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Objective To examine self-rated health and activities of daily living (ADLs) limitations among American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) veterans relative to white veterans. Methods We use the 2010 National Survey of Veterans and limit the sample to veterans who identify as AI/AN or non-Hispanic white. We calculated descriptive statistics, confidence intervals, and used logistic regression. Results AI/AN veterans are younger, have lower levels of income, and have higher levels of exposure to combat and environmental hazards compared to white veterans. We found that AI/AN veterans are significantly more likely to report fair/poor health controlling for socioeconomic status and experience an ADL controlling for age, health behaviors, socioeconomic status, and military factors. Discussion The results indicate that AI/AN veterans are a disadvantaged population in terms of their health and disability compared to white veterans. AI/AN veterans may require additional support from family members and/or Veteran Affairs to address ADLs.Objective This study examines the association of cultural participation and social engagement with self-reported diagnosis of memory problems among older American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs). Method We conducted a cross-sectional study of 14,827 AI/ANs using data from the 2014-2017 cycle of the Identifying Our Needs A Survey of Elders (ION). Logistic regression was used to examine the association of cultural participation and social engagement with self-reported diagnosis of memory problems. Results Compared to older AI/ANs who reported high cultural participation and/or high social engagement, those characterized by low cultural participation and/or low social engagement exhibited significantly higher odds of a self-reported diagnosis of memory problems (OR = 1.863, 95% CI [1.269, 2.734], p = .001). Discussion Older AI/ANs who described either or both low cultural participation and low social engagement endorsed far more self-reported diagnoses of memory problems, suggesting a strong association that warrants further study for potential causality.Objectives To describe recent advances in our knowledge regarding the health and illness of older American Indians and Alaska Natives, and factors underlying why this special population lives 5.5 years less than the 78.5 years of U.S. all races. Methods The articles in this supplemental issue, authored by participants in a National Institutes of Health-sponsored early research career development program, examine high priority health concerns that contribute to the increased risk of Native elders for chronic disease and resulting impairment that compromise their life expectancy. Results Important insights into the roles that racial discrimination, food security, hypertension, alcohol consumption, memory problems, and military service play in the health and well-being of older American Indians and Alaska Natives. Discussion Early career faculty development programs focused on increasing the diversity of the scientific workforce not only promote greater racial and ethnic minority representation in the field of aging, but can simultaneously add to the knowledge base regarding the health status and function of often ignored, vulnerable older members of communities that suffer significant health disparities.Objectives American Indians (AIs) generally consume less alcohol than the US general population; however, the prevalence of alcohol use disorder is higher. This is the first large cohort study to examine binge drinking as a risk factor for vascular brain injury (VBI). Methods We used linear and Poisson regression to examine the association of self-reported binge drinking with VBI, measured via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), in 817 older AIs who participated in the Strong Heart and Cerebrovascular Disease and Its Consequences in American Indians studies. Results Any binge drinking at multiple time-points was associated with increased sulcal (β = 0.360, 95% CI [0.079, 0.641]) and ventricle dilatation (β = 0.512, 95% CI [0.174, 0.850]) compared to no binge drinking. Discussion These observed associations are consistent with previous findings. Identifying how binge drinking may contribute to VBI in older AIs may suggest modifiable health behaviors for neurological risk reduction and disease prevention.Objectives To examine age differences in the association between discrimination and depressive symptoms among urban American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN). selleck chemicals llc Methods A sample of 303 urban AI/AN (18-78 years old) reported on lifetime and past-week experiences of racial discrimination and depressive symptoms. Depressive symptoms were regressed on racial discrimination, age, and their interaction, adjusting for demographic factors and other life stressors. Results Lifetime and past-week discrimination were significantly associated with depressive symptoms, and these associations were stronger among younger than older adult AI/AN. Discussion The results are consistent with prior reports in other populations, but this is the first such study to focus on AI/AN, and it highlights the importance of considering life course perspectives. Conclusions are limited by the cross-sectional nature of the data. Longitudinal and qualitative work is needed to understand why discrimination may have a stronger effect on mental health for younger than older AI/AN.Petrified pinna is clinically characterized by an unbending rigid stone hard ear. Usually, the majority of the patients are asymptomatic but occasionally may experience pain from local pressure while sleeping. This uncommon condition is reported to be in association with local trauma, hypothermia, inflammation, and several life-threatening endocrine and systemic diseases. Awareness and knowledge to identify this entity is essential as it might be helpful in treating several systemic conditions and thus any untoward events.

Up to 40% of the domestic feline population is overweight or obese. Obesity in cats leads to insulin resistance via multiple mechanisms, with each excess kilogram of body weight resulting in a 30% decline in insulin sensitivity. Obese, insulin-resistant cats with concurrent beta-cell dysfunction are at risk of progression to overt diabetes mellitus.

In cats that develop diabetes, appropriate treatment includes dietary modification to achieve ideal body condition (for reduction of insulin resistance), and optimization of diet composition and insulin therapy (for glycemic control and the chance of diabetic remission). Initially, as many obese cats that become diabetic will have lost a significant amount of weight and muscle mass by the time of presentation, some degree of diabetic control should be attempted with insulin before initiating any caloric restriction. Once body weight has stabilized, if further weight loss is needed, a diet with ≤ 12-15% carbohydrate metabolizable energy (ME) and >40% protein ME should be fed at 80% of resting energy requirement for ideal weight, with the goal of 0.