Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Applications of microfluidics in microalgae biotechnology: A review

Microalgae have been one of the important sources for biofuel production owing to their competitive advantages such as no need to tap into the global food supply chain, higher energy density, and absorbing carbon dioxide to mitigate global warming. One of the key factors to ensure successful biofuel production is that it requires not only bioprospecting of the microalgae with high lipid content, high growth rate and tolerance to environmental parameters but also on‐site monitoring of the cultivation process and optimization of the culturing conditions. However, as the conventional techniques usually involve in complicated procedures, or are time‐consuming or labor intensive, microfluidics technology offers an attractive alternative to resolve these issues. In this review, applications of microfluidics to bioprospecting in microalgae biotechnology were discussed such as cell identification, cell sorting/screening, cell culturing and cell disruption. In addition, utilization of microalgae in micro‐sized fuel cells and microfluidic platforms for biosensing was addressed. This review reports the recent studies and offers a look into how microfluidics is exploited to tackle the issues encountered in the microalgae biotechnology.
Influence of Preoperative 7.5% Hypertonic Saline on Neutrophil Activation After Reamed Intramedullary Nailing of Femur Shaft Fractures: A Prospective Randomized Pilot Study

Objectives: Femoral reaming and intramedullary nailing (IMN) primes polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) and thereby increases the posttraumatic systemic inflammatory response. Resuscitation with hypertonic saline (HTS) attenuates PMNL activation after trauma–hemorrhage. We hypothesized that preoperative administration of 7.5% HTS attenuates PMNL priming after IMN of unilateral femur shaft fractures compared with 0.9% normal saline. Design: Prospective, randomized, double-blind study. Setting: Level I trauma center. Patients: Twenty patients between 18 and 80 years of age with an Injury Severity Score less than 25 and a unilateral femur shaft fracture amenable to IMN fixation within 24 hours after injury. Intervention: Patients were allocated to equally sized HTS or normal saline treatment groups (n = 10) before surgery. Solutions were administered in a blinded bag as a single bolus of 4 mL/kg body weight immediately before surgery. Whole blood samples were collected directly before saline application (t0) and at 6, 12, and 24 hours after surgery. Main Outcome Measurements: PMNL surface expression of CD11b and CD62L, as determined by flow cytometry analysis. Results: Demographic characteristics of both treatment groups were comparable. Baseline expression of CD11b and CD62L cell markers was in a similar range in the two cohorts. The expression levels of CD11b were comparable between the two groups throughout the observation time, whereas CD62L levels were significantly higher in the HTS group at 6 and 24 hours after surgery. Conclusion and Significance: Preoperative infusion of HTS appears to exert an anti-inflammatory effect by attenuating the extent of postoperative PMNL activation after reamed IMN for femoral shaft fractures.
Focus Group Study of Ethnically Diverse Low-Income Users of Paid Personal Assistance Services

This study examined the experiences of ethnically diverse, low-income consumers of paid personal assistance services (PAS) to understand the successes and problems they faced setting up and maintaining their assistance. A thematic analysis was conducted with transcripts from eight focus groups of ethnically homogeneous consumers (n = 67): African American, Latino, Chinese, Native American, and non-Hispanic white. These experienced consumers were generally satisfied with their current PAS but noted significant difficulties: Getting access to appropriate care, obtaining enough paid care to avoid unmet need, and dealing with confusing bureaucracies and cultural differences between them and agency staff/attendants. They desired more control over their care, including the use of paid family attendants when possible. Respondents recommended improved screening and training of attendants, more attendant time, higher wages for attendants, improved cultural sensitivity of attendants and agency staff, and greater consumer control over PAS. Although these low-income PAS consumers are ethnically and geographically diverse, the similarity of findings points to their ongoing struggle to access adequate high quality assistance. The burden they have in obtaining and maintaining services is substantial.
Removing Some of the Gray Concerning the Health of Frail Older Women

