This study aimed to synthesize a composite material composed of bio-based, porous carbon matrix and Cu nanoparticles through a simple, low-cost, and environmentally friendly method. Concentrated Kraft black liquor was used as a carbon precursor, and Cu nanoparticles were homogeneously deposited on the carbon matrix using electrochemical deposition. The textural properties determined using N2 isotherms indicated increased surface area of a carbon matrix with a micro-mesoporous structure. Voltammetric tests demonstrated that the composite exhibited catalytic properties for electrochemical CO2 reduction. Compared to the bio-based, porous carbon sample (C matrix), the bio-based carbon electrode electrochemically decorated with Cu nanoparticles (C–Cu composite) exhibited increased current values of approximately 2.4 times, a potential shift of approximately 90 mV, and an onset potential of −1.02 V, under CO2 saturation.

Abstract Background The SARS-COV2 pandemic has deeply affected the availability for training and competing for recreational and professional athletes. However, to date, the disease’s course among the athletic population has not been *studied . Objectives To compare the observed and expected rates of hospitalization for COVID-19 and to establish relationships between demographics and sportive characteristics of an athletic sample, and the COVID-19 infection rate. Material and Methods This study uses cross-sectional data sampling through an online questionnaire to collect data from recreational and professional athletes. Based on self-reports, athletes were grouped in COVID-19 and Non-COVID-19 cases. To decrease detection bias for each four patients who reported being hospitalized, one additional virtual patient was added to the sample. The observed rate of hospitalization (ORH) was compared with age expected rate of hospitalization (ERH) from the literature data. A multivariate model (MM) was developed to establish independent relationships between the prevalence of COVID-19 cases and the variables mentioned above. The statistical significance level was defined for a p-value<0.05. Results Answers from 1,701 individuals were analyzed. The COVID-19 group was comprised of 99 (5.8%) individuals, four of whom reported having been hospitalized. ORH and ERH were respectively of 5.0% and 18.1% (p=0.001). In the MM female gender (OR=2.02, 95% CI 1.28 to 3.19), cycling (OR=2.91, 95% CI 1.58 to 5.39), swimming (OR=2.97, 95% CI 1.14 to 7.74), and triathlon (OR=2.10, 95% CI 1.13 to 3.91) were independently associated with a COVID-19 prevalence. Conclusion Self-reported rates of hospitalization for COVID-19 among athletes were much lower than expected. The prevalence of positive cases of COVID-19 was independently higher for cyclists, triathletes, and swimmers than for runners.

RESUMO Objetivo Conhecer a produção científica sobre estratégias adotadas para a manutenção hemodinâmica de pacientes com morte encefálica. Métodos Revisão integrativa com artigos publicados entre 2007 e 2019, nas bases Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS), PubMed®e ScienceDirect . Utilizaram-se os termos “Hemodinâmica AND Morte Encefálica” e “Hemodynamics AND Brain Death .” Os critérios de exclusão foram pesquisas não realizadas com seres humanos e literatura cinzenta. Resultados Listaram-se 21 artigos. Como estratégias, destacaram-se uso de medicamentos – noradrenalina (n=8), vasopressina (n=7), dobutamina (n=6), hidrocortisona (n=4) e metilprednisolona (n=4); monitorização cardíaca invasiva (n=10) e não invasiva (n=13); controle dos parâmetros ventilatórios (n=12); e correção de distúrbios hidroeletrolíticos (n=17). Conclusão As principais estratégias encontradas nesta revisão integrativa foram regulação da pressão arterial e temperatura, uso de catecolaminas e corticosteroides, além da necessidade de um diagnóstico precoce de morte encefálica. Entretanto, é notória a escassez de protocolos mais esclarecidos sobre a temática, dificultando o manejo com o potencial doador.

