scholarly journals Molecular Detection of Blueberry Stunt Phytoplasma in Eastern Canada: a Multi-year Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine Hammond ◽  
Edel Perez-Lopez ◽  
Jennifer Town ◽  
Charles Vincent ◽  
Debra Moreau ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Production Management ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Lamp Assay ◽  
Vaccinium Corymbosum ◽  
Eastern Canada ◽  
Diagnostic Assays ◽  
Proactive Approach ◽  
Growing Seasons ◽  
Pathogen Load ◽  
Interactive Map

Abstract Blueberry stunt phytoplasma (BBSP; ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris’) is an insect-vectored plant pathogen that causes severe yield losses in blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum), which is the most valuable fruit crop in Canada. Rapid, field-based diagnostic assays are desirable tools for the control of BBSP, as part of an integrated, proactive approach to production management termed biovigilance. We designed and validated a chaperonin-60 (cpn60)-targeted LAMP assay for detection of BBSP, providing a rapid, low cost, field-deployable diagnostic option. Our validation demonstrates that the assay is reproducible, with high analytical specificity and improved sensitivity when compared with 16S rRNA nested PCR. We applied the validated LAMP assay to nearly 2000 blueberry samples from Québec and Nova Scotia over three growing seasons (2016–2018). Our surveys revealed that BBSP is present in most sites across both provinces, though detection of the pathogen in individual plants varied in different tissues across sampling dates and across years, and evidence of spread between plants was limited. To quantify pathogen load in select plants, we designed additional qPCR and ddPCR assays, also based on cpn60. We found that pathogen load fluctuates in a given plant within and between growing seasons. Finally, we designed an interactive map to visualize the results of our surveys. These results provide a validated diagnostic assay that can be used as part of a biovigilance strategy for detecting and controlling infections caused by BBSP.

scholarly journals Detection of blueberry stunt phytoplasma in Eastern Canada using cpn60-based molecular diagnostic assays

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine Hammond ◽  
Edel Pérez-López ◽  
Jennifer Town ◽  
Charles Vincent ◽  
Debra Moreau ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Production Management ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Lamp Assay ◽  
Vaccinium Corymbosum ◽  
Molecular Diagnostic ◽  
Eastern Canada ◽  
Diagnostic Assays ◽  
Growing Seasons ◽  
Pathogen Load ◽  
Interactive Map

AbstractBlueberry stunt phytoplasma (BBSP; ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris’) is an insect-vectored plant pathogen that causes severe yield losses in blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum), which is the most valuable fruit crop in Canada. Rapid, field-based diagnostic assays are desirable tools for the control of BBSP, as part of an integrated, proactive approach to production management termed biovigilance. We designed and validated a chaperonin-60 (cpn60)-targeted LAMP assay for detection of BBSP, providing a rapid, low cost, field-deployable diagnostic option. Our validation demonstrates that the assay is reproducible, with high analytical specificity and improved sensitivity when compared with 16S rRNA nested PCR. We applied the validated LAMP assay to nearly 2000 blueberry samples from Québec and Nova Scotia over three growing seasons (2016–2018). Our surveys revealed that BBSP is present in most sites across both provinces, though detection of the pathogen in individual plants varied in different tissues across sampling dates and across years, and evidence of spread between plants was limited. To quantify pathogen load in select plants, we designed additional qPCR and ddPCR assays, also based on cpn60. We found that pathogen load fluctuates in individual plants, both within and between growing seasons. Finally, we designed an interactive map to visualize the results of our surveys. These results provide a validated diagnostic assay that can be used as part of a biovigilance strategy for detecting and controlling infections caused by BBSP.

scholarly journals A Robust, Low-Cost Instrument for Real-time Colorimetric Isothermal Nucleic Acid Amplification

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frank Myers ◽  
Brian Moffatt ◽  
Ragheb El Khaja ◽  
Titash Chatterjee ◽  
Gurmeet Marwaha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nucleic Acid ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Lamp Assay ◽  
Nucleic Acid Amplification ◽  
Diagnostic Assays ◽  
Isothermal Nucleic Acid Amplification ◽  
Point Of Care Diagnostics ◽  
Time Readout

