Senior Individuals Research Articles

Effect Of Religiosity On The Household Women’s Care-Giving Behaviour Towards The Elderly In The Family: A Case Of Sargodha City (Pakistan)

This study was conducted with a purport to evaluate how far religiosity affects household women’s care-giving behaviour towards senior individuals in the family. For this purpose, a random sample of 205 women of Sargodha city was selected from Sargodha City(Pakistan)to study the effect of religiosity on the General Well Being (as a measure of care) of the senior individuals in the family. The findings of the study indicate that mature women (41-50 years old) with moderate span of their married life (11-15years) give more care to the older adults in the family. But, despite that, a great majority of senior individuals in the family are at a state of low wellbeing level. The findings of the study revealed the reason that it was due to lack of religiosity which is strongly positively associated with well-being. Among the other factors, age, span of married life, household income and education correlate with the well-being positively but employment status negatively. Very interestingly, as the findings indicate, the care-giving behaviour is irrespective of the number of carerecipients in the family.

(In-)Visible Living Space as the Educational Space Dreams-Self-Narration in Biographies of Elderly People

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><em>The objective of the paper is providing an answer to the question about educational and causative dimensions of dreams-self-narrations in biography of senior individuals. In the theoretical part, the authoress focuses on analyses concerning respectively: (in-)visible living space, trajectory of individual biographies and characteristics of dreams as self-narrations in structuring one’s own biography. In the methodological part, the authoress presents the assumptions of a research project based on the biographical method by applying narrative interviews. In the empirical part, results of vertical and horizontal analyses are presented in the form of the worked out biographical profiles in the context of highlighted areas of study.</em></p>

Addressing systemic problems in the biomedical research enterprise

Last spring, the four of us published an essay in PNAS in which we described the severe problems now faced by scientists working in the US biomedical research system, recommending several steps that might be taken to improve the situation (1). As a follow up, we convened a two-day workshop in August that brought together 30 relatively senior individuals engaged in various aspects of biomedical science, including social scientists and others who are knowledgeable about the training pipeline.

Design and Implementation of Android Based Wearable Smart Locator Band for People with Autism, Dementia, and Alzheimer

A wearable smart locator band is an electronic device which can be worn on the wrist of the children to monitor and keep an eye on them. As the number of mishaps with children is increasing, it is a must to keep them safe. This also helps reducing crime rates. The research study proposed the development of a wearable smart locator band that helps keeping track of kids. The developed device includes an AVR microcontroller (ATmega8515), global positioning system (GPS), global system for mobile (GSM), and switching unit and the monitoring unit includes Android mobile device in parent’s hand with web based Android application as well as location indicated on a Google Map. This development is very useful for senior people and individuals suffering from memory diseases. This device, hence, behaves as a communication interface between wearer and caregiver.

Positive association between PPARD rs2016520 polymorphism and coronary heart disease in a Han Chinese population.

PPARD encodes peroxisome proliferator-activated re-ceptor delta, which has been shown to play an important role in control-ling lipid metabolism and atherosclerosis. In this case-control study, we explored the relationship between PPARD rs2016520 polymorphism and coronary heart disease (CHD) in a Han Chinese population. A to-tal of 657 CHD cases and 640 controls were included in the associa-tion study. rs2016520 polymorphism genotyping was performed using the melting temperature-shift polymerase chain reaction method. The PPARD rs2016520-G allele reduced CHD risk by 17.9% (χ(2) = 5.061, P = 0.025, OR = 0.821, 95%CI = 0.692-0.975). Furthermore, a signifi-cant difference in CHD risk was observed for the PPARD rs2016520 polymorphism in the dominant model (AG + GG vs AA: χ(2) = 4.751, degrees of freedom (df) = 1, P = 0.029, OR = 0.784, 95%CI = 0.631- 0.976). Analysis by age suggested that the G-allele decreased CHD risk by 14.8% in ages greater than 65 years (χ(2) = 4.446, P = 0.035, OR = 0.852, 95%CI = 0.684-1.060). In contrast, meta-analysis of PPARD rs2016520 among 3732 cases and 5042 controls revealed no associa-tion between PPARD rs2016520 and CHD (P = 0.19). We found that the PPARD rs2016520-GG genotype decreased CHD risk in a Han Chinese population. Moreover, we found an association between serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level and PPARD rs2016520 in senior individuals aged ≥ 65 years. The meta-analysis revealed no association between PPARD rs2016520 and CHD, suggesting ethnic differences in the association between the PPARD locus and CHD.