ABSTRACT Objective To learn about the scientific production on strategies adopted for hemodynamic maintenance of brain-dead patients. Methods Integrative review with articles published between 2007 and 2019, in Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS), PubMed® and ScienceDirect. The descriptors “ Hemodinâmica AND Morte Encefálica ” and “Hemodynamics AND Brain Death” were used. Exclusion criteria were non-human research and gray literature. Results A total of 21 articles were listed. As strategies, the use of drugs – noradrenaline (n=8), vasopressin (n=7), dobutamine (n=6), hydrocortisone (n=4) and methylprednisolone (n=4); invasive (n=10) and noninvasive (n=13) cardiac monitoring; control of ventilatory parameters (n=12); and correction of fluid and electrolyte disturbances (n=17) were highlighted. Conclusion The main strategies found in this integrative review were regulation of blood pressure and temperature, use of catecholamines and corticosteroids, in addition to the need for an early diagnosis of brain death. However, the lack of clearer protocols on the subject is notorious, making management with the potential donor difficult.

RESUMO Objetivo: caracterizar e comparar o desempenho em fluência de leitura de escolares do 5º ano do ensino público e privado. Métodos: participaram deste estudo 44 escolares do 5° ano do ensino fundamental, de ambos os gêneros, com idade entre 10 e 11 anos, divididos em Grupo I (GI) 25 do ensino público e Grupo II (GII) 19 do ensino privado. Os escolares foram submetidos à Avaliação do Desempenho em Fluência de Leitura - ADFLU. A análise do desempenho foi realizada pelo número de palavras corretas por minuto, palavras incorretas por minuto, tempo total de leitura e velocidade de leitura. Para a análise dos dados foi utilizado testes estatísticos com valor de p ≤0,05, para a comparação inter e intragrupo. Resultados: na análise por grupo, houve diferença significativa para o tempo total de leitura entre os textos em GI e para a velocidade de leitura entre os textos no GII. Na comparação entre os grupos, todas as variáveis apresentaram diferença significativa, com melhor desempenho em GII. Conclusão: foi possível caracterizar o desempenho em fluência de leitura dos escolares do 5º ano do ensino público e privado, sendo o desempenho dos escolares da rede privada superior aos escolares da rede pública quando comparados.

ABSTRACT Purpose: to characterize and compare the reading fluency performance of public- and private-school fifth-grade students. Methods: a total of 44 elementary-school fifth-grade students of both sexes, aged 10 to 11 years, participated in the study and were divided into Group I (GI, with 25 public-school students) and Group II (GII, with 19 private school students). They were submitted to the Assessment of Reading Fluency Performance (ADFLU). The performance analysis was based on the number of correct words per minute, incorrect words per minute, total reading time, and reading speed. The data analysis was made with statistical tests, with significance set at p-value ≤0.05, for the inter- and intragroup comparisons. Results: in the analysis per group, there was a significant difference in the total reading time between the texts in GI, and in the reading speed between the texts, in GII. In the comparison between the groups, all variables had a significant difference, with a better performance in GII. Conclusion: the reading fluency performance of public- and private-school fifth-graders was characterized. The performance of the private-school students was superior to that of the public-school students.

ABSTRACT The electromagnetic properties of Carbon-Graphene Xerogel (CGX), Flaky graphite (GR) and Nickel-Zinc ferrite (FeNiZn) composites in polystyrene (PS) matrix were studied in the X-Band range (8.2 – 12.4 GHz). In this work the Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) waste material was processed into polystyrene through the recycling of EPS. The polystyrene obtained was utilized as dielectric matrix, mainly because PS is a well-known organic polymer that presents low dielectric loss and light weight, which contribute to applications in composites for the aerospace field. In order to produce the final composite specimens, the CGX additive was previously synthesized through a sustainable method that employed the use of waste from the paper and pulp industry (black liquor). Afterwards, the morphological and structural analysis were made through Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Raman Spectrometer, respectively. On the other hand, the magnetic ferrite material, FeNiZn, was obtained for the composite production through calcination, whereas the GR utilized was commercially obtained. It was observed that the increase of CGX and GR influenced on the increase of the Complex Permittivity, and that 10 wt% CGX + 50wt% FeNiZn composite sample demonstrated an absorption peak at 10.5 GHz. The results are relevant concerning the recycling of EPS waste through its use as dielectric matrix, thus developing greener and low-weight composite materials to be used in microwave applications.

