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Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) generates a systemic capillary leak syndrome with pulmonary edema. Lung ultrasound (LUS) could be useful to monitor it. Primary objective was to compare sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of chest X-ray and LUS to detect pulmonary edema using a new score (LUCAS). Secondary objectives were to evaluate correlation between LUCAS score and respiratory and inotropic support. Prospective intervention study including patients <2 months admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit after CPB. LUS was performed with a lineal probe, screening 3 points in each lung (parasternal, anterolateral and posterior area), pre and post-CPB. Pulmonary edema was evaluated clinically, through LUCAS score and with X-ray. 17 patients were included. LUS achieved higher sensitivity than X-ray to detect pulmonary edema (91.7 versus 44.0%) and greater predictive negative value (88.2 versus 53.3%). There was correlation between higher LUCAS score prior to surgery and longer mechanical ventilation. High values of LUCAS score after surgery correlated with longer CPB time, inotropic support, and FiO2 need. LUS detected pulmonary edema better than chest X-ray, with greater sensitivity and negative predictive value. LUCAS score was useful to predict more inotropic support and longer mechanical ventilation. Cardiopulmonary bypass during cardiac surgery, generates a systemic capillary leak syndrome with pulmonary edema. In this prospective study performed in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, lung ultrasound detected pulmonary edema better than X-ray, with greater sensitivity and negative predictive value. LUCAS score was useful to predict more inotropic support and longer mechanical ventilation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Haemulidae is a widely diverse and widespread family of New World teleost fish. The Peruvian grunt, Anisotremus scapular, inhabits the South American Pacific coast where its overexploitation for human consumption. Fishing has led to the populational decline of the species and raised the need for conservation and aquaculture developments. Here we describe the complete mitogenome of the Peruvian grunt assembled from an RNA-seq dataset. The mitogenome length is 16,785 bp and, as expected for a vertebrate, composed of 13 PCGs, 22 transfer RNA, 2 ribosomal RNA genes. Phylogenetic reconstruction, including all available 25 Lutjaniformes mitogenomes, places A. scapularis within the family Haemulidae, more precisely within the subfamily Haemulinae. Furthermore, paraphyletic relationships were observed within the other groups represented in the phylogeny. Overall, our results highlight the usefulness of using mitochondrial genomes for phylogenetic analysis in Haemulinae as well as the necessity to increase taxonomic sampling within the group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent technological developments—in genomics, bioinformatics and high-throughput experimental techniques—are providing opportunities to study ongoing human transposable element (TE) activity at an unprecedented level of detail. It is now possible to characterize genome-wide collections of TE insertion sites for multiple human individuals, within and between populations, and for a variety of tissue types. Comparison of TE insertion site profiles between individuals captures the germline activity of TEs and reveals insertion site variants that segregate as polymorphisms among human populations, whereas comparison among tissue types ascertains somatic TE activity that generates cellular heterogeneity. In this review, we provide an overview of these new technologies and explore their implications for population and clinical genetic studies of human TEs. We cover both recent published results on human TE insertion activity as well as the prospects for future TE studies related to human evolution and health. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: For the optimal nutrition of children under 2 years of age, it is considered important that they be exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months before being given complementary food. Aims and Objectives: A cross-sectional nutritional baseline survey was undertaken in 2011 in the Kasungu and Mzimba Districts of Malawi to assess the nutritional status of children under 2 years of age and its determinants in order to prepare a nutrition education intervention programme. The intention of this study was to assess the nutritional status of infants aged 0–<6 months with regard to food intake. Methods: Interviews were conducted on randomly selected families with children under 2 years; anthropometric measurements were obtained from mothers and their children. Only infants between 0 and <6 months were selected for analysis (n = 196). An ANCOVA test was performed on age of the infant with mothers' height and weight as covariates. Results: Prevalence of stunting (infants' length-for-age Z-score (LAZ) <−2SD) was 39%, wasting (WLZ <−2SD) 2%, and underweight (WAZ <−2SD) 13%. Of the infants under 6 months, 43% were exclusively breastfed. Predominant breastfeeding and mixed breastfeeding were less common (21% and 36%, respectively). The ANCOVA confirmed the association between exclusive breastfeeding and LAZ and WAZ: exclusively breastfed infants had a higher mean (SE) LAZ (−1·13, 0·12) and WAZ (−0·41, 0·13) than infants not being exclusively breastfed (−1·59, 0·11, and −0·97, 0·11, respectively). There was no overall significant association between breastfeeding practice and WLZ. Conclusion: Exclusive breastfeeding of infants under 6 months is associated with higher mean LAZ and WAZ. Promotion of exclusive breastfeeding in low-income countries is important in preventing growth retardation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From research findings and practice experiences, it is concluded that abuse of older men is especially invisible and underreported, compared to abuse of older women. It is proposed that attention should be directed not to gender, but to those conditions in different countries and cultures leading to abuse of both older men and women, including (but not limited to) economic problems, few alternatives to family care of the elderly, violence, changing characteristics of the family, ageism, and sexism. Advocates for the prevention of elder abuse should work together in combating, reducing, and eliminating