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Purpose: To investigate the role of percutaneous transhepatic cholangial drainage (PTCD) combined with percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy (PEJ) in maintaining the nutrition state in patients with advanced ampullary neoplasms.Materials and Methods: Sixty patients who suffered from advanced ampullary neoplasms and could not tolerate internal drainage operation or biliary stent placement were enrolled. After PTCD, PEJ was implemented, and then the enteral nutrient solution + bile were instilled through PEJ tube for enteral nutrition support. Before and 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks after surgery, the body weight, bilirubin, liver function, nutritional status, and immunologic function indexes were detected and compared.Results: All patients had successfully completed PTCD combined with PEJ, and no serious complication occurred. The body mass index of the patients from 4 weeks after surgery was significantly higher than before (P < 0.05). From 2 weeks, both serum total bilirubin and direct bilirubin levels were significantly lower than before (P < 0.05). From 1 week, both alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels were significantly lower than before (P < 0.05); from 2 weeks, the level of gamma-glutamyl transferase was significantly lower than before (P < 0.05). From 1 week, the levels of albumin, transferrin, and prealbumin were significantly increased compared with before (P < 0.05), and serum CD3+ cell content, CD4+ cell content, and CD4+/CD8+ ratio were significantly improved compared with before (P < 0.05).Conclusion: PTCD combined with PEJ is a safe and effective method for maintaining nutrition state in patients with advanced ampullary neoplasms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study examined whether practicing Tai Chi (TC) along with music can maximize the effects of TC on compliance and fall-related risk factors (Dynamic Gait Index and fear of falling). Design: A convenient sample was recruited in a community senior center. Eighteen women aged 50 to 84 years (9 White, 9 Black) were block randomly assigned to a TC in silence (TC + S; n = 6) or a TC with music (TC + M; n = 12) class. Method: Thirteen participants (4 in TC + S group, 9 in TC + M group) with completed pre- and posttests were included in the final analysis. Paired t tests were conducted to examine changes within groups over time and analysis of covariance was used to assess group differences. Findings: After 15 weeks of intervention, balance increased in both groups with significantly higher benefits in the TC + M group (p < .05). Fear of falling scores improved in TC + M group and compliance rate was higher in this group. Conclusions: Practicing TC + M may help increase adherence in White and Black middle-aged and older women, and maximize the effects of TC on fall-related risk factors. Studies with more rigorous study design, including musical considerations, are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This pilot study sought to explore the impact of adding music to t'ai chi practice in older women. Materials and Methods: Eighteen active older women (nine Caucasian, nine African American) were assigned to either the t'ai chi-silence (control) or the t'ai chi-music (experimental) class and were interviewed before and after a 15-week t'ai chi program. All classes, interviews, and tests were conducted at an older adult activity center in a U.S. metropolitan city. All classes were held in a well-lit exercise studio with a solid-wood floor, mirrored wall, and sound system. T'ai chi classes using a modified 24-form Yang Style were held for one hour per week. One group was conducted in silence, while the other used the same Western music only during rehearsal of previously learned class material. Interviews emphasized participants' experience and perceived health benefits from t'ai chi. Interviews were conducted, transcribed, coded, and analyzed for code co-occurrence, relationships, and association using modified grounded theory. Results: Both groups self-reported improved balance and described the importance of the social aspect of t'ai chi. Analysis revealed that participants in the t'ai chi-music group discussed mental health in tandem with music, spontaneously mentioned spirituality, and had a higher compliance than the t'ai chi-silence group. Conclusions: This study showed that t'ai chi practice with music associates positively with older women's mental and physical health experience. Also, t'ai chi programs contribute to increased social interactions among older adults, a critical aspect of healthy aging. Further study is needed regarding t'ai chi practice among older adults, including musical parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To examine racial/ethnic/immigration disparities in health and to investigate the relationships among race/ethnic/immigration status, delayed health care, and health of the elderly. Design and Sample: Responses from 13,508 people aged 65 and above were analyzed based on the California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) 2011–2012. Measures: Key variables include race/ethnicity/immigration status, health outcome, and delayed health care. Age, gender, education, work status, and annual family income are used as covariates. Results: The findings indicate that Whites (regardless of country of birth) and U.S.‐born Asians enjoy better health than Latinos, African‐Americans, and Foreign‐born Asians. Foreign‐born Asians and foreign‐born Latinos have the poorest self‐reported health and mental health, respectively. Delayed use of health care is negatively associated with both self‐reported health and mental health status. Conclusions: Health disparities exist among older adult populations; the combined effects of minority and immigrant status can be approximated from the results in this study. Health care accessibility and the quality of care should be promoted in minority/immigrant populations. Public health nurses have a strong potential to aide in reducing health disparities among an aging American population that continues to exhibit increasing racial/ethnic diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction is presented in which the authors discuss articles in the special issue on topics including clinical social work education, the experiences of social work students, and Covid-19 pandemic-related stress.

An introduction is provided to the special issue on the theme of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on social work education and clinical social work.

Purpose After testing the capacity of Kessler's psychological distress (K6) scale to measure equally across low-income Mexican-born women (n = 881) and U.S.-born women of Mexican descent (n = 317), this study assesses the impact of acculturation on this group's psychological distress. Methods We employ descriptive and confirmatory factor analyses to test the cross-cultural equivalence of K6. Multivariate and logistic regression is used to test the association between acculturation and psychological distress among low-income, Mexican-American women. Results The cross-cultural equivalence analysis shows that some of the scale's items have the capacity to measure psychological distress equally among participants. Regression results indicate that the more acculturated these women become, the greater their psychological distress is. Conclusion The study recommends that researchers emphasize the cross-cultural equivalence of their measures and suggests a heightened awareness among practitioners of the multidimensional impact of acculturation on clients of Mexican descent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]