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for broader access to molecular diagnostics. Colorimetric isothermal nucleic acid amplification assays enable simplified instrumentation over more conventional PCR diagnostic assays and, as such, represent a promising approach for addressing this need. In particular, colorimetric LAMP (loop-mediated isothermal amplification) has received a great deal of interest recently. However, there do not currently exist robust instruments for performing these kinds of assays in high throughput with real-time readout of amplification signals. To address this need, we developed LARI, the LAMP Assay Reader Instrument. We have deployed over 50 LARIs for routine use in R&D and production environments, with over 12,000 assays run to date. In this paper, we present the design and construction of LARI along with thermal, optical, and assay performance characteristics. LARI can be produced for under $1500 and has broad applications in R&D, point-of-care diagnostics, and global health.

Development of a low-cost copro-LAMP assay for simultaneous copro-detection of Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati

Parasitology ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Héctor Gabriel Avila ◽  
Marikena Guadalupe Risso ◽  
Paula Ruybal ◽  
Silvia Analía Repetto ◽  
Marcos Javier Butti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Lamp Assay ◽  
Toxocara Canis ◽  
Toxocara Cati

Abstract

scholarly journals Genotype-Dependent Tipburn Severity During Lettuce Hydroponic Culture Is Associated with Altered Nutrient Leaf Content

Agronomy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 616
Author(s):  
Virginia Birlanga ◽  
José Ramón Acosta-Motos ◽  
José Manuel Pérez-Pérez
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Nutrient Content ◽  
Leafy Vegetables ◽  
Production Methods ◽  
Growing Seasons ◽  
Lactuca Sativa L ◽  
Hydroponic Cultivation ◽  
Highly Correlated ◽  
Nutrient Solutions ◽  
Nutrient Traits

Cultivated lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is one of the most important leafy vegetables in the world, and most of the production is concentrated in the Mediterranean Basin. Hydroponics has been successfully utilized for lettuce cultivation, which could contribute to the diversification of production methods and the reduction of water consumption and excessive fertilization. We devised a low-cost procedure for closed hydroponic cultivation and easy phenotyping of root and shoot attributes of lettuce. We studied 12 lettuce genotypes of the crisphead and oak-leaf subtypes, which differed on their tipburn resistance, for three growing seasons (Fall, Winter, and Spring). We found interesting genotype × environment (G × E) interactions for some of the studied traits during early growth. By analyzing tipburn incidence and leaf nutrient content, we were able to identify a number of nutrient traits that were highly correlated with cultivar- and genotype-dependent tipburn. Our experimental setup will allow evaluating different lettuce genotypes in defined nutrient solutions to select for tipburn-tolerant and highly productive genotypes that are suitable for hydroponics.

scholarly journals Stories, journeys and smart maps: an approach to universal access

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xi Wang ◽  
Danny Crookes ◽  
Sue-Ann Harding ◽  
David Johnston
Keyword(s):  
Universal Access ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Emotional Engagement ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Reception Study ◽  
Audio Description ◽  
Museum Experience ◽  
Interactive Map ◽  
Partially Sighted

AbstractThis paper proposes a new approach to universal access based on the premise that humans have the universal capacity to engage emotionally with a story, whatever their ability. Our approach is to present the “story” of museum resources and knowledge as a journey, and then represent this journey physically as a smart map. The key research question is to assess the extent to which our “story” to journey to smart map’ (SJSM) approach provides emotional engagement as part of the museum experience. This approach is applied through the creation of a smart map for blind and partially sighted (BPS) visitors. Made in partnership with Titanic Belfast, a world-leading tourist attraction, the interactive map tells the story of Titanic’s maiden voyage. The smart map uses low-cost technologies such as laser-cut map features and software-controlled multi-function buttons for the audio description (AD). The AD is enhanced with background effects, dramatized personal stories and the ship’s last messages. The results of a reception study show that the approach enabled BPS participants to experience significant emotional engagement with museum resources. The smart model also gave BPS users a level of control over the AD which gave them a greater sense of empowerment and independence, which is particularly important for BPS visitors with varying sight conditions. We conclude that our SJSM approach has considerable potential as an approach to universal access, and to increase emotional engagement with museum collections. We also propose several developments which could further extend the approach and its implementation.