Functional capacity and associated factors among longevous senior individuals living in community: a population study in Northeastern Brazil

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of impaired functional capacity and the associated factors in longevous elderly individuals from a city in the countryside of Northeastern Brazil. This is a cross-sectional, population- and community-based study. The research population consisted of senior citizens aged ≥80 years old, residents of the urban area of ​​Lafaiete Coutinho, Bahia, Brazil. Data were collected in the households through a questionnaire with information on functional, socioeconomic, and demographic aspects and health/behavioral factors. Data analysis was performed using multinomial logistic regression at a significance level of 5%. A total of 94 senior citizens, whose average age was 86.1 years old (±6.39), whereof 59.6% were female, were interviewed. Among the longevous senior individuals, 19.1% were considered independent to instrumental and basic activities of daily living, whereas 56.2% were considered as dependent to instrumental activities of daily living, and 24.7% to both basic and instrumental activities of daily living. There has been an association between impaired functional capacity, both for basic and instrumental activities of daily living, and the variables referring to sex and drug use; another one was between race/color and instrumental activities of daily living dependence. We got to the conclusion that there was high prevalence (80.9%) of longevous senior citizens who depend on instrumental and basic activities of daily living. Also, the impairment of functional capacity on longevous senior citizens was associated with female sex, non-white race/color, and use of one or more drugs.

Abstract 17127: Sports-Related Sudden Cardiac Arrest: Comparison of Survival Outcomes in Europe versus the United States

Background: Sports-related sudden cardiac arrest (sport SCA) has always attracted attention and the United States and European Union have developed divergent strategies for prevention over the last decade; notably regarding screening of younger athletes but also for SCA prevention in middle-aged and senior individuals. In this context, the extent to which outcomes of sports SCA differ between Europe and the USA have not been characterized. Methods: SCA cases aged 15-75 years were identified in two large prospective, population-based SCA programs, one in the Paris region (Paris-SDEC) and the other in a Northwestern US metro region (Oregon-SUDS) between 2002 and 2012. Cases of SCA, occurring during sports activity were compared between the two regions. Results: Of the 7,357 cases studied, 290 (4%) occurred during sports, with very similar proportions in both regions: 86 out of 1,894 (4.5%) in Oregon and 204 out of 5,463 (3.8%) in Paris. Subjects’ characteristics of cases in both programs were very similar (Paris vs. Oregon, respectively, for all results following), regarding age (50.7±14 vs. 50.4±13 years, P=0.55), male proportion (94%vs. 92%, P=0.53), past medical history of ≥2 cardiovascular risk factors (16% vs. 23%, P=0.16) and/or heart disease (10% vs. 8%, P=0.55). There was a high proportion of witnessed events in both populations (89% vs. 90%, P=0.94). However, we observed significant differences with more bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation in Paris (63% vs. 48%, P=0.02), faster response time in Oregon (8.3±6 vs. 6.9±4 min, P=0.05), and more initially shockable rhythms in Oregon (52% vs. 70%, P=0.006). Overall, resuscitation outcomes were very similar for return of spontaneous circulation (26% vs. 33%, P=0.21) and survival to hospital discharge (27% vs. 26%, P=0.80). Conclusions: On either side of the Atlantic, burden and characteristics of sports-related SCA are very similar. Survival rates are approximately one in four cases. Optimizing bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation rates and emergency response times could further improve outcomes. Deployment of uniform, effective strategies for screening and prevention are likely to make the greatest impact on sports SCA.