The purpose of this qualitative pilot study was to investigate whether frail older women with a positive perception of health would desire to take a more active role in their health care. A related goal was to provide a rich description of their attitudes and factors that might govern their health perceptions. The study design was conducted using a feminist perspective for inquiry. The participants represented a convenience sample (n = 4), and their information was recorded as part of taking each patient's history prior to a sonographic examination. In the process of identifying areas of consensus between the older women, additional variables were shared. Relying on Wilson and Cleary's work on identifying areas of influence on perceptions of health, the interviews were guided to collect the participant's unique conditions that corresponded to these areas. Responses during the interview were grouped under the headings of age, symptoms, social-psychological support, attitudes, independence, and social-economic support. Agreement was noted among the respondents on a need to be independent and on a sense of having good health. Consulting older women's medical charts and a researcher's personal journal allowed for triangulation of the data collected. A surprising result was that most of the data were new to the patient's record. It appeared that aspects of the social history for these patients had been neglected. Findings for this group indicated a desire to be more independent and more in control of their health care. Dialogue of the participants demonstrated a consistent wish to handle their affairs and also matched a positive health perception. The findings of the pilot study demonstrate a need for health care professionals and physicians to be more sensitive to the issues surrounding the health perceptions and social settings of frail older women. Further investigation and a larger cohort for a replication study are recommended.
Unmet Service Needs: A Comparison Between Dementia and Non-Dementia Caregivers

This study compared the unmet service needs between dementia and non-dementia caregivers using data extracted from the Caregiving in the U.S. survey. This study sample included 625 non-dementia caregivers and 208 dementia caregivers. Ordinary least squares (OLS) regression analysis was used in analysis. The study showed that a large percentage of dementia (78.8%) and non-dementia caregivers (69.9%) reported unmet needs in at least one service area. Dementia caregivers who reported higher levels of caregiving strain were likely to report greater unmet service needs (p = .05). To address caregivers' unmet service needs more effectively, a comprehensive assessment of caregivers and their care receivers and interventions addressing the needs of both caregivers and care receivers are needed.
Functional Outcomes After Operatively Treated Patella Fractures

Objectives: To evaluate the midterm functional outcomes of patients with isolated operatively treated patella fractures. Design: Prospective cohort and retrospective clinical and radiographic assessment. Setting: A Level I and Level II trauma center. Patients/Participants: Two hundred forty-one patients underwent operative intervention for a displaced patella fracture between 1991 and 2007. After appropriate exclusions, 110 patients met criteria. A total of 40 (36%) patients with isolated, unilateral, operatively treated patella fractures with minimum 1-year follow-up agreed to participate in this study and return for functional testing. Mean follow-up was 6.5 years (range, 1.25–17 years). Intervention: Enrolled patients were treated with one of the following methods: standard tension band with Kirschner wires, tension band through 2 cannulated screws, longitudinal anterior banding with cerclage, or partial patellectomy. Main Outcome Measurements: All enrolled patients were evaluated with the SF-36 and an injury-specific questionnaire (Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores) and asked to self-report symptomatic hardware. Patients were also evaluated by physical examination assessing range of motion and Biodex bilateral quadriceps isometric and isokinetic comparisons. Results: The mean normalized SF-36 physical composite score and the mean normalized Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores subscale scores (pain, 71.7; symptoms, 66.3; activities of daily living, 75.1; sport/recreation, 45.2; quality of life, 49.6) were statistically different (P < 0.05) from reference population norms. Removal of symptomatic fixation was required in 52% of the patients treated with osteosynthesis, whereas 38% of those with retained fixation self-reported implant-related pain at least some of the time. Eight patients (20%) had an extensor lag greater than 5°. A restricted range of flexion of greater than 5° was noted in 15 patients (38%) and restricted range of extension of greater than 5° was noted in 6 patients (15%). Biodex dynamometric testing revealed a mean isometric extension deficit of 26% between the uninvolved and involved sides for peak torque. Extension power was also tested with an angular velocity of 90°/sec and 180°/sec and mean deficits of 31% and 29% were noted, respectively, when compared with the contralateral extremity. Conclusions: At a mean of 6.5 years after operative treatment for patella fractures, significant symptomatic complaints and functional deficits persist based on validated outcome measures as well as objective physical evaluations. This study fills a void in the literature regarding the functional outcomes of these patients. It also underscores the complexity associated with treating this common fracture and should help guide surgeons to better counsel patients on the expected long-term function after operative treatment of patella fractures. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Feasibility of an electronic participant information system for adult day services: A qualitative study of staff perspectives

ABSTRACT Adult day services (ADS) professionals have begun to explore assessment systems focused on participants. Barriers include inadequate technology, software costs, and personnel requirements. We present data from staff interviews at an ADS with an electronic participant information system. Contrary to reports about difficulties learning to use electronic systems, staff found the system manageable and data meaningful. We identify ways that community-based centers can build partnerships and utilize software to integrate assessment and electronic records to improve center performance and participant outcomes. ADS programs should explore how outcome data systems can be used to improve care, promote family caregiver engagement, optimize staff workload, and promote fiscal stability.
Recombinant flavin‐dependent halogenases are functional in tobacco chloroplasts without co‐expression of flavin reductase genes