scholarly journals LAMP assay coupled with CRISPR/Cas12a system for portable detection of African swine fever virus

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bo YANG ◽  
zhengwang shi ◽  
Yuan Ma ◽  
Lijuan Wang ◽  
Liyan Cao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Detection System ◽  
African Swine Fever Virus ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
African Swine Fever ◽  
Lamp Assay ◽  
Cross Reactivity ◽  
Clinical Samples ◽  
Portable Detection ◽  
Real Time Qpcr

African swine fever (ASF) is one of the most severe infectious diseases of pigs. In this study, a LAMP assay coupled with the CRISPR Cas12a system was established in one tube for the detection of the ASFV p72 gene. The single-strand DNA-fluorophore-quencher (ssDNA-FQ) reporters and CRISPR-derived RNA (crRNAs) were screened and selected for the CRISPR detection system. In combination with LAMP amplification assay, the detection limit for the LAMP-CRISPR assay can reach 7 copies/μl of p72 gene per reaction. Furthermore, this method displays no cross-reactivity with other porcine DNA or RNA viruses. The performance of the LAMP-CRISPR assay was compared with real-time qPCR tests for clinical samples, a good consistency between the LAMP-CRISPR assay and real-time qPCR was observed. In the current study, a LAMP coupled with the CRISPR detection method was developed. The method shed a light on the convenient, portable, low cost, highly sensitive and specific detection of ASFV, demonstrating a great application potential for monitoring on-site ASFV in the field.

Point-of-Care Systems for Rapid DNA Quantification in Oncology

2008 ◽  
Vol 94 (2) ◽  
pp. 216-225 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Bianchessi ◽  
Sarah Burgarella ◽  
Marco Cereda
Keyword(s):  
Point Of Care ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Semiconductor Industry ◽  
Point Of Care Testing ◽  
Lab On Chip ◽  
Diagnostic Assays ◽  
Care Systems ◽  
Point Of Care Systems ◽  
The Common ◽  
On Chip

The development of new powerful applications and the improvement in fabrication techniques are promising an explosive growth in lab-on-chip use in the upcoming future. As the demand reaches significant levels, the semiconductor industry may enter in the field, bringing its capability to produce complex devices in large volumes, high quality and low cost. The lab-on-chip concept, when applied to medicine, leads to the point-of-care concept, where simple, compact and cheap instruments allow diagnostic assays to be performed quickly by untrained personnel directly at the patient's side. In this paper, some practical and economical considerations are made to support the advantages of point-of-care testing. A series of promising technologies developed by STMicroelectronics on lab-on-chips is also presented, mature enough to enter in the common medical practice. The possible use of these techniques for cancer research, diagnosis and treatment are illustrated together with the benefits offered by their implementation in point-of-care testing.

scholarly journals Real-Time Automatic Cloud Detection Using a Low-Cost Sky Camera

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 1382 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joaquín Alonso-Montesinos
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Energy Production ◽  
Production Management ◽  
Detection System ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Color Spaces ◽  
Cloud Detection ◽  
Precise Control ◽  
Short Period ◽  
Sky Conditions

Characterizing the atmosphere is one of the most complex studies one can undertake due to the non-linearity and phenomenological variability. Clouds are also among the most variable atmospheric constituents, changing their size and shape over a short period of time. There are several sectors in which the study of cloudiness is of vital importance. In the renewable field, the increasing development of solar technology and the emerging trend for constructing and operating solar plants across the earth’s surface requires very precise control systems that provide optimal energy production management. Similarly, airports are hubs where cloud coverage is required to provide high-precision periodic observations that inform airport operators about the state of the atmosphere. This work presents an autonomous cloud detection system, in real time, based on the digital image processing of a low-cost sky camera. An algorithm was developed to identify the clouds in the whole image using the relationships established between the channels of the RGB and Hue, Saturation, Value (HSV) color spaces. The system’s overall success rate is approximately 94% for all types of sky conditions; this is a novel development which makes it possible to identify clouds from a ground perspective without the use of radiometric parameters.

