isolates, from 56 patients, classified by phenotypic AST as showing resistance to beta-lactam antimicrobials (ESBL positive, resistance to third generation cephalosporins or carbapenems), were included in the study. Overall concordance between the molecular assays and sequencing was high. While all three assays had similar performance, the OpGen Acuitas AMR assay had the highest overall percent concordance with sequencing results. The primary differences between the assays tested were the number and diversity of targets, ranging from 9 for Streck to 34 for OpGen. This study shows that commercially available PCR-based assays can provide accurate identification of antimicrobial resistant loci in clinically significant Gram-negative bacteria. Further studies are needed to determine the clinical diagnostic role and potential benefit of such methods.

scholarly journals Reasons for participating and not participating in a e-health workplace physical activity intervention

2014 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 229-246 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Bardus ◽  
Holly Blake ◽  
Scott Lloyd ◽  
L. Suzanne Suggs
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Feasibility Studies ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Perceived Ease Of Use ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Behavioural Interventions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Purposive Sample

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the reasons for participating and not participating in an e-health workplace physical activity (PA) intervention. Design/methodology/approach – Semi-structured interviews and two focus groups were conducted with a purposive sample of employees who enrolled and participated in the intervention and with those who did not complete enrolment, hence did not participate in it. Data were examined using thematic analysis according to the clusters of “reasons for participation” and for “non-participation”. Findings – Reported reasons for participation included a need to be more active, to increase motivation to engage in PA, and to better manage weight. Employees were attracted by the perceived ease of use of the programme and by the promise of receiving reminders. Many felt encouraged to enrol by managers or peers. Reported reasons for non-participation included lack of time, loss of interest towards the programme, or a lack of reminders to complete enrolment. Practical implications – Future e-health workplace behavioural interventions should consider focusing on employees’ needs and motivators to behaviour change, provide regular reminders for participants to complete enrolment and ensure that procedures are completed successfully. Barriers to participation could be identified through formative research with the target population and feasibility studies. Originality/value – This study combines a qualitative analysis of the reasons why some employees decided to enrol in a workplace PA intervention and why some others did not. This study highlights factors to consider when designing, implementing and promoting similar interventions and that could inform strategies to enhance participation in workplace PA interventions.

scholarly journals An Exploratory Study on the Role of Feasibility Study on Sustainability of Business in Kenya: A Case of Supermarkets in Nairobi County

2022 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-70
Author(s):  
Paul Kilote Jumah ◽  
◽  
Thomas Githui ◽  
Martin Kweyu ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Positive Impact ◽  
Feasibility Studies ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Economic Feasibility ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Technical Feasibility ◽  
Business Sustainability ◽  
The Impact

Organizational strategic feasibility studies are critical in mitigating uncertainty in the business environment and enhancing growth and performance. This study sought to ascertain the role of feasibility studies in the sustainability of supermarkets in Nairobi County, Kenya. The study's specific objectives were to determine the impact of technical feasibility, economic feasibility, operational feasibility, and legal feasibility on the sustainability of supermarkets in Nairobi County, Kenya. A descriptive research design was used for the study. The study's target population was seven major supermarkets: Naivas, QuickMart, Cleanshelf, The Game Store, Chandarana, Eastmatt, and Carrefour. A questionnaire was used to collect primary data. Findings indicated that technical feasibility is positively and significantly related to the business sustainability of supermarkets in Nairobi County. The findings also revealed that economic feasibility is positively and significantly related to the business sustainability of supermarkets in Nairobi County. The findings revealed a positive and significant relationship between operational feasibility and business sustainability of supermarkets in Nairobi County. Finally, the findings revealed that the legal feasibility and business sustainability of Nairobi County supermarkets are positively and significantly related. The study concluded that technical feasibility, economic feasibility, operational feasibility, and legal feasibility all have a positive impact on supermarket business sustainability. The study recommends that supermarkets should become acquainted with the technical technology that is available on the market and evaluate those that are appropriate for their needs. Managers of Nairobi County supermarkets increase the level of internal and external benchmarking in their supermarkets for economic benefit assessments. Keywords: Technical Feasibility, Economic Feasibility, Operational Feasibility, Legal Feasibility, Sustainability & Supermarkets.