RESUMO Compósitos poliméricos reforçados com fibras de carbono são materiais cada vez mais utilizados em diferentes segmentos industriais, em especial, os segmentos aeronáuticos e automobilísticos devido a sua elevada resistência mecânica e baixa massa específica. Desta forma, existe grande preocupação com o descarte e a reciclagem dos componentes que representam produtos de alto valor econômico agregado, principalmente fibras de carbono. O processo de pirólise tem sido um dos métodos de reciclagem de compósitos para recuperar as fibras de carbono a partir da degradação da matriz polimérica. No setor de energia, fibras de carbono são traduzidas como bons materiais de armazenamento de energia, por apresentar desejáveis características condutoras e capacitivas que potencializam sua aplicação como material de eletrodo em supercapacitores. Neste sentido, a proposta deste trabalho consiste em viabilizar o uso de fibras de carbono recicladas por pirólise de compósitos epóxi reforçado com fibras de carbono como material de eletrodo de supercapacitores e avaliar a influência dos tratamentos termoquímico e químico sobre suas propriedades capacitivas. Imagens FEG-MEV mostraram que as fibras de carbono foram praticamente limpas permanecendo um mínimo de carbono residual sobre a superfície. A área BET e as análises FTIR, Raman e de voltametria cíclica mostraram que os tratamentos termoquímico e químico realizados na FCP não contribuíram para melhorar a capacidade de armazenamento de cargas na interface eletrodo/eletrólito, pelo contrário, o tratamento químico levou a uma grande redução da capacidade da FCP no armazenamento de energia devido a incorporação de grupos OH e COOH. As curvas de carga/descarga evidenciam boa ciclabilidade e os valores de capacitância específica para a fibra de carbono reciclada de 34 Fg-1, densidade de potência de 37,6 Wkg-1 e densidade de energia de 4,7 Whkg-1encontram-se dentro da faixa para aplicações como eletrodos de supercapacitores.

ABSTRACT Carbon fiber reinforced polymeric composites are increasingly used materials in aeronautical and automotive industries, due to their excellent mechanical, chemical and electrical properties and low specific mass. In this way, there is a great concern regarding the components discard and recycling of the composites, which are considered as high economic value products to be wasted, mainly carbon fiber. The pyrolysis process has been one of the methods of recycling composites to recover carbon fibers from the degradation of the polymer matrix. In energy sector, carbon fibers are known as good energy storage materials due to adequate conducting and capacitive properties as supercapacitor electrodes. In this sense, the purpose of this work is to enable the use of recovered carbon fibers frompyrolysis of carbon fiber epoxy composites as electrode material for supercapacitors and to evaluate the influence of thermochemical and chemical treatments on their capacitive properties. FEG-MEV images showed that the carbon fibers were practically clean with a minimum of residual carbon remaining on the surface. The BET area and FTIR, Raman and cyclic voltammetry analyzes showed that thermochemical and chemical treatments carried out at the FCP did not contribute to improving the charge storage capacity at the electrode/ electrolyte interface. On the contrary, the chemical treatment led to a great reduction on energy storage capacity due to the incorporation of OH and COOH groups. The charge/discharge curves show good cycling and the specific capacitance values for the recycled carbon fiber of 34 Fg-1, power density of 37,6 Wkg-1 and energy density of 4,7 Whkg-1 are within range for applications such as supercapacitor electrodes.

RESUMO A anemia por deficiência de ferro permaneceu constante, apesar da suplementação profilática e dos cuidados prioritários que as mulheres grávidas recebem em nosso país. Este estudo foi realizado com o objetivo de implementar um programa educacional para gestantes anêmicas do consultório 12 do elenco Siboney do município de Bayamo, com base em um modelo preventivo integrativo. Um estudo de intervenção educacional foi realizado. A amostra foi constituída por 24 gestantes com anemia ferropriva. Uma pesquisa foi aplicada antes e depois do programa educacional. A análise percentual foi utilizada como método estatístico e o método Delphi foi utilizado para validar a proposta do programa educacional. Predominaram gestantes com idade entre 20 e 35 anos e um diploma de bacharelato concluído; Mulheres multíparas que não tinham histórico de gestações anteriores com anemia, prevaleceram o uso de comprimidos pré-natais no início do estudo e foi alcançado no final do estudo, que a maioria das gestantes chegou ao final da gravidez com uma hemoglobina acima de 11g / l , os recém-nascidos com peso normal predominaram e todos usaram suplementos alimentares. O fluxo de conhecimento sobre o assunto foi aumentado, demonstrando a efetividade do programa educacional. O nível de conhecimento deles foi modificado positivamente.