the problem of elder abuse of both older men and older women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent analyses suggest that transposable element-derived transcripts are processed to yield a variety of small RNA species that play critical functional roles in gene regulation and chromatin organization as well as genome stability and maintenance. Here we report a mass spectrometry analysis of an RNA-affinity complex isolation using a piRNA homologous sequence derived from Alu retrotransposal RNA. Our data point to potential roles for piALU RNAs in DNA repair, cell cycle and chromatin regulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is currently thought that small RNA (sRNA) based repression mechanisms are primarily employed to mitigate the mutagenic threat posed by the activity of transposable elements (TEs). This can be achieved by the sRNA guided processing of TE transcripts via Dicer-dependent (e.g., siRNA) or Dicer-independent (e.g., piRNA) mechanisms. For example, potentially active human L1 elements are silenced by mRNA cleavage induced by element encoded siRNAs, leading to a negative correlation between element mRNA and siRNA levels. On the other hand, there is emerging evidence that TE derived sRNAs can also be used to regulate the host genome. Here, we evaluated these two hypotheses for human TEs by comparing the levels of TE derived mRNA and TE sRNA across six tissues. The genome defense hypothesis predicts a negative correlation between TE mRNA and TE sRNA levels, whereas the genome regulatory hypothesis predicts a positive correlation. On average, TE mRNA and TE sRNA levels are positively correlated across human tissues. These correlations are higher than seen for human genes or for randomly permuted control data sets. Overall, Alu subfamilies show the highest positive correlations of element mRNA and sRNA levels across tissues, although a few of the youngest, and potentially most active, Alu subfamilies do show negative correlations. Thus, Alu derived sRNAs may be related to both genome regulation and genome defense. These results are inconsistent with a simple model whereby TE derived sRNAs reduce levels of standing TE mRNA via transcript cleavage, and suggest that human cells efficiently process TE transcripts into sRNA based on the available message levels. This may point to a widespread role for processed TE transcripts in genome regulation or to alternative roles of TE-to-sRNA processing including the mitigation of TE transcript cytotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied the coping styles by which family caregivers living in rural areas of Alabama deal with the demands of caring for an older relative with dementia. Data were obtained from a sample of 141 caregivers through the random-digit dialing telephone survey. Two coping styles were identified: deliberate coping and avoidance coping. Deliberate coping was related to higher life satisfaction scores and, avoidance coping was related to lower life satisfaction scores and higher caregiver burden scores. Avoidance coping appeared to moderate the effects of caregiver health on caregiver burden. Social workers should pay greater attention to caregivers with dysfunctional coping styles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reports the findings of a study of African American and White dementia caregivers (n = 141) living in rural areas of Alabama that examined the relations between the participants' receipt of informal social support, and their levels of caregiver burden and life satisfaction. The sample, as a whole, reported high levels of social support with no reported differences in social support by race. Female caregivers reported higher mean scores on 3 of the 4 dimensions of social support than their male counterparts. Two of the 4 dimensions of social support accounted for 32% of the variance of the caregivers' reported level of life satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The deaf community has seen the development of increasingly sophisticated hearing aids and other assistive technology, a rapid increase in the number of deaf children with cochlear implants, growing acceptance of American Sign Language (ASL), and recognition of Deaf culture. Each of these developments has proponents and critics. There is also ongoing controversy about the most appropriate methods for educating deaf children, especially issues of language and communication. This article uses social construction theory as a framework for discussing these developments and controversies and the diverse perspectives on what it means to be deaf. The authors make recommendations for social workers and other professionals with the central theme that all professionals must be free of bias about choices available to and made by parents of deaf children and by deaf individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper explores the longitudinal changes of emotional well-being of Chinese oldest old adults (80 years or older) and discloses significant factors that influence the trajectories, with a focus on the differences between those residing in rural and urban settings. Data were derived from three waves (1998, 2000, and 2002) of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS), which was carried out in 22 of the 31 provinces in China. We used hierarchical linear modelling to examine how the well-being of 2490 older adults changed over the three waves of the survey. Results indicate that urban residence and greater involvement in social activities predicted an increase in well-being over time. Participants with lower cognitive functioning and poorer self-rated health at baseline tended to show improvements in well-being over time. Rural oldest old adults were found to report decreases in well-being, in contrast to an increasing trend found for urban oldest old adults. This finding lends itself to an important conclusion that more social services or formal support should be provided for older adults in rural areas in China. 本文探讨了中国的老年人（(80岁或以上)）跨时间的情绪变化，并揭示当中具有影响力的重要因素，尤其是农村和城市之间的差异。数据主要来自三次（(1998年，2000年和2002年)）对中国22个省份进行的中国高龄老人健康长寿基础调查（(CLHLS)。作者用了分层线性模型去研究2490名老年人在三次调查之间的情绪变化。结果发现，居住在城市和积极参与小区活动对老人的情绪有正面的影响。认知功能较低和对自我健康评分较低的研究对象往往随时间的推移表现出有所改善。报告发现农村的老年人认为幸福的愈来愈少，相反，在城市的老年人中则有上升的趋势。这一发现本身的一个重要结论就是应该为中国农村地区的老年人提供更多的社会服务。 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the topics within the issue including the abuse of older men, the failure of men to admit their problems, and adult protective services.