scholarly journals DNA Barcoding of Mosquitoes from the Pantanos de Centla Biosphere Reserve, Southeastern Mexico

2021 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. 198-207
Author(s):  
Aldo I. Ortega-Morales ◽  
Luis M. Hernández-Triana ◽  
Rahuel J. Chan-Chable ◽  
Javier A. Garza-Hernández ◽  
Vicente H. González-Álvarez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mosquito Control ◽  
Mosquito Species ◽  
Dna Barcode ◽  
Morphological Characteristics ◽  
Biosphere Reserve ◽  
Similar Species ◽  
Accurate Identification ◽  
Molecular Approaches ◽  
Species Complexes ◽  
Large Numbers

ABSTRACT Accurate identification of mosquito species is essential to support programs that involve the study of distribution and mosquito control. Numerous mosquito species are difficult to identify based only on morphological characteristics, due to the morphological similarities in different life stages and large numbers of some species that are members of morphologically similar species complexes. In the present study, the mosquitoes collected in the Pantanos de Centla Biosphere Reserve, southeastern Mexico, were evaluated using a combination of morphological and molecular approaches (mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I [COI] DNA barcode). A total of 1,576 specimens of 10 genera and 35 species, mostly adult stages, were collected. A total of 225 COI DNA barcode sequences were analyzed; most species formed well-supported groups in the neighbor joining, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian inference trees. The intraspecific Kimura 2-parameter (K2P) genetic distance averaged 1.52%. An intraspecific K2P distance of 6.20% was observed in Anopheles crucians s.l., while a deep split was identified in Culex erraticus and Cx. conspirator. This study showed that COI DNA barcodes offer a reliable approach to support mosquito species identification in Mexico.

scholarly journals MiR-4448 Is Involved in Deltamethrin Resistance by Targeting CYP4H31 in Culex Pipiens Pallens

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xixi Li ◽  
Shengli Hu ◽  
Haitao Yin ◽  
Hongbo Zhang ◽  
Dan Zhou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mosquito Control ◽  
Resistance Mechanisms ◽  
Oral Feeding ◽  
Cell Counting ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Functional Verification ◽  
Reverse Transcription Pcr ◽  
Deltamethrin Resistance

Abstract Background: Mosquitoes are vectors of serious diseases affecting human health. Unfortunately, mosquitoes have developed deltamethrin resistance because of its long-term overuse, representing a major challenge to mosquito control. Understanding the molecular regulatory mechanisms of resistance is vital to control mosquitoes. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non‑coding RNAs that have been demonstrated as important regulators of gene expression across a wide variety of organisms, which might function in mosquito deltamethrin resistance. Methods: In the present study, we used quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR to measure miR-4448 and CYP4H31 (encoding a cytochrome P450) expression levels. The regulatory functions of miR-4448 and CYP4H31 were assessed using Dual-Luciferase reporter assays. Then, oral feeding, RNA interference, and the American Centers for Disease Control and Prevention bottle bioassay were used to determine miR‑4448’s association with deltamethrin resistance by targeting CYP4H31 in vivo. A Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) was also used to detect the viability of pIB/V5-His-CYP4H31-transfected C6/36 cells after deltamethrin treatment in vitro. Results: MiR-4448 was downregulated in the deltamethrin-resistant strain (DR-strain), whereas CYP4H31 was downregulated in deltamethrin-susceptible strain. negatively regulated CYP4H31 expression was downregulated by miR-4448 recognizing and binding to its 3' untranslated region. Functional verification experiments showed that miR-4448 overexpression resulted in lower expression of CYP4H31. The mortality of miR-4448 mimic-injected DR-strain mosquitoes was higher than that of the controls. CCK-8 assays showed that CYP4H31 decreased cellular resistance to deltamethrin in vitro and the mortality of the DR-strain increased when CYP4H31 was knocked down CYP4H31 in vivo. Conclusions: In mosquitoes, miR-4448 participates in deltamethrin resistance by targeting CYP4H31. The results of the present study increase our understanding of deltamethrin resistance mechanisms.

