SNaPshot and CE-SSCP: Two Simple and Cost-Effective Methods to Reveal Genetic Variability Within a Virus Species

Background: Linseed is one of the most important medicinal plants grown for its various health benefits. The seeds of linseed contain a good and essential fatty acid profile that is omega-3 fatty acid/Alpha linolenic acid. It helps in the prevention of various disease including inflammation, cardiovascular problems, cancer, diabetes etc. Induced mutagenesis is an easy and cost effective technique to induce desired genetic variability, which either does not occur naturally or is not accessible to plant breeders. Genetic variability is enhanced by the influence of various chemical or physical mutagens. The usefulness of any mutagen relies not only on its efficiency but also on its effectiveness. Methods: Dry and healthy seeds of linseed (var. Padmini and IC0096650) were treated with different doses of gamma rays and sodium azide. The experiment was conducted during Rabi season of November 2016-March 2017. The selection of optimum doses of mutagens through the determination of LD50 values has been calculated on the basis of the seed germination as well as plant survival. Result: The present investigation reveals genotypic response of two linseed varieties towards different doses of gamma rays and sodium azide. Variety IC0096650 exhibited higher degree of sensitivity than variety Padmini with respect to the mutagens used. Results showed that 200Gy dose of gamma rays and 0.4% dose of sodium azide was the maximum non-lethal strength of the respective mutagen for the induction of the mutation in linseed genotypes.

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Comparison between Saliva and Nasopharyngeal Swab Specimens for Detection of Respiratory Viruses by Multiplex Reverse Transcription-PCR

Journal of Clinical Microbiology ◽

10.1128/jcm.01704-16 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 55 (1) ◽

pp. 226-233 ◽

Cited By ~ 33

Author(s):

Young-gon Kim ◽

Seung Gyu Yun ◽

Min Young Kim ◽

Kwisung Park ◽

Chi Hyun Cho ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Real Time ◽

Reverse Transcription ◽

Respiratory Virus ◽

Direct Sequencing ◽

Virus Detection ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Respiratory Viruses ◽

Nasopharyngeal Swab ◽

Virus Species ◽

Rt Pcr

ABSTRACT Nasopharyngeal swabs (NPSs) are being widely used as specimens for multiplex real-time reverse transcription (RT)-PCR for respiratory virus detection. However, it remains unclear whether NPS specimens are optimal for all viruses targeted by multiplex RT-PCR. In addition, the procedure to obtain NPS specimens causes coughing in most patients, which possibly increases the risk of nosocomial spread of viruses. In this study, paired NPS and saliva specimens were collected from 236 adult male patients with suspected acute respiratory illnesses. Specimens were tested for 16 respiratory viruses by multiplex real-time RT-PCR. Among the specimens collected from the 236 patients, at least 1 respiratory virus was detected in 183 NPS specimens (77.5%) and 180 saliva specimens (76.3%). The rates of detection of respiratory viruses were comparable for NPS and saliva specimens ( P = 0.766). Nine virus species and 349 viruses were isolated, 256 from NPS specimens and 273 from saliva specimens ( P = 0.1574). Adenovirus was detected more frequently in saliva samples ( P < 0.0001), whereas influenza virus type A and human rhinovirus were detected more frequently in NPS specimens ( P = 0.0001 and P = 0.0289, respectively). The possibility of false-positive adenovirus detection from saliva samples was excluded by direct sequencing. In conclusion, neither of the sampling methods was consistently more sensitive than the other. We suggest that these cost-effective methods for detecting respiratory viruses in mixed NPS-saliva specimens might be valuable for future studies.

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Rearing and Maintenance of Galleria mellonella and Its Application to Study Fungal Virulence

Journal of Fungi ◽

10.3390/jof6030130 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 6 (3) ◽

pp. 130

Author(s):

Carolina Firacative ◽

Aziza Khan ◽

Shuyao Duan ◽

Kennio Ferreira-Paim ◽

Diana Leemon ◽

...

Keyword(s):

United States ◽

Animal Models ◽

Genetic Variability ◽

Artificial Diet ◽

Galleria Mellonella ◽

Gene Knockout ◽

Cost Effective ◽

The United States ◽

Fungal Virulence ◽

Fungal Pathogenicity

Galleria mellonella larvae have been widely used as alternative non-mammalian models for the study of fungal virulence and pathogenesis. The larvae can be acquired in small volumes from worm farms, pet stores, or other independent suppliers commonly found in the United States and parts of Europe. However, in countries with no or limited commercial availability, the process of shipping these larvae can cause them stress, resulting in decreased or altered immunity. Furthermore, the conditions used to rear these larvae including diet, humidity, temperature, and maintenance procedures vary among the suppliers. Variation in these factors can affect the response of G. mellonella larvae to infection, thereby decreasing the reproducibility of fungal virulence experiments. There is a critical need for standardized procedures and incubation conditions for rearing G. mellonella to produce quality, unstressed larvae with the least genetic variability. In order to standardize these procedures, cost-effective protocols for the propagation and maintenance of G. mellonella larvae using an artificial diet, which has been successfully used in our own laboratory, requiring minimal equipment and expertise, are herein described. Examples for the application of this model in fungal pathogenicity and gene knockout studies as feasible alternatives for traditionally used animal models are also provided.