ABSTRACT Iron deficiency anemia has remained constant, despite the prophylactic supplementation and the priority care that pregnant women receive in our country. This study was carried out with the objective of implementing an educational program for pregnant women anemic of the 12th office of the Siboney cast of the municipality of Bayamo, based on an integrative preventive model. An educational intervention study was conducted. The sample consisted of 24 pregnant women with iron deficiency anemia. A survey was applied before and after the educational program. The percentage analysis was used as a statistical method, and the Delphi method was used to validate the proposal of the educational program. Pregnant women who are in the range between 20 and 35 years of age and a finished bachelor's degree predominated; Multiparous women who had no history of previous pregnancies with anemia, the use of prenatal tablets prevailed at the beginning of the study and it was achieved at the end of the study, that most pregnant women arrived at the end of their pregnancy with a hemoglobin above 11g/l, the normal weight newborns predominated and they all used dietary supplements. The flow of knowledge on the subject was increased, demonstrating the effectiveness of the educational program. The level of knowledge of them was positively modified.

RESUMEN La anemia ferropénica se ha mantenido constante, a pesar de la suplementación profiláctica y la atención priorizada que reciben las gestantes en nuestro país. Se realizó este estudio con el objetivo de implementar un programa educativo a gestantes anémicas del consultorio 12 del reparto Siboney del municipio de Bayamo, basada en un modelo preventivo integrador. Se realizó un estudio de intervención educativa. La muestra estuvo constituida por 24 gestantes con anemia ferropénica. Se aplicó una encuesta antes y después del programa educativo. Se utilizó como método estadístico el análisis porcentual, y método Delphi para validar la propuesta del programa educativo. Predominaron las gestantes que se encuentran en el rango entre 20 y 35 años de edad y un bachiller terminado; multíparas que no tenían antecedentes de embarazos anteriores con anemia, prevaleció el uso de tabletas prenatales al inicio del estudio y se logró al final del mismo, que la mayoría de las embarazadas llegaron al final de su embarazo con una hemoglobina por encima de 11g/l, predominaron los recién nacidos normo peso y que todas usaran suplementos dietéticos. Se logró aumentar el caudal de conocimiento sobre el tema, demostrándose así la efectividad del programa educativo. Se modificó positivamente el nivel de conocimientos de ellas.

RESUMO O risco reprodutivo é condicionado por uma série de fatores, doenças ou circunstâncias únicas ou associadas que podem ter um impacto desfavorável no binômio, durante a gravidez, o parto ou o puerpério. Foi realizado um estudo observacional, longitudinal e retrospectivo; com o objetivo de identificar os fatores de risco de preconceito em mulheres do Serviço Médico da Família 24, pertencentes à Policlínica René Vallejo Ortiz, de Bayamo, entre janeiro e dezembro de 2017. Foi realizado um estudo de casos e controles incomparáveis com relação não-doente. - doente (4: 1), a amostra foi composta por 128 mulheres saudáveis e 32 doentes; os dados foram obtidos de um formulário de coleta de dados aplicado e seu histórico médico. Foi aplicado como instrumento epidemiológico a medida que quantifica as forças de associação, a proporção de produtos cruzados e o quadrado do Chi. Idade abaixo de 18 anos, acima de 35 anos e tamanho abaixo de 150 cm foram os antecedentes biológicos associados ao risco de preconceito. O aborto repetido foi a história obstétrica associada a esse risco. As condições associadas a ela foram pressão alta, doenças cardíacas e asma brônquica. O baixo nível de escolaridade foi o background socioambiental associado.

ABSTRACT Reproductive risk is conditioned by a series of unique or associated factors, diseases or circumstances that may have an unfavorable impact on the binomial, during pregnancy, childbirth or the puerperium. An observational, longitudinal and retrospective study was carried out; with the objective of identifying the preconceptional risk factors in women of the Family Medical Office 24, belonging to the René Vallejo Ortiz Polyclinic, from Bayamo, between January and December 2017. A study of unmatched cases and controls with a non-ill relationship was designed. - ill (4: 1), the sample consisted of 128 healthy and 32 sick women; the data were obtained from an applied data collection form and its medical history. It was applied as an epidemiological instrument to have a measure that quantifies the forces of association, the ratio of cross products and Chi square. The age under 18, over 35 years and the size below 150 cm were the biological background associated with the preconception risk. Repeated abortion was the obstetric history associated with this risk. The conditions associated with it were high blood pressure, heart disease and bronchial asthma. The low level of schooling was the associated socio-environmental background.

