Technology for Healthy Independent Living: Creating a Tailored In-Home Sensor System for Older Adults and Family Caregivers.

Sensing technologies hold enormous potential for early detection of health changes that can dramatically affect the aging experience. In previous work, we developed a health alert system that captures and analyzes in-home sensor data. The purpose of this research was to collect input from older adults and family members on how the health information generated can best be adapted, such that older adults and family members can better self-manage their health. Five 90-minute focus groups were conducted with 23 older adults (mean age = 80 years; 87% female) and five family members (mean age = 64; 100% female). Participants were asked open-ended questions about the sensor technology and methods for interacting with their health information. Participants provided feedback regarding tailoring the technology, such as delegating access to family and health care providers, receiving health messages and alerts, interpreting health messages, and graphic display options. Participants also noted concerns and future likelihood of technology adoption. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 46(7), 35-40.].

Potential effect of compounds isolated from Coffea arabica against UV-B induced skin damage by protecting fibroblast cells.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation has adverse effects on extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, leading to formation of wrinkles a hallmark of premature skin aging. The adverse effects of UV radiation are associated with induction of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) expression and degradation of collagen and elastin. The present study investigated anti-wrinkle effects of chlorogenic acid (CGA), pyrocatechol (PC) and 3,4,5-tricaffeoyl quinic acid (TCQ), isolated from beans of Coffea arabica, against UV-B stimulated mouse fibroblast cells (CCRF) by measuring expression levels of MMP-1, 3, 9, and type-I procollagen. The three compounds were isolated and purified from coffee grounds using column chromatography and structural examination was evaluated by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis. Among the three isolated compounds, CGA effectively suppressed the expression of the MMP-1, 3, and 9 and increased synthesis of type-I procollagen as compared UV-B-stimulated CCRF cells. In addition, CGA dose-dependently inhibited intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in CCRF cells stimulated by UV radiation. Moreover, CGA displayed a good sun protection factor (SPF) and in vitro DNA damage protection together with inhibition of enzyme xanthine oxidase. The enzyme inhibitory kinetic behavior of CGA was determined by Lineweaver-Burk plot, displayed a mixed type enzyme inhibition with 260.3±4.5µM, Ki value. The results indicate that CGA has potential to be used as a preventive agent against premature skin aging induced by UV radiation.