Validation of a Lysis Buffer Containing 4 M Guanidinium Thiocyanate (GITC)/ Triton X-100 for Extraction of SARS-CoV-2 RNA for COVID-19 Testing: Comparison of Formulated Lysis Buffers Containing 4 to 6 M GITC, Roche External Lysis Buffer and Qiagen RTL Lysis Buffer

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in increased need for diagnostic testing using reverse transcriptase real-time PCR (RT-PCR). An exponential increase in demand has resulted in a shortage of numerous reagents in particular those associated with the lysis buffer required to extract the viral RNA. Herein, we describe a rapid collective effort by hospital laboratory scientists, academic researchers and the biopharma industry to generate a validated lysis buffer. We have formulated a 4M Guanidinium thiocyanate (GITC)/ Triton X-100 Lysis buffer which provides comparable results with the recommended reagents. This buffer will ease the burden on hospital labs in their heroic efforts diagnose a large population of patients

Conformational stability of heme proteins in vacuo

NRC publication: Ye

The dihydro-beta-agarofuran sesquiterpenoids

Dihydro-Beta-agarofuran sesquiterpenoids are a structurally diverse class of natural products based on tricyclic 5,11-epoxy-5Beta,10alpha-eudesman-4-(14)-ene skeleton. Between January 1990 and June 2006, 462 new dihydro-Beta-agarofuran sesquiterpenoids of 74 structural types have been isolated from about 64 species of Celastraceae, 3 species of Hippocrateaceae and one species of Lamiaceae. The present review covers the chemical and biological activity research of dihydro-Beta-agarofuran sesquiterpenoids in the past 16 years. The chemical research includes structural classification into sesquiterpene polyesters and macrolide sesquiterpene pyridine alkaloids, synthesis of dihydro-Beta-agarofuran as well as extraction, isolation and purification methods. The biological activity research includes activities such as multidrug resistance (MDR) reversal activity, HIV inhibition, cytotoxicity, antitumor activity, antifeedant activity and insecticidal activity with some insights to their modes of actionsNRC publication: Ye

Improving data driven decision making through integration of environmental sensing technologies

Coastal and estuarine zones contain vital and increasingly exploited resources. Traditional uses in these areas (transport, fishing, tourism) now sit alongside more recent activities (mineral extraction, wind farms). However, protecting the resource base upon which these marine-related economic and social activities depend requires access to reliable and timely data. This requires both acquisition of background (baseline) data and monitoring impacts of resource exploitation on aquatic processes and the environment. Management decisions must be based on analysis of collected data to reduce negative impacts while supporting resource-efficient, environmentally sustainable uses. Multi-modal sensing and data fusion offer attractive possibilities for providing such data in a resource efficient and robust manner. In this paper, we report the results of integrating multiple sensing technologies, including autonomous multi-parameter aquatic sensors with visual sensing systems. By focussing on salinity measurements, water level and freshwater influx into an estuarine system; we demonstrate the potential of modelling and data mining techniques in allowing deployment of fewer sensors, with greater network robustness. Using the estuary of the River Liffey in Dublin, Ireland, as an example, we present the outputs and benefits resulting from fusion of multi-modal sensing technologies to predict and understand freshwater input into estuarine systems and discuss the potential of multi-modal datasets for informed management decisions

Weaning Onto Solid foods: Some of the Challenges

Weaning - the transition from milk to solid food - influences life-long health. Dietary challenges during weaning include providing sufficient critical nutrients such as iron with minimal added sugar and fat and no added salt. This study assessed the inclusion of iron-containing red meat in infant diets before age one year, and the Irish commercial baby food environment. Of mothers with an infant under 30 months of age who were surveyed in shopping centres in Ireland (n195), 82% (n159) reported wanting more weaning information. A quarter (n24) of infants over age 12 months (n97) received no iron-containing red meat before age one year. A scan of commercial baby foods in Ireland identified 448 products. While all complied with baby food legislation, 15% (n69) were intrinsically high in sugar and fat, or contained added salt. This study indicates the need for specific guidance on best infant feeding practice in Ireland