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Background: We reviewed our entire programmatic operative experience with children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) and related malformations. Methods: As of October 1, 2007, 239 patients with HLHS and related malformations underwent surgical treatment at the Congenital Heart Institute of Florida. This manuscript focuses on the 199 initially treated with Norwood stage 1. Results: One hundred and ninety-nine patients were initially treated with Norwood stage 1. Univariate analysis demonstrated the following significant predictors of mortality: right ventricular dominance (p = 0.0023), mechanical circulatory support before stage 1 (p = 0.0192), and significant noncardiac abnormality or syndrome, including Down syndrome, Turner syndrome, heterotaxy, asplenia, polysplenia, biliary atresia, or other chromosomal abnormality (p < 0.0001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed the presence of a significant noncardiac abnormality or syndrome or prematurity less than 35 weeks or mechanical circulatory support before stage 1 to be a significant predictor of mortality (p < 0.0001). Over the 14 years of this patient series, survival for the 157 “low-risk” patients managed with Norwood staged palliation (those patients without significant noncardiac abnormality or syndrome or prematurity less than 35 weeks or mechanical circulatory support prior to Stage 1) was 86%, 80%, and 69% at 30 days after Stage 1, hospital discharge after Stage 1, and 1 year of after Stage 1, respectively. Conclusions: Several treatment options are available for HLHS and related malformations. The appropriate treatment strategy must be matched to the individual patient, taking into consideration anatomic variables as well as other patient-specific characteristics. The majority of patients with HLHS and related malformations can undergo successful staged palliation with risk that varies according to several documented anatomic and patient-specific variables. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

whether a related child can be cared for at home depends primarily on the ability of his or her family to function as primary caretakers. Not surprisingly, then, the rate at which retarded children are deinstitutionalized is being slowed by this country's failure to emphasize programs that are supportive of these children's families. After examining the discrepancy between the needs of families with retarded children and services currently being provided, the author proposes various changes in policy to increase assistance and support to the family as a unit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the ruling from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) which removes the wolves from endangered species lists. It cites that the rule has allowed hunting, trapping and lethal control of wolves which eat livestock, deer or elk even without license. It is noted that states are also required to maintain 100 wolves and 10 breeding pairs in an effort to control and recover their population. It is expressed that ranchers, farmers and hunters despise wolves because they compete with livestock and pets. Meanwhile, the state of Idaho plans to hunt 700 wolves in high conflict areas.

Describes the controversy regarding the Kennewick Man, a 9300-year-old skeleton found near Kennewick, Washington. Importance of skeleton for archaeology; Lawsuit by eight anthropologists against the Army Corps of Engineers over the right to study Kennewick Man; The 1990 Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and its bearing on primitive American research; Security measures taken for Kennewick Man; More. INSET: Kennewick Man's contemporaries.

Reports on the impact of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act on North American anthropology and archeology. Return of skeletons, funerary and sacred objects of importance to Native American Indian tribes and Native Hawaiians; Notification by museums, universities and federal agencies to tribes of items in collections; Cut-off of scientists from research data. INSET: State laws provide a glimpse of the future..

The article discusses the "Final Revised Steller Sea Lion Recovery Plan." This report, compiled and summarized by a team of scientists at the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), identifies three of the most likely causes of the problems of Steller sea lions. The plan states that fishing can be considered a very high threat to the recovery of the creatures. It suggests that experimentally closing specific areas of Alaska to fishing is the best means of determining whether the fishing industry affects and hurts the sea lions.

The article reports on the significance of the wolves in the regeneration of Aspen trees in the Yellowstone National Park in the U.S. According to a study conducted by ecologist William Ripple and Eric Larsen, the wolves' presence in the park have provided security to the trees from being eaten by the elk. The said research has been performed after the two researchers have found the causes of such problems. Moreover, they stresses that the wolves which killed elk has lowered its population, thus increasing the population of willows, cottonwoods, and aspen trees.

The article discusses the features of the "block grants," which is linked to the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 by Congress. The action taken by Congress in 1981 created nine "blocks" by consolidating ninety-two health and education programs that had previously been funded separately. Each of these blocks has some restrictions on the types of services that may be provided. In the alcohol, drug and mental health block grant, each of the major service groupings is to receive the same proportion of funds as would have been received under categorical funding. Congress specified further restrictions an how the substance abuse and mental health shares of the block may be used. The substance abuse portion of the funds must be allocated by the state so that not less than 35 percent is used for alcohol abuse programs, not less than 35 percent for drug-programs, and not less than 20 percent for prevention and early intervention programs to discourage abuse of alcohol and other drugs. Local agencies must be aware of local and state political actions and trends.

Focuses on Oregon's pioneering health care rationing plan and the impact that this plan could have in other states that are drawing up plans. The administration's rejection of the proposal; Description of Oregon's plan; How it deviated from federal Medicaid laws.

Describes the controversy surrounding the bones of Kennewick Man, the oldest human from the Pacific Northwest. Addition of partial rib to skeleton; History of fight over skeleton between the Army Corps of Engineers, scientists, the Umatilla Tribe and the Asatru, a group of Norse pagans; Rib found by archaeologist James Chatters; Recent research; Skeleton 90 to 95 percent complete.

What do female satin bowerbirds want? It's a puzzle that the males of this species face every Australian spring, when the choosy ladies make their rounds, evaluating the males' efforts to impress through their elaborately decorated mating arenas, or bowers, and their dances and songs. Eventually, each female mates with one male—presumably one that she's judged to be the best. Behavioral ecologist and graduate student Seth Coleman and his colleagues at the University of Maryland, College Park, show that the males are actually sending messages to two different audiences: young, inexperienced females and older, wiser ones.

Part II. Profiles various scientific researchers who have made their way to positions as science advisors and science policy makers. Jack Fellows' position at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB); Eric Flamm's position with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA); Pros and cons of being a scientist in an advisory position.

Part I. Looks at the growing number of young scientists in the United States who are leaving the lab to climb the corporate ladder. Benefit of additional business skills from the move; Usefulness of their specialized training in business.

Features BioQUEST, a computer software developed by John Jungck, a molecular evolutionist in Beloit College in Wisconsin. History; Compatibility; Capabilities.

Focuses on scientists turning into entrepreneurs. What the customer wants; Need for more than one idea; Asking the experts; Need for sound planning; Finding the money.

Reports on a canopy crane project for scientists' study of life in the treetops in light of logging cutbacks instituted to protect endangered species in the Olympic Peninsula in Washington. Ecologist Jerry F. Franklin as prime mover of project; In-depth look at a northern old-growth forest canopy; Opposition to the project.