Prevalence and predictors for homo- and heterosubtypic antibodies against influenza a virus.

The effectiveness of trivalent influenza vaccination has been confirmed in several studies. To date, it is not known whether repeated exposure and vaccination to influenza promote production of cross-reactive antibodies. Furthermore, how strains encountered earlier in life imprint the immune response is currently poorly understood. To determine the prevalence for human homo- and heterosubtypic antibody responses, we scrutinized serum samples from 305 healthy volunteers for hemagglutinin-binding and -neutralizing antibodies against several strains and subtypes of influenza A. Statistical analyses were then performed to establish the association of measured values with potential predictors. It was found that vaccination not only promoted higher binding and neutralizing antibody titers to homosubtypic influenza isolates but also increased heterosubtypic human immune responses. Both binding and neutralizing antibody titers in relation with age of the donors mirrored the course of the different influenza strain circulation during the last century. Advanced age appeared to be of advantage for both binding and neutralizing titers to most subtypes. In contrast, the first virus subtype encountered was found to imprint to some degree subsequent antibody responses. Antibodies to recent strains, however, primarily seemed to be promoted by vaccination. We provide evidence that vaccinations stimulate both homo- and heterosubtypic immune responses in young and middle-aged as well as more senior individuals. Our analyses suggest that influenza vaccinations not only prevent infection against currently circulating strains but can also stimulate broader humoral immune responses that potentially attenuate infections with zoonotic or antigenically shifted strains.

Does a Glass Ceiling Persist in Intercollegiate Athletics?

Females hold approximately one-third, rather than an equitable amount, of intercollegiate athletic administrative positions suggesting persistence of an attitudinal or organizational bias impeding career advancement, or a glass ceiling. To examine whether a glass ceiling persists in intercollegiate athletics, genders of senior athletic administrators and individuals responsible for academics, finance, compliance, facility and event management, fund raising, licensing, marketing, media relations, ticket operations, and athletic training were identified from the 1012 NCAA-member institutions. Significantly more males hold athletic director, associate athletic director, and assistant athletic director positions in all three NCAA divisions, with a much higher percentage of females serving as athletic directors in institutions without football teams. Significantly more males are responsible for facility and event management, media relations, and marketing across all NCAA divisions, while females were disproportionately found in academics (significant differences for Divisions I and II) and compliance (significant difference for Division I).

A Meta-Analysis of the Dimensions of a Learning Organization Questionnaire

The Problem Organizations strive to develop their employees to a level that meets current and future needs at a time when those needs are great and resources scarce. Human resource developers are charged with finding solutions; yet many of the changes essential to doing this are in the culture, and, senior leaders have greater impact on the culture. Effective ways to alert senior individuals to the cultural imperatives are needed. Unfortunately, human resource and organization development (HROD) scholars have had few valid organizational measures with which to demonstrate the status of learning and the impact of learning on the organization. In 2003, we shared the Dimensions of a Learning Organization Questionnaire (DLOQ) in this journal. It behooves us to examine what has occurred using this instrument since that time. The Solution One approach is to build a self-sustaining learning architecture that is so embedded in the culture and even the work itself that it evolves and grows with the organization. A valid and reliable diagnostic enables HROD practitioners to assess where the learning culture is at the time of its administration, and signals organization members to critical changes needed to develop a more effective learning infrastructure. Armed with this information, they can make the business case and guide proposed interventions. Scholars can demonstrate key relationships between a learning culture and knowledge, financial, and mission performance. This article and others in this special issue examine what has been learned in the last decade using the DLOQ. The Stakeholders HROD developers and senior leaders are significant stakeholders for this information. In addition, HROD scholars who hope to document the nature of the learning culture in a variety of contexts and to demonstrate the importance of having a strong learning culture to valued organizational outcomes will find a resource in the DLOQ.