Halogenation of natural compounds in planta is rare. Herein, a successful engineering of tryptophan 6‐halogenation into the plant context by heterologous expression of the Streptomyces toxytricini Stth gene and localization of its enzymatic product in various tobacco cell compartments is described. When co‐expressed with the flavin reductase rebF from Lechevalieria aerocolonigenes, Stth efficiently produced chlorinated tryptophan in the cytosol. Further, supplementation of KBr yielded the brominated metabolite. More strikingly, targeting of the protein to the chloroplasts enabled effective halogenation of tryptophan even in absence of the partner reductase, providing crucial evidence for sufficient, organelle‐specific supply of the FADH2 cofactor to drive halogen integration. Incorporation of an alternative enzyme, the 7‐halogenase RebH from L. aerocolonigenes, into the metabolic set‐up resulted in the formation of 6,7‐dichlorotryptophan. Finally, expression of tryptophan decarboxylase (tdc) in concert with stth led to the generation of 6‐chlorotryptamine, a new‐to‐nature precursor of monoterpenoid indole alkaloids. In sum, the report highlights the tremendous application potential of plants as a unique chassis for the engineering of rare and valuable halogenated natural products, with chloroplasts as the cache of reduction equivalents driving metabolic reactions.
Scanning laser polarimetry – a review

Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Retinal ganglion cells and their axons represent the selective target of the disease. When visual function is still intact on standard automated perimetry and optic disc appearance is suspicious, an early diagnosis may be supported by the identification of a retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) defect in the peripapillary area. At present days, computer‐based, real‐time imaging of the peripapillary RNFL is available through instruments of easy use and with high levels of accuracy and reproducibility. Scanning laser polarimetry is performed by a confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope with an integrated polarimeter (GDx‐VCC). There is a considerable amount of scientific evidence about the role of this imaging technique for glaucoma diagnosis. The aim of this review is to describe the principles of operation, the examination procedure, the clinical role, the results of main diagnostic studies and the future development of the software for the scanning laser polarimetry.
Unmet Needs and Depressive Symptoms Among Low-Income Older Adults

Previous studies have found that declining health, decreased social interaction, and inadequate financial resources were significant risk factors for late-life depression, and social support from families and friends and religiosity were significant protective factors. In this study, we examined if low-income older adults' perceived unmet need for home- and community-based services for many aging-associated problems would be independently associated with their depressive symptoms, controlling for these known risk and protective factors. We interviewed a total of 213 community-residing older adults to assess their depressive symptoms, using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), and unmet needs in the areas of personal assistance, instrumental and environmental support, emotional support, and other facilitative/enabling services. We found that the number of unmet needs was significantly positively associated with these older adults' depressive symptoms, although it explained only a small proportion of the variance of the GDS scores. Future research and practice implications are discussed.
Dementia Care Planning: Shared Experience and Collaboration

The perceived care challenges faced by family caregivers and healthcare providers in providing dementia care and the supports they need to address these challenges are the two key areas of exploration in this descriptive study. The perceptions were explored through semi-structured interviews and a focus group. The results from this study identified that families and healthcare providers can be partners in planning dementia care provided that they communicate effectively about their experiences and approaches to care in a climate that encourages participation and cooperation. Implications for practice and a proposed model to address dementia care challenges are discussed.
Wisdom from Life's Challenges: Qualitative Interviews with Low- and Moderate-Income Older Adults Who Were Nominated as Being Wise

Previous wisdom research tended to focus on cognitive and intellectual aspects, highly educated professionals and/or prominent subjects, and wisdom as the outcome not process. In this study, based on in-depth interviews of 18 low- and moderate income older adults who were nominated as being wise by their aging-service providers, we explored the ways challenging life experiences and coping may have contributed to the development of their wisdom, their ideas/beliefs about the qualities of wisdom, and the ways they may be practicing wisdom in daily life. Their emphasis on interconnectedness and interdependence, forgiveness and patience, and gratitude appears to represent self-transcendental qualities of wisdom. Social work practice and research implications are discussed.
Strain Breeding Enhanced Heterologous Cellobiohydrolase Secretion by Saccharomyces cerevisiae in a Protein Specific Manner

