A New Non-invasive Method for Collecting DNA From Small Mammals in the Field, and Its Application in Simultaneous Vector and Disease Monitoring in Brushtail Possums

Large-scale monitoring of wild populations in remote areas using traditional live-capturing methods is logistically and financially challenging. Devices that can be used to obtain biological material remotely and store it for an extended period have considerable potential to monitor population densities and health status, but their applicability remains largely unexplored. The present study describes a device that collects trace amounts of DNA from the saliva of small mammals that is deposited on the surface of a collection medium (WaxTags®). The device’s performance was evaluated on Australian brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula), an invasive pest species and the most significant vector of bovine tuberculosis infective agent (Mycobacterium bovis), under field conditions in Canterbury, New Zealand. The retrieved DNA was used to amplify eight possum-specific microsatellite markers and bacterial 16S rRNA. The design is mechanically robust, and the quality of the recovered DNA was adequate for microsatellite-based identification of individual possums, estimation of population density, and partial reconstruction of their oral microbiomes as a potential indicator of health. Several medically important bacteria, including strains of environmental Mycobacterium sp., were detected. The design can be refined to monitor other animals’ populations proactively and provide different levels of information necessary to manage wild populations.

Low cost, injection molded, nasopharyngeal swabs for addressing global diagnostic supply shortages

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic revealed the fragility of global supply chains, resulting in shortages of essential clinical supplies for the detection and treatment of COVID-19, including nasopharyngeal swabs (NP) commonly used to collect clinical samples for respiratory disease diagnostics. Groups around the world led a response to find alternatives to these shortages. Here, we describe the development of a single-component nasopharyngeal swab (GrooveSwab) composed of medical grade polypropylene that can be mass manufactured using conventional injection molding. The design inspired by cat tongue papillae consists of a non-absorbent stacked ring structure that allows for efficient and comfortable collection of viscous mucus samples and faster release into collection medium compared to traditional absorbent swabs. GroveSwabs were evaluated in 2 clinical studies in the US and Peru and demonstrated 90% or better concordance with commercial swabs. The simplified NP swab offers a reliable, lower cost, and more manufacturable alternative to absorbent swabs to avoid future shortages.

PEMANFAATAN SISTEM OPEN DATA KIT SEBAGAI MEDIA PENGUMPULAN DATA

Perkembangan teknologi komunikasi dan informasi yang masif memberi tuntutan pelaksanaan penelitian yang lebih cepat, namun tetap efektif dan efisien. Pengumpulan hingga analisis data merupakan rangkaian proses penelitian dengan alokasi waktu dan dana yang terbesar. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk memberikan alternatif pemanfaatan produk teknologi agar proses pengumpulan hingga analisis data dapat berlangsung efektif dan efisien. Pada penelitian ini, sistem Open Data Kit (ODK) dikembangkan sebagai media pengumpulan data. Penggunaan sistem ini dapat memberikan efisiensi pembiayaan pengadaan instrumen penelitian/ kuesioner kertas, dapat meniadakan proses penginputan, kompilasi dan pre-prosesing data sehingga proses analisis dapat berlangsung lebih cepat. Pemanfaatan sistem ODK akan sangat membantu pelaksanaan penelitian agar efektif dan efisien karena penggunaan yang sederhana, dapat dikembangkan sesuai dengan kebutuhan penelitian dan tidak membutuhkan keterampilan khusus untuk dapat mengoperasikannya The massive development of communication and information technology demands a faster, yet effective and efficient research implementation. Data collection to analysis is a series of research processes with the largest allocation of time and funds. This study aims to provide an alternative use of technology products so that the process of collecting and analyzing data can be effective and efficient. In this study, the Open Data Kit (ODK) system was developed as a data collection medium. The use of this system can provide cost efficiency in the procurement of research instruments / paper questionnaires, can eliminate the process of inputting, compiling and pre-processing data so that the analysis process can take place more quickly. The use of the ODK system will greatly assist the implementation of research to be effective and efficient because of its simple use, it can be developed according to research needs and does not require special skills to be able to operate it.

The extended stability of cervical swabs in careHPV™ Collection Medium

Background: The careHPV™ Test is a US FDA approved, CE mark, and WHO prequalified in vitro diagnostic test that is designed to screen for 14 HRHPV genotypes. The careHPV™ Test is the only commercial HPV tests validated to be used in the low resource settings, boasting the economy of processing a maximum of 90 samples per batch and a near point-of-care turnaround time of 3 hours. Cervical swabs stored in the careHPV™ Collection Medium are stable for 30 days when stored between 2–8 °C according to the manufacturer. However, we often had difficulty to consolidate enough samples for a full batch-test within 30 days, especially when screening women living in the low-density villages in the rural Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo. Objectives: The aim of this study is to determine the stability and repeatability of cervical swabs preserved in careHPV™ Collection Medium stored at 4 °C over the recommended 30 days using the careHPV™ Test. Methods: Two groups of confirmed HRHPV positive and HRHPV negative cervical swab samples in careHPV™ Collection Medium consisting of 4 samples each were maintained at 4 °C and tested using careHPV™ Test at day-38, -123, -131, -223 and − 395. Results: All cervical swabs in careHPV™ Collection Medium stored at 4 °C remained stable for testing and demonstrated 100% repeatability for at least 395 days from the day of collection. Conclusion: The careHPV™ Test can be successfully performed on cervical swabs preserved in the careHPV Collection Medium, which are stored at 4 °C for at least 395 days.

