Efficient Isolation of Bacterial RNAs Using Silica-Based Materials Modified with Ionic Liquids.

High quality nucleic acids (with high integrity, purity, and biological activity) have become indispensable products of modern society, both in molecular diagnosis and to be used as biopharmaceuticals. As the current methods available for the extraction and purification of nucleic acids are laborious, time-consuming, and usually rely on the use of hazardous chemicals, there is an unmet need towards the development of more sustainable and cost-effective technologies for nucleic acids purification. Accordingly, this study addresses the preparation and evaluation of silica-based materials chemically modified with chloride-based ionic liquids (supported ionic liquids, SILs) as potential materials to effectively isolate RNAs.

Match between classroom dimensions and students' anthropometry: re-equipment according to European educational furniture standard.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate mismatch between students and classroom furniture dimensions and evaluate the improvement in implementing the European furniture standard.

Background: In Portugal, school furniture does not meet any national ergonomic criteria, so it cannot fit students' anthropometric measures.

Method: A total of 893 students belonging to third (7th through 9th grades) and secondary (10th through 12th grades) cycles participated in the study.