Teaching Technology to Older Adults: Modalities Used by Student Mentors and Reasons for Continued Program Participation

The current study examined teaching modalities used by college students participating in an intergenerational, service-learning program that helps older adults learn technology and described reasons for older adults\u27 continued participation in this program. Qualitative data analysis was completed using student-maintained observation logs from approximately 200 older participants. Several different teaching modalities used by student mentors were identified, including observing and listening, writing down information or creating visual aids, explaining the significance and simplifying materials, using repetition/review, and using hands-on learning. Multiple reasons for older adults\u27 continued participation were identified, including continued progress on one topic or device; multiple topics for advanced use; learning multiple modalities to get connected; and continued learning through take-a-ways, practice, and homework. Service-learning programs can help educate health and human service professionals on best practices for working with older adults

Older adults learning technology in an intergenerational program: Qualitative analysis of areas of technology requested for assistance

Adults 65 and older are adapting to technology at a slower rate compared to the overall population. Research has shown that programs can assist older adults in learning and embracing technology. However, little information exists about what specific forms of technology older adults are interested in learning and for what purposes. To describe areas of technology older adults are interested in learning and why this study examined qualitative data from an intergenerational service-learning program in which students in higher education assist and mentor older adults with and about technology that older adults want to learn. Data was analyzed from in-depth observation logs maintained by students after each educational session. Eight themes emerged related to areas of technology older adults were interested in learning about: basic functions, staying connected, organization, leisure, managing photos, productivity, managing money, and health. Of the 827 total phrases coded, the top themes related to technology use were: basic function (28%), staying connected (23%), and organization (15%). The majority of older adults requested help with their devices’ basic functions, including an orientation to mobile devices, tablet and/or computer, making tactile functions easier, creating accounts, setting and restoring passwords, and understanding basic cyber security. Findings from this study reinforce that older adults are interested in learning the technology basics, which may lead to utilization of technology for social, civic, and productive engagement purposes in addition to managing health. This study provides valuable information for organizations that help older adults learn technology and for entities that design technology or want to increase technology adoption for older adults

Molecular basis of cobalamin-dependent RNA modification

Queuosine (Q) was discovered in the wobble position of a transfer RNA (tRNA) 47 years ago, yet the final biosynthetic enzyme responsible for Q-maturation, epoxyqueuosine (oQ) reductase (QueG), was only recently identified. QueG is a cobalamin (Cbl)-dependent, [4Fe-4S] cluster-containing protein that produces the hypermodified nucleoside Q in situ on four tRNAs. To understand how QueG is able to perform epoxide reduction, an unprecedented reaction for a Cbl-dependent enzyme, we have determined a series of high resolution structures of QueG from Bacillus subtilis. Our structure of QueG bound to a tRNA[superscript Tyr] anticodon stem loop shows how this enzyme uses a HEAT-like domain to recognize the appropriate anticodons and position the hypermodified nucleoside into the enzyme active site. We find Q bound directly above the Cbl, consistent with a reaction mechanism that involves the formation of a covalent Cbl-tRNA intermediate. Using protein film electrochemistry, we show that two [4Fe-4S] clusters adjacent to the Cbl have redox potentials in the range expected for Cbl reduction, suggesting how Cbl can be activated for nucleophilic attack on oQ. Together, these structural and electrochemical data inform our understanding of Cbl dependent nucleic acid modification.National Science Foundation (U.S.) (MCB 1122977)National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (GM72623 S01, GM120283, and GM17151

The utility of superficial abdominal reflex in the initial diagnosis of scoliosis: a retrospective review of clinical characteristics of scoliosis with syringomyelia

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>With increasing use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), underlying syringomyelia is increasingly found in patients with presumed idiopathic scoliosis. To determine the indications for MRI in the differential diagnosis of scoliosis, several clinical characteristics of syringomyelia have been reported. Neurological signs, particularly abnormal superficial abdominal reflex (SAR), are important in establishing the initial diagnosis of scoliosis. However, the prevalence of abnormal SAR in patients with scoliosis and the sensitivity of this sign in predicting syringomyelia are not well known. We aimed to determine the diagnostic utility of SAR and other characteristics of syringomyelia in patients with scoliosis.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We reviewed the medical records of 93 patients with scoliosis, 90 of whom underwent corrective surgery. All patients underwent MRI to determine the presence of syringomyelia. Mean age at surgery was 12.5 years. Abnormal SAR was defined as unilateral or bilateral absence or hyporeflexia of SAR. We calculated indices of diagnostic utility of abnormal SAR for non-idiopathic scoliosis and for syringomyelia. Abnormal SAR, left thoracic curve pattern, gender, and curve flexibility were compared between scoliosis with syringomyelia and idiopathic scoliosis. Logistic regression analysis was performed with the existence of syringomyelia as the dependent variable and curve flexibility as the independent variable.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Abnormal SAR was observed in 20 patients (prevalence 22%). All 6 patients with myopathic scoliosis displayed bilateral absence of SAR. The sensitivity of abnormal SAR for non-idiopathic scoliosis was 38%, with 96% specificity, 90% PPV (positive predictive value), and 60% NPV (negative predictive value). Syringomyelia was identified in 9 of the 93 patients (9.7%); 8 of these had abnormal SAR. The sensitivity of abnormal SAR for syringomyelia in presumed idiopathic scoliosis was 89%, with 95% specificity, 80% PPV, and 98% NPV. Gender, abnormal neurological findings, and curve flexibility differed significantly between patients with syringomyelia and those with idiopathic scoliosis (P < 0.05). In the logistic regression model, the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.79 and the cut-off value of curve flexibility for syringomyelia was 50% (P = 0.08).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Abnormal SAR was a useful indicator not only for syringomyelia, but also for myogenic scoliosis.</p

Electrochemical Resolution of the [4Fe-4S] Centers of the AdoMet Radical Enzyme BtrN: Evidence of Proton Coupling and an Unusual, Low-Potential Auxiliary Cluster

The <i>S</i>-adenosylmethionine (AdoMet) radical superfamily of enzymes includes over 113 500 unique members, each of which contains one indispensable iron–sulfur (FeS) cluster that is required to generate a 5′-deoxyadenosyl 5′-radical intermediate during catalysis. Enzymes within several subgroups of the superfamily, however, have been found to contain one or more additional FeS clusters. While these additional clusters are absolutely essential for enzyme activity, their exact roles in the function and/or mechanism of action of many of the enzymes are at best speculative, indicating a need to develop methods to characterize and study these clusters in more detail. Here, BtrN, an AdoMet radical dehydrogenase that catalyzes the two-electron oxidation of 2-deoxy-<i>scyllo</i>-inosamine to amino-dideoxy-<i>scyllo</i>-inosose, an intermediate in the biosynthesis of 2-deoxystreptamine antibiotics, is examined through direct electrochemistry, where the potential of both its AdoMet radical and auxiliary [4Fe-4S] clusters can be measured simultaneously. We find that the AdoMet radical cluster exhibits a midpoint potential of −510 mV, while the auxiliary cluster exhibits a midpoint potential of −765 mV, to our knowledge the lowest [4Fe-4S]^2+/+ potential to be determined to date. The impact of AdoMet binding and the pH dependence of catalysis are also quantitatively observed. These data show that direct electrochemical methods can be used to further elucidate the chemistry of the burgeoning AdoMet radical superfamily in the future