The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has a long association with alcoholic fermentation industries and has received renewed interest as a biocatalyst for second‐generation bioethanol production. Rational engineering strategies are used to create yeast strains for consolidated bioprocessing of lignocellulosic biomass. Although significant progress is made in this regard with the expression of different cellulolytic activities in yeast, cellobiohydrolase (CBH) titers remain well below ideal levels. Through classical breeding, S. cerevisiae strains with up to twofold increased CBH secretion titers is obtained in strains expressing a single gene copy. An increase of up to 3.5‐fold in secreted cellobiohydrolase activity is subsequently shown for strains expressing the heterologous gene on a high copy episomal vector. To our knowledge, this is the first report of classical breeding being used to enhance heterologous protein secretion and also the most significant enhancement of CBH secretion in yeast yet reported. This enhanced secretion phenotype is specific for cellobiohydrolase I secretion, indicating that reporter protein properties might be a major determining factor for efficient protein secretion in yeast. By exploring the latent potential of different S. cerevisiae strains, the authors show that the allele pool of various strains is a valuable engineering resource to enhance secretion in yeast.
Comparing Supports for LGBT Aging in Rural Versus Urban Areas

Studies of rural populations typically underrepresent lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) older adults. This secondary analysis examined data from a nationwide sample of LGBT baby boomers (n = 1201). Geographic differences with respect to self-reported outness, acceptance of sexual identity, social and familial support, and household income were assessed with one-way analyses of variance. Guardedness about one's sexual identity and household asset levels were assessed with chi-square analyses. Rural individuals reported lower levels of outness, guardedness with people including siblings and close friends, and lower levels of household income. Providers should consider strategies for connecting older rural LGBT adults for potential care and support.
Ferrocenyl glycopeptides as electrochemical probes to detect autoantibodies in multiple sclerosis patients' sera

Glycopeptide analogues of CSF114(Glc), modified at N‐terminus with new ferrocenyl carboxylic acid and a new ferrocenyl‐thiphosphino amino acid, were used to implement a new electrochemical biosensor for autoantibody detection in multiple sclerosis. The ferrocenyl moiety of these “electrochemical probes” did not affect autoantibody recognition both in SP‐ELISA and in inhibition experiments. By electrochemical monitoring the interactions of the modified peptides Fc‐CSF114(Glc) and 4‐FcPhP(S)Abu‐CSF114(Glc) with the autoantibodies, we demonstrated that autoantibodies could be detected with a sensitivity comparable to ELISA method. The new electrochemical probes can be proposed to characterize autoantibodies as biomarkers of multiple sclerosis by a simple, rapid, and reproducible cyclic voltammetry‐based diagnostic methodology. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 90: 488–495, 2008.
Lessons Learned from an LGBTQ Senior Center: A Bronx Tale

ABSTRACT This article describes an interdisciplinary pilot study exploring the impact of LGBTQ senior centers on the lives of center members. Many LGBTQ adults face the future having experienced stigma and bias, restricted rights, and rejection from family of origin, and are now growing older without the support of a partner and adult children. As a result, older LGBTQ adults experience higher rates of depression, loneliness and isolation, and shortened life expectancy as compared to non-LGBTQ peers. Findings from focus group and key informant interviews highlight features of LGBTQ senior center experiences that can significantly improve members’ quality of life. These include providing family, acceptance and a home, which can have an impact on outlook and outcomes. Moreover, findings suggest the need for re-thinking hetero-normative definitions of “community” in the context of LGBTQ aging. Beyond sharing findings from the study, suggesting a conceptual framework for deepening understanding about LGBTQ aging, and identifying lines of future inquiry, the article articulates implications for social work research, practice and education. Ultimately, the article argues that social work is well positioned to improve quality of life for this under-served population when it adopts a cultural humility stance in research, practice and education.
Aging and Elder Care in Japan: A Call for Empowerment-Oriented Community Development

ABSTRACT This article provides a brief overview of the situation of the elderly and their caregivers in Japan, including demographic changes in Japan, development and changes in long-term care policy that have targeted the poorly integrated community care system, and other challenges that the elderly and family caregivers face. Policy direction designed to address these issues is increasingly targeting care by the community versus support care by society (which was initially the main strategy). The potential of empowerment-oriented community development intervention strategies to decrease the gap between available institutional and formal community-based services and the needs of the elderly and their families in their efforts to meet late life challenges is described. The need for an increased role of social workers in community development interventions is explored and strategies are suggested.