Novel Mobile Phase to Control Charge States and Metal Adducts in the LC/MS for mRNA Characterization Assays.

Mass spectrometry is a widely used tool in the characterization of oligonucleotides. This analysis can be challenging due to the large number of possible charge states of oligonucleotides, which can limit the sensitivity of the assay, along with the propensity of oligonucleotides to readily form adducts with free alkali metals. To reduce the adduct formation, oligonucleotides are typically purified with desalting columns prior to analysis.

Radiofrequency Identification Track for Tray Optimization: An Instrument Utilization Pilot Study in Surgical Oncology.

Background: Surgical instrument tray reduction attempts to minimize intraoperative inefficiency and processing costs. Previous reduction methods relied on trained observers manually recording instrument use (i.e.

Loss of RNA Chaperone Hfq Unveils a Toxic Pathway in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Hfq is an RNA chaperone that serves as a master regulator of bacterial physiology. Here we show that in the opportunistic pathogen , the loss of Hfq can result in a dramatic reduction in growth in a manner that is dependent upon MexT, a transcription regulator that governs antibiotic resistance in this organism. Using a combination of chromatin immunoprecipitation with high-throughput sequencing and transposon insertion sequencing, we identify the MexT-activated genes responsible for mediating the growth defect of mutant cells.

Nuclear Noncoding RNAs and Genome Stability.

In modern molecular biology, RNA has emerged as a versatile macromolecule capable of mediating an astonishing number of biological functions beyond its role as a transient messenger of genetic information. The recent discovery and functional analyses of new classes of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) have revealed their widespread use in many pathways, including several in the nucleus. This Review focuses on the mechanisms by which nuclear ncRNAs directly contribute to the maintenance of genome stability.

Electrostatic Localization of RNA to Protocell Membranes by Cationic Hydrophobic Peptides.

Cooperative interactions between RNA and vesicle membranes on the prebiotic earth may have led to the emergence of primitive cells. The membrane surface offers a potential platform for the catalysis of reactions involving RNA, but this scenario relies upon the existence of a simple mechanism by which RNA could become associated with protocell membranes. Here, we show that electrostatic interactions provided by short, basic, amphipathic peptides can be harnessed to drive RNA binding to both zwitterionic phospholipid and anionic fatty acid membranes.

Regulation of histone methylation by noncoding RNAs.

Cells can adapt to their environment and develop distinct identities by rewiring their transcriptional networks to regulate the output of key biological pathways without concomitant mutations to the underlying genes. These alterations, called epigenetic changes, persist stably through mitotic or, in some instances, meiotic cell divisions. In eukaryotes, heritable changes to chromatin structure are a prominent, but not exclusive, mechanism by which epigenetic changes are mediated.

Brain-penetrant LSD1 inhibitors can block memory consolidation.

Modulation of histone modifications in the brain may represent a new mechanism for brain disorder therapy. Post-translational modifications of histones regulate gene expression, affecting major cellular processes such as proliferation, differentiation, and function. An important enzyme involved in one of these histone modifications is lysine specific demethylase 1 (LSD1).

Enrolling eligible children and keeping them enrolled.

Coverage under Medicaid and the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) provides low-income children with a vital link to needed health care, yet a significant proportion of children eligible for these programs remain uninsured. States have found that expanding eligibility and marketing new programs are not enough to increase enrollment of eligible uninsured children in public health programs. States also need to simplify enrollment and renewal procedures to make them more family-friendly.