Ionic Liquid Tolerance of Yeasts in Family Dipodascaceae and Genus Wickerhamomyces.

In previous studies of ionic liquid (IL) tolerance of numerous species of ascomycetous yeasts, two strains of Wickerhamomyces ciferrii and Galactomyces candidus had unusually high tolerance in media containing up to 5% (w/v) of the 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate ([CCIm][OAc]). The study aimed at investigating whether additional strains of these species, and additional species in the Dipodascaceae family, also possess IL tolerance, and to compare sensitivity to the acetate and chloride versions of the ionic liquid. Fifty five yeast strains in the family Dipodascaceae, which encompasses genera Galactomyces, Geotrichum, and Dipodascus, and seven yeast strains of species Wickerhamomyces ciferrii were tested for ability to grow in laboratory medium containing no IL, 242 mM [CCIm][OAc], or 242 mM [CCIm]Cl, and in IL-pretreated switchgrass hydrolysate.

1-Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tolerance and intracellular lipid accumulation of 38 oleaginous yeast species.

Pretreatment with ionic liquids (IL) such as 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride or acetate is an effective method for aiding deconstruction of lignocellulosic biomass; however, the residual IL remaining in hydrolysates can be inhibitory to growth of ethanologenic or oleaginous yeasts that have been examined in the literature. The aim of this study was to identify oleaginous yeasts that are tolerant of the IL [CCIm][OAc] and [CCIm]Cl using 45 strains belonging to 38 taxonomically diverse species within phyla Ascomycota and Basidiomycota. Yeasts were cultivated in laboratory medium supplemented with 0, 2, or 4% IL in 96-well plates.

Discovery of synthesis and secretion of polyol esters of fatty acids by four basidiomycetous yeast species in the order Sporidiobolales.

Polyol esters of fatty acids (PEFA) are amphiphilic glycolipids produced by yeast that could play a role as natural, environmentally friendly biosurfactants. We recently reported discovery of a new PEFA-secreting yeast species, Rhodotorula babjevae, a basidiomycetous yeast to display this behavior, in addition to a few other Rhodotorula yeasts reported on the 1960s. Additional yeast species within the taxonomic order Sporidiobolales were screened for secreted glycolipid production.

Cost-savings analysis of telemedicine use for ophthalmic screening in a rural Appalachian health clinic.

Life in mountainous, rural areas poses unique obstacles for ophthalmic care--notably, a lack of access to ophthalmologists and cost of care. Using telemedicine as a screening tool addresses both issues for diabetic retinopathy (DR) screening, as fundus photography has been determined to be sensitive and specific when screening for DR. The American Diabetes Association places a Grade E recommendation on fundus photography as a screening tool.

Screening diabetic and hypertensive patients for ocular pathology using telemedicine technology in rural West Virginia: a retrospective chart review.

Purpose: There is a disparity between the number of people who need healthcare and availability of medical services in rural areas. This paper describes the experience of using telemedicine technologies for ophthalmologic evaluation in diabetic and hypertensive patients presenting to a community health center in rural West Virginia.

Methods: A registered nurse at a community health center in McDowell County, WV was trained to use a retinal camera to capture high-resolution digital images of the retina.