The association of APOE genotypes with cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) was examined on the basis of the location of CMBs in 414 patients who were admitted primarily because of stroke. With respect to possession of the epsilon2 or epsilon4 allele, the adjusted odds ratio was 1.94 (1.05 to 3.58) for lobar CMBs but 1.21 (0.69 to 2.11) for nonlobar CMBs. This suggests that the pathogenesis of CMBs may differ depending on their location.

Genetic variability might contribute to species specificity of prion diseases in various organisms. In this study, structures of the prion protein gene (PRNP) and its amino acids were compared among species of which sequence data were available. Comparisons of PRNP DNA sequences among 12 species including human, chimpanzee, monkey, bovine, ovine, dog, mouse, rat, wallaby, opossum, chicken and zebrafish allowed us to identify candidate regulatory regions in intron 1 and 3'-untranslated region (UTR) in addition to the coding region. Highly conserved putative binding sites for transcription factors, such as heat shock factor 2 (HSF2) and myocite enhancer factor 2 (MEF2), were discovered in the intron 1. In 3'-UTR, the functional sequence (ATTAAA) for nucleus-specific polyadenylation was found in all the analysed species. The functional sequence (TTTTTAT) for maturation-specific polyadenylation was identically observed only in ovine, and one or two nucleotide mismatches in the other species. A comparison of the amino acid sequences in 53 species revealed a large sequence identity. Especially the octapeptide repeat region was observed in all the species but frog and zebrafish. Functional changes and susceptibility to prion diseases with various isoforms of prion protein could be caused by numeric variability and conformational changes discovered in the repeat sequences.

in challenge-skill balanced activities than in underchallenging or overchallenging activities, F(2,392)=133.42, p<.001, partial eta-squared=.405 for HAP emotions; and F(2,392)=139.92, p <.001, partial eta-squared=.417 for LAP emotions. In addition, although older adults experienced less frequent HAP emotions than younger adults in underchallenging and overchallenging activities, such affective difference was not observed in balanced activities. These findings are consistent with flow theory that challenge-skill balance is associated with high frequencies of HAP and LAP emotions among both older and younger adults. More important, engagement in sufficient but not overwhelming challenges can offset the differences in HAP emotions between younger and older adults. The study provides insight to older adults and those who serve this population on the importance of older adults maintaining sufficiently challenging activities to maximize their positive emotional experience. SUICIDE AMONG THE ELDERLY IN KOREA:A META-ANALYSIS J. Lee, J. Yang, J. Lyu, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, Korea (the Republic of) Elderly suicide is a major public health issue in South Korea. The aim of this study was to systematically examine the current knowledge about suicidal ideation among Korean older adults with specific focus on risk and preventive factors. In order to achieve this aim, a meta-analysis was conducted using Korean academic peer-reviewed journals published since 2001. A total of 97 articles were selected that met the research criteria (e.g., original study findings and key words of suicidal ideation, suicidal thought, and suicide). Three domains were identified and used for further analysis: individual, family, and society. Results showed that among individual factors, depression and burden or stress increased the risk of suicidal ideation, while better mental health reduced the risk of suicidal ideation. Among family factors, living alone was a risk factor for suicidal ideation, while family cohesion was a preventive factor for suicidal ideation. Among social factors, elderly discrimination, social isolation, and negative relationships were significant risk factors, while social support, social environment, and social activities were significant preventive factors affecting suicidal ideation. The results suggest several practical implications for developing suicide prevention programs and counseling approaches to address suicidal ideation. For example, depression and stress can be reduced by MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction) program where meditation is used as a coping strategy. In addition, counseling programs specifically focused on improving family and social relations should be implemented. Government should continuously support for these programs to prevent suicide among older Koreans. Self-reports of cognitive problems are required for the clinical diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Identifying factors affecting subjective evaluations of cognition is essential to the early recognition of...