The tumultuous catastrophic tragedies of the Oklahoma bombing in 1995 and September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon have caused urgency for the profession of social work to be ready to respond to unexpected crises whether directed to an individual, group, or nation. While there has always been the possibility of tragedies in the U.S. caused by nature (so-called "acts of God") or the spontaneous or planned acts of criminals or the deranged, the increased awareness of catastrophes includes, as never before, disasters that are perpetrated by terrorist acts from within or outside of the U.S. The creation of the Department of Homeland Security, in 2003, underscores the need for awareness and for preparation on the part of the nation. Based upon its skills and values, social workers have significant roles to play in the face of potential and actual disasters; yet, gerontological social workers have additional responsibilities for addressing the needs of older persons. It is the purpose of this article to provide an overview of issues to be considered by social workers, in general, and gerontological social workers, in particular, with regard to preparation for possible disasters and the consequences from such catastrophes that affect older persons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides an overview of the challenges to cross-cultural and cross-national research on elder abuse. There are conceptual and methodological difficulties in undertaking comparative studies within and between countries. As an example of the need to address cultural diversity within a country, elder abuse efforts in the U.S., UK, and Israel are described. The most pressing need for cross-national research on abuse involves a common definition of such adversities against the elderly that is reflective of the values within a country and at a sufficient level of discourse to embrace diverse conceptualizations of the problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The abuse of older custodial grandparents is believed to be among the most invisible social problems in society. Using a family systems perspective, the possible abuse of these grandparents is discussed to exist as a result of high risk grandchildren, the vulnerability of older grandparents, and the existence adult children. Custodial grandparents are unlikely to report their abuse by grandchildren; thus, there are profound implications for those from the helping professions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduces a series of articles related to elder mistreatment.

This article advocates for a gerontological commitment in research, practice, education, and training to the needs of elderly men, no more, but no less, than to the needs of elderly women. The special needs of aging and aged men have been either ignored or downplayed in gerontological literature, as a result of the fact that they exist in smaller numbers and proportions and are erroneously believed to enjoy a better quality of life. Thus, aging and elderly men in general, and those representing specific subpopulations, often have their social, psychological, and health care needs ignored, misunderstood, or underserved. Additionally, elderly men do not have the advocacy that is found for elderly women in gerontology organizations and associations. Gerontologists should have a personal and professional stake in better addressing the needs of elderly men. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper examines four distinct clinical profiles of caregivers of Alzheimer's Disease patients. The four groups were empirically derived relative to their respective levels of burden and task performance. Each of the four groups are uniquely distinguished by a set of caregiver background, caregiver status, and patient status comparative factors. The implications of the determined heterogeneity of the four groups are discussed with direct reference to future policy/program issues and research issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on the abuse of elderly men. Description on elderly men; Typology of abused elderly men; Invisibility of elderly men who are abused.