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The application of electron microscopy to diagnosis in gynecologic neoplasms and tumor-like conditions

Proceedings, annual meeting, Electron Microscopy Society of America ◽

10.1017/s0424820100110787 ◽

1984 ◽

Vol 42 ◽

pp. 102-105

Author(s):

Lawrence M. Roth

Keyword(s):

Electron Microscopy ◽

Reproductive Tract ◽

Malignant Tumors ◽

Frozen Section ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Female Reproductive Tract ◽

Ultrastructural Examination ◽

Specific Diagnosis ◽

Potential Value ◽

Gynecologic Neoplasms

The female reproductive tract may be the site of a wide variety of benign and malignant tumors, as well as non-neoplastic tumor-like conditions, most of which can be diagnosed by light microscopic examination including special stains and more recently immunoperoxidase techniques. Nevertheless there are situations where ultrastructural examination can contribute substantially to an accurate and specific diagnosis. It is my opinion that electron microscopy can be of greatest benefit and is most cost effective when applied in conjunction with other methodologies. Thus, I have developed an approach which has proved useful for me and may have benefit for others. In cases where it is deemed of potential value, glutaraldehyde-fixed material is obtained at the time of frozen section or otherwise at operation. Coordination with the gynecologic oncologist is required in the latter situation. This material is processed and blocked and is available if a future need arises.

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The IBM-PC in electron microscopy

Proceedings, annual meeting, Electron Microscopy Society of America ◽

10.1017/s0424820100165525 ◽

1996 ◽

Vol 54 ◽

pp. 612-613

Author(s):

James F. Mancuso

Keyword(s):

Head Start ◽

Image Acquisition ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Financial Applications ◽

Number Of Factors ◽

Instrument Control ◽

The Cost ◽

Training And Support ◽

Control Image ◽

Ibm Pc

IBM PC compatible computers are widely used in microscopy for applications ranging from control to image acquisition and analysis. The choice of IBM-PC based systems over competing computer platforms can be based on technical merit alone or on a number of factors relating to economics, availability of peripherals, management dictum, or simple personal preference.IBM-PC got a strong “head start” by first dominating clerical, document processing and financial applications. The use of these computers spilled into the laboratory where the DOS based IBM-PC replaced mini-computers. Compared to minicomputer, the PC provided a more for cost-effective platform for applications in numerical analysis, engineering and design, instrument control, image acquisition and image processing. In addition, the sitewide use of a common PC platform could reduce the cost of training and support services relative to cases where many different computer platforms were used. This could be especially true for the microscopists who must use computers in both the laboratory and the office.

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A Review of 21 iPad Applications for Augmentative and Alternative Communication Purposes

Perspectives on Augmentative and Alternative Communication ◽

10.1044/aac21.2.60 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 21 (2) ◽

pp. 60-71 ◽

Cited By ~ 24

Author(s):

Ashley Alliano ◽

Kimberly Herriger ◽

Anthony D. Koutsoftas ◽

Theresa E. Bartolotta

Keyword(s):

Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Alternative Form ◽

Alternative Communication ◽

Text To Speech ◽

Reference Guide ◽

Expressive Communication ◽

Communication Needs ◽

User Friendly ◽

Ipad Applications

Abstract Using the iPad tablet for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) purposes can facilitate many communicative needs, is cost-effective, and is socially acceptable. Many individuals with communication difficulties can use iPad applications (apps) to augment communication, provide an alternative form of communication, or target receptive and expressive language goals. In this paper, we will review a collection of iPad apps that can be used to address a variety of receptive and expressive communication needs. Based on recommendations from Gosnell, Costello, and Shane (2011), we describe the features of 21 apps that can serve as a reference guide for speech-language pathologists. We systematically identified 21 apps that use symbols only, symbols and text-to-speech, and text-to-speech only. We provide descriptions of the purpose of each app, along with the following feature descriptions: speech settings, representation, display, feedback features, rate enhancement, access, motor competencies, and cost. In this review, we describe these apps and how individuals with complex communication needs can use them for a variety of communication purposes and to target a variety of treatment goals. We present information in a user-friendly table format that clinicians can use as a reference guide.

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Initial Aphasia Treatments More Cost-Effective Than Later Ones

ASHA Leader ◽

10.1044/leader.rib4.19052014.13 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 19 (5) ◽

pp. 13-13

Keyword(s):

Cost Effective

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Teletinnitus Program at the VA Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System

Perspectives on Telepractice ◽

10.1044/teles4.1.23 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 4 (1) ◽

pp. 23-29

Author(s):

Constance Hilory Tomberlin

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

Patient Satisfaction ◽

Patient Care ◽

Health Care System ◽

Gulf Coast ◽

New Technology ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Veterans Health ◽

Potential Benefits ◽

Care System

There are a multitude of reasons that a teletinnitus program can be beneficial, not only to the patients, but also within the hospital and audiology department. The ability to use technology for the purpose of tinnitus management allows for improved appointment access for all patients, especially those who live at a distance, has been shown to be more cost effective when the patients travel is otherwise monetarily compensated, and allows for multiple patient's to be seen in the same time slots, allowing for greater access to the clinic for the patients wishing to be seen in-house. There is also the patient's excitement in being part of a new technology-based program. The Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System (GCVHCS) saw the potential benefits of incorporating a teletinnitus program and began implementation in 2013. There were a few hurdles to work through during the beginning organizational process and the initial execution of the program. Since the establishment of the Teletinnitus program, the GCVHCS has seen an enhancement in patient care, reduction in travel compensation, improvement in clinic utilization, clinic availability, the genuine excitement of the use of a new healthcare media amongst staff and patients, and overall patient satisfaction.

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