The Extended Stability of Cervical Swabs in careHPV™ Collection Medium

Background: The careHPV™ Test is a US FDA approved, CE mark, and WHO prequalified in vitro diagnostic test that is designed to screen for 14 HRHPV genotypes. The careHPV™ Test is the only commercial HPV tests validated to be used in the low resource settings, boasting the economy of processing a maximum of 90 samples per batch and a near point-of-care turnaround time of 3 hours. Cervical swabs stored in the careHPV™ Collection Medium are stable for 30 days when stored between 2–8 °C according to the manufacturer. However, we often had difficulty to consolidate enough samples for a full batch-test within 30 days, especially when screening women living in the low-density villages in the rural Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo. Objectives: The aim of this study is to determine the stability and repeatability of cervical swabs preserved in careHPV™ Collection Medium stored at 4 °C over the recommended 30 days using the careHPV™ Test. Methods: Two groups of confirmed HRHPV positive and HRHPV negative cervical swab samples in careHPV™ Collection Medium consisting of 4 samples each were maintained at 4 °C and tested using careHPV™ Test at day-38, -123, -131, -223 and − 395. Results: All cervical swabs in careHPV™ Collection Medium stored at 4 °C remained stable for testing and demonstrated 100% repeatability for at least 395 days from the day of collection. Conclusion: The careHPV™ Test can be successfully performed on cervical swabs preserved in the careHPV Collection Medium, which are stored at 4 °C for at least 395 days.

Perancangan Videografi Sebagai Media Promosi Batik Khas Subang Yang Diproduksi Oleh Batik Ganasan

Since batik was established by UNESCOas a Masterpece of the Oral and Intangible Haritage of Humanity Culture since October 2009, the development of batik in Indonesia developed rapidly, many regions in Indonesia possessed and developed batik in accordance with regional identity, including in Subang Regency which has developed and has emerged a variety of typical Batik Subang industry. One of the famous batik industries in Subang is Batik Ganasan. In Ganasan Batik, batik cloth is made with diverse motifs and is full of natural wealth and traditions in Subang Regency, such as pineapple motifs, sisingaan and ancient vessels. This Final Project Design Report on Subang Batik has the formulation of the problem regarding effective and efficient promotional media for the work on typical Batik Subang that produces Batik Ganasan. The purpose of the design of this Final Project is to promote the unique batik of Subang through videography media and the target of designing this promotional media is the early adultage is actively using social media.This study uses qualitative methods, with primary data collection techniques in the form of interviews, observation and literature study, and secondary data using a questionnaire as a data collection medium. Based on the data analysis, it was concluded that the Batik Ganasan industry had made an effort to promote the typical batik of Subang by direct selling, namely direct promotion via online media in the form of whatsapp. However, these efforts have not been effective to promote batik typical of Subang, especially in terms of coverage of promotional targets.

Development of a Portable Detection Method for Enteric Viruses from Ambient Air and Its Application to a Wastewater Treatment Plant

The ambient air from wastewater treatment plants has been considered as a potential source of pathogenic microorganisms to cause an occupational risk for the workers of the plants. Existing detection methods for enteric viruses from the air using a liquid as the collection medium therefore require special care to handle on-site. Knowledge accumulation on airborne virus risks from wastewater has been hindered by a lack of portable and handy collection methods. Enteric viruses are prevalent at high concentrations in wastewater; thus, the surrounding air may also be a potential source of viral transmission. We developed a portable collection and detection method for enteric viruses from ambient air and applied it to an actual wastewater treatment plant in Japan. Materials of the collection medium and eluting methods were optimized for real-time polymerase chain reaction-based virus quantification. The method uses a 4 L/min active air sampler, which is capable of testing 0.7–1.6 m3 air after 3–7 h sampling with a detection limit of 102 copies/m3 air in the field. Among 16 samples collected at five to seven locations in three sampling trials (November 2007–January 2008), 56% (9/16) samples were positive for norovirus (NV) GII, with the highest concentration of 3.2 × 103 copies/m3 air observed at the sampling point near a grit chamber. Adenoviruses (4/16), NV GI (6/16), FRNA bacteriophages GIII (3/16), and enteroviruses (3/16) were also detected but at lower concentrations. The virus concentration in the air was associated with that of the wastewater at each process. The results imply that the air from the sewer pipes or treatment process is contaminated by enteric viruses and thus special attention is needed to avoid accidental ingestion of viruses via air.