T-PA reduces ischemic impairment of blood–brain barrier by strengthening endothelium junction

Cerebral ischemic stroke is one of the most prevalent diseases in senior individuals. Its therapeutical strategies include anticoagulation, thrombolysis and cell protection. Tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) that interacts with thrombin for the lysis of thrombosis is widely used to treat stroke patients in early stage. The mechanism of action of t-PA is not clear. Here, we report a novel role of t-PA in protecting blood-brain barrier and its potential mechanisms. In a model of the blood-brain barrier with human umbilical vascular epithelium cells, we found that t-PA in low concentrations prevented the impairment of the blood-brain barrier as a result of oxygen and glucose deprivation. This protection was fulfilled by strengthening the junctions among vascular endothelia and by upregulating the productions of vascular endothelium growth factor and of zonula occludens-1. Therefore, t-PA may strengthen the junctions of vascular endothelia in the blood-brain barrier to improve the microenvironment of brain cells and, in turn, the outcome of stroke patients.

International Collaboration in Local Government Leadership Development: Insights Gained from a U.S. and Ireland Partnership

There is great value in international partnerships when developing leadership potential in local government. This article focuses on the lessons-learned from three innovative annual joint collaboration efforts under the auspices of the Institute of Public Administration (IPA) in Ireland and DePaul University (Chicago). The purpose was to provide an “outside in” perspective of how local government works in different countries. This was illustrated by a recent series of collaborative programs to develop 59 senior individuals in local authorities throughout Ireland. Approaches used included shadowing local government officials, collaborations with community partners, and benchmarking meetings with officials to learn about innovative projects.

SiRNA-mediated silence of protease-activated receptor-1 minimizes ischemic injury of cerebral cortex through HSP70 and MAP2

Cerebral ischemic stroke is a prevalent disease in senior individuals. The anticoagulation and thrombolysis to recover blood supply as well as the diminution of neural excitotoxicity to protect brain cells have not shown to fully improve stroke patients. The comprehensive mechanisms and medication specificity remain to be addressed. The silence of specific mRNAs by RNA interference provides revenues for such goals. We examined whether the silence of protease-activated receptor-1 (PAR-1) by siRNA protects brain tissues from ischemic injury. In three groups of Wistar rats, their lateral ventricles received the injections of lentiviral vectors carrying siRNA for PAR1, small RNA in mismatching PAR1 or saline. A week after the injections, these rats were treated by one side of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). The scores of neurological deficits, the volume of ischemic infarction and the expressions of PAR-1, HSP-70 and MAP-2 were measured in 24h of MCAO. Our results show that the silence of PAR-1 significantly reduces neurological deficits and infarction volume, as well as elevates HSP-70 and MAP-2 expressions. Thus, the knock-down of PAR1 minimizes the ischemic impairments of cerebral cortex via HSP70 and MAP-2 pathways.

Mentoring—It's All Good, Right?

Mentoring—It's All Good, Right?

Dual-tasking interferes with obstacle avoidance reactions in healthy seniors

Dual-tasking can lead to falls, as does a deterioration of obstacle avoidance (OA) skills. Hence, it is expected that a combination of both would be even more detrimental, especially when OA is time-critical. Previous studies confirmed this expectation, however, due to several limitations in their design it is yet too early to draw any definitive conclusions on the allocation of attentional resources in OA under dual-task conditions. Therefore, attentionally demanding primary and secondary tasks were used with the instruction to perform as well as possible on both tasks. Nineteen healthy senior individuals (60±4.7 years, 8 females) performed an OA task on a treadmill while walking at 3km/h as a single task and combined with an auditory Stroop task. Biceps femoris (BF) muscle response times, OA failure rates and composite scores were used to evaluate the data. Increased OA failure rates (3%, p=0.03) and delayed BF response times (21ms, p<0.001) were found under dual-task conditions. Composite scores were reduced during (p<0.001) and just after obstacle crossing (p=0.003). In conclusion, dual-tasking during time-critical OA affects the motor as well as the cognitive task when subjects are instructed to keep up performance on both tasks. This adds to the evidence indicating an increased risk of tripping or falling when attention is divided during walking in the presence of unexpected obstacles.