RESUMEN El riesgo reproductivo está condicionado por una serie de factores, enfermedades o circunstancias únicas o asociadas que pueden repercutir desfavorablemente en el binomio, durante el embarazo, parto o puerperio. Se realizó un estudio observacional, longitudinal y retrospectivo; con el objetivo de identificar los factores de riesgo preconcepcional en mujeres del Consultorio Médico de Familia 24, perteneciente al Policlínico René Vallejo Ortiz,de Bayamo, entre enero y diciembre del 2017. Se diseñó un estudio de casos y controles no pareados con relación no enfermo-enfermo (4:1), la muestra estuvo conformada por 128 mujeres sanas y 32 enfermas; los datos se obtuvieron a partir de una planilla de recolección de datos aplicada y su historia clínica. Se aplicó como instrumento epidemiológico para tener una medida que cuantifique las fuerzas de asociación, la razón de productos cruzados y el Chi cuadrado. La edad menor de 18 años, mayor de 35 años y la talla inferior a 150 cm se constituyeron en los antecedentes biológicos asociados con el riesgo preconcepcional. El aborto a repetición fue el antecedente obstétrico asociados con este riesgo. Las afecciones asociadas con el mismo fueron la hipertensión arterial, las cardiopatías y el asma bronquial. El bajo nivel de escolaridad fue el antecedente socio ambiental asociado.

Abstract Several anti-proteolytic dentin therapies are being exhaustively studied in an attempt to reduce dentin bond degradation and improve clinical performance and longevity of adhesive restorations. Objectives This study assessed the effect of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) on long-term bond strength when incorporated into adhesives. Material and Methods Adhesive systems were formulated with EGCG concentrations of 0 wt%: (no EGCG; control); 0.5 wt% EGCG; 1.0 wt% EGCG, and 1.5 wt% EGCG. Flexural strength (FS), modulus of elasticity (ME), modulus of resilience (MR), compressive strength (CS), degree of conversion (DC), polymerization shrinkage (PS), percentage of water sorption (%WS), percentage of water solubility (%WL) and cytotoxicity properties were tested. Dentin microtensile bond strength (µTBS) was evaluated after 24 h and again after 6 months of water storage. The adhesive interface was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results No significant differences were found among the groups in terms of FS, ME, MR, CS and PS. EGCG-doped adhesives increased the DC relative to the control group. EGCG concentrations of 1.0 wt% and 0.5 wt% decreased the WS of adhesives. WL decreased in all cases in which EGCG was added to adhesives, regardless of the concentration. EGCG concentrations of 1.0 wt% and 0.5 wt% reduced cytotoxicity. EGCG concentrations of 1.0 wt% and 0.5 wt% preserved µTBS after 6 months of storage, while 1.5 wt% EGCG significantly decreased µTBS. SEM: the integrity of the hybrid layer was maintained in the 0.5 wt% and 1.0 wt% EGCG groups. Conclusion EGCG concentrations of 1.0 wt% and 0.5 wt% showed better biological and mechanical performance, preserved bond strength and adhesive interface, and reduced cytotoxicity.