scholarly journals Biological Control of Mosquito-Borne Diseases: The Potential ofWolbachia-Based Interventions in an IVM Framework

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
El Hadji Amadou Niang ◽  
Hubert Bassene ◽  
Florence Fenollar ◽  
Oleg Mediannikov
Keyword(s):  
Biological Control ◽  
Mosquito Control ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Resistance Mechanisms ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Mosquito Vectors ◽  
Control Approach ◽  
Commensal Microbiota ◽  
Current State ◽  
The World

People living in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world face an enormous health burden due to mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and filariasis. Historically and today, targeting mosquito vectors with, primarily, insecticide-based control strategies have been a key control strategy against major mosquito-borne diseases. However, the success to date of such approaches is under threat from multiple insecticide resistance mechanisms while vector control (VC) options are still limited. The situation therefore requires the development of innovative control measures against major mosquito-borne diseases. Transinfecting mosquitos with symbiotic bacteria that can compete with targeted pathogens or manipulate host biology to reduce their vectorial capacity are a promising and innovative biological control approach. In this review, we discuss the current state of knowledge about the association between mosquitoes andWolbachia, emphasizing the limitations of different mosquito control strategies and the use of mosquitoes’ commensal microbiota as innovative approaches to control mosquito-borne diseases.

scholarly journals JPPRED: Prediction of Types of J-Proteins from Imbalanced Data Using an Ensemble Learning Method

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lina Zhang ◽  
Chengjin Zhang ◽  
Rui Gao ◽  
Runtao Yang
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acid ◽  
Amino Acid Composition ◽  
Acid Composition ◽  
Potential Candidate ◽  
Average Sensitivity ◽  
Accurate Identification ◽  
Feature Spaces ◽  
Protein Prediction ◽  
J Proteins ◽  
J Protein

Different types of J-proteins perform distinct functions in chaperone processes and diseases development. Accurate identification of types of J-proteins will provide significant clues to reveal the mechanism of J-proteins and contribute to developing drugs for diseases. In this study, an ensemble predictor called JPPRED for J-protein prediction is proposed with hybrid features, including split amino acid composition (SAAC), pseudo amino acid composition (PseAAC), and position specific scoring matrix (PSSM). To deal with the imbalanced benchmark dataset, the synthetic minority oversampling technique (SMOTE) and undersampling technique are applied. The average sensitivity of JPPRED based on above-mentioned individual feature spaces lies in the range of 0.744–0.851, indicating the discriminative power of these features. In addition, JPPRED yields the highest average sensitivity of 0.875 using the hybrid feature spaces of SAAC, PseAAC, and PSSM. Compared to individual base classifiers, JPPRED obtains more balanced and better performance for each type of J-proteins. To evaluate the prediction performance objectively, JPPRED is compared with previous study. Encouragingly, JPPRED obtains balanced performance for each type of J-proteins, which is significantly superior to that of the existing method. It is anticipated that JPPRED can be a potential candidate for J-protein prediction.

scholarly journals Control of Plant Viral Diseases by CRISPR/Cas9: Resistance Mechanisms, Strategies and Challenges in Food Crops

Plants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 1264
Author(s):  
Saleh Ahmed Shahriar ◽  
M. Nazrul Islam ◽  
Charles Ng Wai Chun ◽  
Md. Abdur Rahim ◽  
Narayan Chandra Paul ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plant Breeding ◽  
Resistance Mechanisms ◽  
Plant Viruses ◽  
Integral Approach ◽  
Food Crops ◽  
Research Strategies ◽  
Plant Host ◽  
Crop Species ◽  
Guide Rnas ◽  
Dna And Rna