scholarly journals A Rapid, Simple, Inexpensive, and Mobile Colorimetric Assay COVID-19-LAMP for Mass On-Site Screening of COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (15) ◽  
pp. 5380 ◽  
Author(s):  
Franklin Wang-Ngai Chow ◽  
Tony Tat-Yin Chan ◽  
Anthony Raymond Tam ◽  
Suhui Zhao ◽  
Weiming Yao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mass Screening ◽  
Color Change ◽  
Colorimetric Assay ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Lamp Assay ◽  
Virus Infections ◽  
Economic Activities ◽  
Amplification Assay ◽  
Rapid Deployment

To control the COVID-19 pandemic and prevent its resurgence in areas preparing for a return of economic activities, a method for a rapid, simple, and inexpensive point-of-care diagnosis and mass screening is urgently needed. We developed and evaluated a one-step colorimetric reverse-transcriptional loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay (COVID-19-LAMP) for detection of SARS-CoV-2, using SARS-CoV-2 isolate and respiratory samples from patients with COVID-19 (n = 223) and other respiratory virus infections (n = 143). The assay involves simple equipment and techniques and low cost, without the need for expensive qPCR machines, and the result, indicated by color change, is easily interpreted by naked eyes. COVID-19-LAMP can detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA with detection limit of 42 copies/reaction. Of 223 respiratory samples positive for SARS-CoV-2 by qRT-PCR, 212 and 219 were positive by COVID-19-LAMP at 60 and 90 min (sensitivities of 95.07% and 98.21%) respectively, with the highest sensitivities among nasopharyngeal swabs (96.88% and 98.96%), compared to sputum/deep throat saliva samples (94.03% and 97.02%), and throat swab samples (93.33% and 98.33%). None of the 143 samples with other respiratory viruses were positive by COVID-19-LAMP, showing 100% specificity. Samples with higher viral load showed shorter detection time, some as early as 30 min. This inexpensive, highly sensitive and specific COVID-19-LAMP assay can be useful for rapid deployment as mobile diagnostic units to resource-limiting areas for point-of-care diagnosis, and for unlimited high-throughput mass screening at borders to reduce cross-regional transmission.

scholarly journals Influence of a Municipal Solid Waste Landfill on the Surrounding Environment: Landfill Vegetation as a Potential Risk of Allergenic Pollen

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (24) ◽  
pp. 5064 ◽  
Author(s):  
Magdalena Daria Vaverková ◽  
Dana Adamcová ◽  
Jan Winkler ◽  
Eugeniusz Koda ◽  
Jana Červenková ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Late Summer ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Early Spring ◽  
Early Summer ◽  
Allergenic Pollen ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
Vegetation Monitoring ◽  
Growing Seasons

When the landfill use comes to end, important subsequent steps include aftercare, safety assurance, and ecological regeneration. Landfill revegetation is cost-effective and eco-friendly approach in the management of landfill areas, which serves the purpose of stabilization and provides a pleasant landscape. There are various vegetation types that can be planted, yet grass species are often used for low-cost reasons. Plants can be important sources of air pollution, particularly by grass pollen. The main goal of our study was to identify plant species that produce allergenic pollen. Long-term vegetation monitoring took place on three sites in the growing seasons of years 2008–2018. Studied objects were landfills located in the Czech Republic. The vegetation was assessed using a floristic survey of identified plant species. Plant species that produced allergens were recorded. During the monitoring, 298 plant species were determined. Plant species with allergenic pollen have a considerable share in the landfill vegetation. Thus, landfills are potential sources of various kinds of allergenic pollen. Moreover, our results indicated that there are three periods of pollen production: early spring, late spring, and early summer; late summer; and autumn. The second period is typical for the production of highly allergenic pollen by grasses. Most detected plant species with allergenic pollen are common for all monitored sites, which demonstrates that the vegetation of landfills is a significant source of allergenic pollen.

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