Understanding Knowledge, Attitudes, and Beliefs about Parkinson's Disease in the Philadelphia Community - A Cross Cultural Comparison (P06.071)

Objective: To develop strategies for reducing PD treatment disparities, we aimed to understand knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about PD across different racial/ethnic groups. Background Traditionally underserved minorities with Parkinson9s disease (PD) are at an increased risk of delayed PD diagnosis. Of those diagnosed, only a small proportion receives treatment compared to Caucasians. Design/Methods: We conducted ten focus groups of six to eight Caucasian, African-American and Chinese older adults at senior centers in Philadelphia. This was followed by a survey of knowledge and attitudes about PD and PD treatment among senior center members and individuals attending PD support groups as a comparison group. Major themes were identified from the focus groups, and compared by race/ethnicity. ANOVA and chi-square tests were used to assess differences in PD knowledge and attitudes. Potential confounders were controlled for in multivariate regression analyses. Results: Focus group participants included 23 Caucasian, 35 African-American and 16 Chinese older adults while 62 Caucasian, 47 African-American and 45 Chinese individuals completed the survey. Common themes across race/ethnicity about PD were: fear, loss of independence, hopefulness for a cure, and worry about becoming a burden to family. Unique themes were mistrust in the healthcare system and language as barriers to care among African Americans and Chinese, respectively. Significantly more Caucasians (61%) and African-Americans (65%) than Chinese (34%) older adults correctly understood that medications can improve symptoms of PD (p = 0.011). Furthermore, 46% of the Chinese agreed that PD is a natural result of aging, compared to 24% of African Americans and 5.3% of Caucasians (p Conclusions: Overall, knowledge in the community about PD was relatively low across all groups. Several racial/ethnic differences in barriers to care identified in both focus groups and survey responses may partly explain PD treatment disparities. Supported by: The Parkinson Council. Disclosure: Dr. Pan has nothing to disclose. Dr. Stutzbach has nothing to disclose. Dr. Reichwein has nothing to disclose. Dr. Dahodwala has nothing to disclose.

Geriatric Vision Loss Due to Cataracts, Macular Degeneration, and Glaucoma

The major causes of impaired vision in the elderly population of the United States are cataracts, macular degeneration, and open-angle glaucoma. Cataracts and macular degeneration usually reduce central vision, especially reading and near activities, whereas chronic glaucoma characteristically attacks peripheral vision in a silent way, impacting balance, walking, and driving. Untreated, these visual problems lead to issues with regard to taking medications, keeping track of finances and personal information, walking, watching television, and attending the theater, and often create social isolation. Thus, visually impaired individuals enter nursing homes 3 years earlier, have twice the risk of falling, and have 4× the risk of hip fracture. Consequently, many elderly with low vision exercise greater demands on community services. With the prospect of little improvement and sustained visual loss, in the face of poor tolerance of low-vision services and not accepting magnification as the only way to read, clinical depression is common. In many instances, however, early and accurate diagnosis can result in timely treatment and can preserve quality of life. This review will look at current diagnostic and therapeutic considerations. Currently, about 20.5 million people in the United States have cataracts. The number will reach 30 million by 2020. About 1.75 million Americans currently have some form of macular degeneration, and the number is estimated to increase to 2.95 million in 2020. Approximately 2.2 million Americans have glaucoma, and by 2020 that number is estimated to be close to 3.4 million people. It is projected that by 2030 there will be 72.1 million seniors. With some overlap of the above 3 groups conservatively estimated (if you add the 2030 cataract group to the macular degeneration and glaucoma groups), then about 1 in 2 senior individuals by 2030 may have some significant ocular disease, which could account for about 50% of the healthcare budget for the elderly.