This study describes the relationship of morale to social and health conditions, level of program participation, and the differential use of social welfare services of 55 aged blacks utilizing a Congregate Meals Program in a small town in northern Florida. Data was collected through the use of a questionnaire administered mainly by black graduate students. Conclusions include: for participants, there was a fear of insufficient income to meet health care costs; social activities were extensive; and though the Congregate Meals Program met several needs of the participants, support services- particularly shopping help and escorted transportation-were utilized more than counseling services. The support services were strongly associated with high morale. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

No abstract available for this article. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

No abstract available for this article. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Caregiver anger may well result in elder abuse. Moreover, Adult Protective Service Workers, among others in the caring professions, may also experience anger in their efforts to work with abusing and abused individuals. This article discusses different types of anger and the antecedents and consequences of anger. Also discussed in the management of anger through early identification and intervention. Hopefully, such information will be useful to those in the helping professions as they work with clients (and their own feelings). [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Discussed are dilemmas faced by instructors who teach a course on ethics and aging. Decisions need to be made as to whether the course should utilize scientific objectivity or advocacy, relative or absolute standards, a theoretical/ intellectual or applied/personal orientation, and an age‐specific or age‐irrelevant view. Recommendations are provided for educational gerontologists who teach such a course. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This article addresses the need for the development of international content in gerontology programs for higher education. The characteristics and merits of different models of education in international gerontology are discussed. The paper also presents a discussion of the potential benefits of international gerontology for students, the field of gerontology, and aging populations worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A study was undertaken of all 304 students who had graduated with a Master's Degree from the Department of Gerontology at the University of South Florida over the past 15 years, with a particular focus upon changes in the characteristics of older female students. Over time, older female graduates were more likely to be married, be part-time students, have lower grade point average and Graduate Record Examination scores, and more likely to have work backgrounds in non-social service areas. Compared to all other graduates from the Department, older female students generally reflect differences in kind (marital and student status) rather than quality (GPA and GRE scores). Implications for admission criteria are discussed, as well as faculty composition and class scheduling. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A pilot study was undertaken of recent graduates of an M.A. in Gerontology Program at the University of South Florida to learn of predictors of success in the field of aging. A Gerontological Job Embededness Index was developed and correlated with academic and background variables of the graduates. While the traditional admissions criteria such as GPA and GRE were unrelated to the Index, the retrospective rating of the graduate's "apparent motivation" as a student (determined by Department faculty) was statistically significant. Implications for gerontology programs are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

With an increasing number of elderly experiencing alcohol abuse and alcoholism problems, the need for social workers to examine their potential roles in the development of policies and practices directed toward the treatment of this population is discussed. An exploratory study of the perceptions of personnel in nine categorical alcoholism programs points to some areas that need to be considered if adequate services and treatment are to be provided to these persons who have been ignored by both agencies and social planners. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Both researchers and practitioners have become increasingly concerned with the plight of elderly mental hospital patients who are often inappropriately confined in state hospitals and then discharged form these facilities with little preparation for survival or attention given to the quality of community resources. This paper proposes the establishment of a new community care setting, a sub-acute center (SAC), which is designed to meet present inadequacies in the mental care system for the aged and combines elements of a foster home and a protective setting with a mental health aftercare component for more effectively preparing the elderly for independent community living. the SAC combines at least three concepts which are discussed: (a) the receiving staiton; (b) continuity of care; and (c) advocacy. The professional SAC staff and aides have many potential roles to play as practitioners, spokesmen, educators, consultants, and researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper examines four distinct clinical profiles of caregivers of Alzheimer's Disease patients. The four groups were empirically derived relative to their respective levels of burden and task performance. Each of the four groups are uniquely distinguished by a set of caregiver background, caregiver status, and patient status comparative factors. The implications of the determined heterogeneity of the four groups are discussed with direct reference to future policy/program issues and research issues. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In relationship to the number of studies on caregiving burden, few studies have assessed the relationship between burden of caregivers and the extent and nature of care given to elderly persons in need of assistance (defined as competence). A study of 96 caregivers of Alzheimer's Disease patients found only a relatively low, and statistically insignificant, relationship between caregiver burden and competence. The development and measurement of competence is described, as is the need to consider both burden and competence as constructs, independent of one another, in work with caregivers of impaired older persons. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In relationship to the number of studies on caregiving burden, few studies have assessed the relationship between burden of caregivers and the extent and nature of care given to elderly persons in need of assistance (defined as competence). A study of 96 caregivers of Alzheimer's Disease patients found only a relatively low, and statistically insignificant, relationship between caregiver burden and competence. The development and measurement of competence is described, as is the need to consider both burden and competence as constructs, independent of one another, in work with caregivers of impaired older persons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study of elderly clients seen in a family service agency, it was found that many problems could be ameliorated through strengthening interpersonal skills. Over half the clients lived alone and few family members were available as resources. Short-term counseling was seen as effective for this population. Suggestions are included to more effectively reach underserved groups of elderly. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Presents a summary of the study `Elder Abuse in Developed and Developing Societies: The US and Costa Rica,' by N. Gilliland and R. Jimenez. Factors which contribute to the different patterns of abuse in the United States and Costa Rica; Findings of the study.