Protecting food crops from viral pathogens is a significant challenge for agriculture. An integral approach to genome-editing, known as CRISPR/Cas9 (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats and CRISPR associated protein 9), is used to produce virus-resistant cultivars. The CRISPR/Cas9 tool is an essential part of modern plant breeding due to its attractive features. Advances in plant breeding programs due to the incorporation of Cas9 have enabled the development of cultivars with heritable resistance to plant viruses. The resistance to viral DNA and RNA is generally provided using the Cas9 endonuclease and sgRNAs (single-guide RNAs) complex, targeting particular virus and host plant genomes by interrupting the viral cleavage or altering the plant host genome, thus reducing the replication ability of the virus. In this review, the CRISPR/Cas9 system and its application to staple food crops resistance against several destructive plant viruses are briefly described. We outline the key findings of recent Cas9 applications, including enhanced virus resistance, genetic mechanisms, research strategies, and challenges in economically important and globally cultivated food crop species. The research outcome of this emerging molecular technology can extend the development of agriculture and food security. We also describe the information gaps and address the unanswered concerns relating to plant viral resistance mediated by CRISPR/Cas9.

scholarly journals Estudios de incidencia y prevalencia en la planificación de ensayos clínicos. Consideraciones de su utilidad actual

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 25
Author(s):  
Beatriz Rodríguez Alonso ◽  
Rosa María Alonso Uría ◽  
Yamilé Cachimaille Benavides ◽  
Jacqueline Santos Ravelo ◽  
Eugenio Castillo Isaac ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Feasibility Studies ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Planning Stage ◽  
Prevalence Studies ◽  
Driving Speed ◽  
Palabras Clave ◽  
Ensayo Clínico

  Los ensayos clínicos forman parte del eje de clasificación más común para agrupar la investigación experimental. Constituyen el patrón de oro de los estudios de causalidad. Para el desarrollo de los mismos es determinante la realización de un tipo de estudio descriptivo específico, los estudios de incidencia y prevalencia de la enfermedad o problema de salud. Constituye objetivo del presente artículo reflexionar en el proceso de ejecución de estas investigaciones descriptivas como una de las acciones importantes y definitorias en la etapa de planificación dentro de la organización de los ensayos clínicos; así como identificar algunas dificultades y valorar la aplicación de pautas o alternativas estratégicas en los procedimientos habituales para la ejecución de ensayos clínicos. Se necesita la elaboración de un plan de actividades detallado en las diferentes etapas del ensayo clínico, con énfasis en la de planificación, que define el resto del ensayo. Es en esta fase cuando se realizan los estudios de incidencia y prevalencia, que contribuyen a la identificación real de la población diana, a conocer la factibilidad del ensayo clínico y al diseño de propuesta para el proceso de reclutamiento, inclusión y retención de pacientes. Esto permite incrementar la velocidad de conducción e incrementar la calidad en la ejecución de los ensayos clínicos en Cuba. Los estudios de incidencia y prevalencia eficientes favorecen la factibilidad y el mercadeo del futuro ensayo clínico, las estrategias de reclutamiento de pacientes y la ejecución del mismo, contribuyendo exitosamente a su desarrollo e introducción a la práctica médica de los resultados.   Palabras clave: Estudios transversales, epidemiología descriptiva, ensayo clínico, selección de pacientes, estudios de factibilidad.   Abstract Clinical trials are part of the most common classification axis for grouping experimental research. They are the gold standard for causality studies. For their development, it is essential to carry out a type of specific descriptive study, the incidence and prevalence studies of the disease or health problem. The objective of this article is to reflect on the process of executing these descriptive investigations as one of the important and defining actions in the planning stage within the organization of clinical trials; as well as, identify some difficulties and assess the application of guidelines or strategic alternatives in the usual procedures for the execution of clinical trials. It is necessary to develop a detailed activity plan in the different stages of the clinical trial, with emphasis on planning, which defines the rest of the trial. It is in this phase when incidence and prevalence studies are carried out, which contribute to the real identification of the target population, to know the feasibility of the clinical trial and to the design of the proposal for the process of recruitment, inclusion and retention of patients. This allows to increase the driving speed and increase the quality in the execution of clinical trials in Cuba. Efficient incidence and prevalence studies favor the feasibility and marketing of the future clinical trial, patient recruitment strategies and its execution, successfully contributing to its development and introduction to medical practice of the results.   Keywords: Cross-sectional studies, descriptive epidemiology, clinical trial, patient selection, feasibility studies.

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