BACKGROUND Scedosporium apiospermum is a ubiquitous, emerging and multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen with still rather unknown virulence mechanisms. OBJECTIVES/METHODS The cellular basis of the in vitro interaction between fungi and host cells/tissues is the determinant factor for the development of a successful in vivo infection. Herein, we evaluated the interaction of S. apiospermum conidia with lung epithelial (A549), lung fibroblast (MRC-5) and RAW 264.7 macrophages by light and scanning/transmission electron microscopy. FINDINGS After 4 h of fungi-host cell contact, the percentage of infected mammalian cells and the number of fungi per infected cell was measured by light microscopy, and the following association indexes were calculated for A549, MRC-5 and macrophage cells: 73.2 ± 25.9, 69.7 ± 22.5 and 59.7 ± 11.1, respectively. Both conidia and germinated conidia were regularly observed interacting with the evaluated cells, with a higher prevalence of non-germinated conidia. Interestingly, nests of germinated conidia were evidenced at the surface of lung cells by scanning electron microscopy. Some germination projections and hyphae were seen penetrating/evading the mammalian cells. Furthermore, internalised conidia were seen within vacuoles as visualised by transmission electron microscopy. MAIN CONCLUSIONS The present study contributes to a better understanding of S. apiospermum pathogenesis by demonstrating the first steps of the infection process of this opportunistic fungus.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito da escovação simulada usando creme dental com flúor e Aloe vera em lesão de mancha branca artificial in vitro, através da análise da microdureza Knoop (KHN). Métodos: Amostras de esmalte bovino (2 mm/diâmetro e 2 mm/altura) foram preparados e imersos em solução artificial de cárie por 24 h. O preparo para indução de lesão de mancha branca foi realizado por processo de ciclagem de pH. As amostras foram aleatoriamente divididas em dois grupos (n=20), de acordo com o dentifrício utilizado: creme dental contendo flúor (Colgate Total 12) ou creme dental à base de Aloe vera (Forever Bright Aloe Vera Toothgel). A superfície das amostras foi submetida à 10.000, 25.000, 50.000 e 100.000 ciclos de escovação simulada (200 g/peso) em uma máquina de escovação. A análise de microdureza (KHN) foi realizada inicialmente, após o período de imersão em solução artificial de mancha branca e após 10.000, 25.000, 50.000 e 100.000 ciclos de escovação. Os dados foram submetidos aos testes RM-ANOVA dois fatores e Tukey (p=0.05). Resultados: Os valores de KHN aumentaram significantemente após os ciclos de escovação, quando comparado aos valores após a imersão em solução desmineralizante. Não houve diferenças estatisticamente significantes entre os cremes dentais (p=0.263). Entretanto, em relação aos ciclos de escovação, houve diferenças significantes (p=0001). Conclusão: Os cremes dentais (contendo flúor ou Aloe vera) foram efetivos no aumento da microdureza superficial em lesão artificial de mancha branca.

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of toothbrushing using a fluoride toothpaste and Aloe vera tooth gel on artificial white spot lesions through the Knoop microhardness (KHN) analysis. Methods: Sound bovine enamel samples (2 mm/diameter and 2 mm/depth) were prepared and immersed in artificial white spot lesion for 24 h. The preparation of artificial white spot lesions was performed by pH-cycling process. The samples were randomly divided into two groups (n=20), according the dentifrice used: containing fluoride (Colgate Total 12) or Aloe vera (Forever Bright Aloe Vera Toothgel). The top surface of samples was submitted to 10,000, 25,000, 50,000 and 100,000 brushing cycles (200 g load) in an automatic brushing machine with abrasive slurry. The KHN analysis were evaluated at baseline, after immersion in artificial white spot lesion and after 10,000, 25,000, 50,000 and 100,000 cycles of brushing. Data were analyzed by two-way repeated measures ANOVA and Tukey tests (p=0.05). Results: The KHN values significantly increased after brushing cycles compared to demineralized means. No significant differences showed for dentifrice factor (p=0.263). However, there were statistically significant differences between groups in cycles of brushing times (p=0.0001). Conclusion: The toothpastes (containing fluoride or Aloe vera) were effective in increasing the superficial microhardness of artificial white spot lesions.

Prunus persica has been proposed as a genomic model for deciduous trees and the Rosaceae family. Optimized protocols for RNA isolation are necessary to further advance studies in this model species such that functional genomics analyses may be performed. Here we present an optimized protocol to rapidly and efficiently purify high quality total RNA from peach fruits (Prunus persica). Isolating high-quality RNA from fruit tissue is often difficult due to large quantities of polysaccharides and polyphenolic compounds that accumulate in this tissue and co-purify with the RNA. Here we demonstrate that a modified version of the method used to isolate RNA from pine trees and the woody plant Cinnamomun tenuipilum is ideal for isolating high quality RNA from the fruits of Prunus persica. This RNA may be used for many functional genomic based experiments such as RT-PCR and the construction of large-insert cDNA libraries.