Dental Caries Prevalence and Tooth Loss in Chilean Adult Population: First National Dental Examination Survey

The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of dental caries, tooth loss, and risk factors among adult population of Chile. Furthermore, age, gender, and behavioural specific differences in caries prevalence and tooth loss were examined. A national stratified multistage probabilistic sample design in two-age cohorts was applied to the Chilean population. A sample of 1553 adults, comprising 1088 individuals aged 35–44 and 465 senior individuals aged 65–74, were examined. The DMFT was evaluated following WHO recommendations using diagnostic criteria of caries lesions into dentin. The data were analyzed by univariate and multivariate models using logistic regression analyses. Results showed a mean DMFT of 15.06 in the 35–44-year-old group and of 21.57 in the 65–74 group. Factors related to tooth loss in the 35–44 group through univariate logistic regression were depression (OR 1.9 CI 95% 1.26–2.85), education level <12 years (OR 2.24 CI 95% 1.31–3.73), personal income (OR 1.51 CI 95% 1.04–2.19), and familiar income (OR 2.05 CI 95% 1.34–3.13), and through multivariate logistic regression in the same age group were depression (OR 1.93 CI 95% 1.24–3.0), education level <12 years (OR 1.94 CI 95% 1.2–3.14), and familiar income (OR 1.71 CI 95% 1.09–2.68). Factors related to tooth loss in the 65–74-year-old group through univariate logistic regression were education level <12 years (OR 2.54 CI 95% 1.3–4.96) and personal income (OR 1.66 CI 95% 1.05–2.63), and for multivariate logistic regression in the same age group, it was education level <12 years (OR 2.51 CI 95% 1.21–5.18). In conclusion, adult population in Chile showed a high prevalence of dental caries and tooth loss, as age, education level, personal and familiar incomes, and depression are being the main risk factors.

Expression of phosphorylated raf kinase inhibitor protein (pRKIP) is a predictor of lung cancer survival

BackgroundRaf-1 kinase inhibitor protein (RKIP) has been reported to negatively regulate signal kinases of major survival pathways. RKIP activity is modulated in part by phosphorylation on Serine 153 by protein kinase C, which leads to dissociation of RKIP from Raf-1. RKIP expression is low in many human cancers and represents an indicator of poor prognosis and/or induction of metastasis. The prognostic power has typically been based on total RKIP expression and has not considered the significance of phospho-RKIP.MethodsThe present study examined the expression levels of both RKIP and phospho-RKIP in human lung cancer tissue microarray proteomics technology.ResultsTotal RKIP and phospho-RKIP expression levels were similar in normal and cancerous tissues. phospho-RKIP levels slightly decreased in metastatic lesions. However, the expression levels of phospho-RKIP, in contrast to total RKIP, displayed significant predictive power for outcome with normal expression of phospho-RKIP predicting a more favorable survival compared to lower levels (P = 0.0118); this was even more pronounced in more senior individuals and in those with early stage lung cancer.ConclusionsThis study examines for the first time, the expression profile of RKIP and phospho-RKIP in lung cancer. Significantly, we found that phospho-RKIP was a predictive indicator of survival.

Sex and Race Effects on Risk for Selected Outcomes among Elderly HIV-Infected Patients

The HIV-infected population in the United States is aging. A retrospective study of 132 patients (26 women, 106 men) ≥59 years of age was undertaken to evaluate the effect of race and sex on selected outcomes. With the exception of women being more likely to have diagnosis of depression compared with men, sex had little influence on risk for other conditions among elderly patients with HIV. In contrast, African American race was significantly associated with the risk for several selected disorders and outcomes. These results can assist in future prevention efforts among senior individuals with HIV infection.