Predictors of condom use behaviour among male street labourers in urban Vietnam using a modified Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills (IMB) model

HIV risk in vulnerable groups such as itinerant male street labourers is often examined via a focus on individual determinants. This study provides a test of a modified Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills (IMB) model to predict condom use behaviour among male street workers in urban Vietnam. In a cross-sectional survey using a social mapping technique, 450 male street labourers from 13 districts of Hanoi, Vietnam were recruited and interviewed. Collected data were first examined for completeness; structural equation modelling was then employed to test the model fit. Condoms were used inconsistently by many of these men, and usage varied in relation to a number of factors. A modified IMB model had a better fit than the original IMB model in predicting condom use behaviour. This modified model accounted for 49% of the variance, versus 10% by the original version. In the modified model, the influence of psychosocial factors was moderately high, whilst the influence of HIV prevention information, motivation and perceived behavioural skills was moderately low, explaining in part the limited level of condom use behaviour. This study provides insights into social factors that should be taken into account in public health planning to promote safer sexual behaviour among Asian male street labourers.     

Zolpidem induced nocturnal sleep‐related eating disorder (NSRED) in a male patient

Nocturnal Sleep‐Related Eating Disorder (NSRED) is a well‐documented sleeping disorder where the person is reported to experience bizarre eating behavior during sleep. Although various causes are implicated in this disorder, role of drugs cannot be ruled out. Here we narrate an interesting rare case report of a drug‐induced new onset NSRED, where a 45‐year‐old man on zolipdem performed an unexpected and bizarre eating behavior during somnambulistic state, type of which has not been reported earlier in the literature. The case falls under even rarer category as such behavior in sleep is reported mainly in woman. © 2008 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2009     

152例老年高血压病的诊治体会

目的:观察中西医结合治疗老年高血压的疗效。方法:将152例老年高血压患者随机分成两组,对照组76例采用西药治疗,治疗组76例除用西药治疗外辅助中药治疗。结果:治疗组显效30例,有效44例,总有效率97.4%;对照组显效24例,有效40例,总有效率为84.2%。结论:中西医结合治疗老年高血压有较好的疗效。     

Effects of some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug copper complexes on polymorphonuclear leukocyte oxidative metabolism

Interaction between anti-inflammatory drugs and reactive oxygen metabolites must be considered in the course of pharmacological studies intended to develop new compounds. Effects of indomethacin, aspirin, and 3,5-diisopropylsalicylic acid (3,5-DIPS) and their copper complexes on PMNL oxidative metabolism and the evolution of an acute inflammatory reaction were studied in the rat. Experiments were performed in vitro by assessment of superoxide generation and reduction of chemiluminescence by PMNLs incubated or not (control) in medium containing various concentrations of these compounds. A dose-related decrease of these parameters was observed, however, copper complexes were found to be more effective than their parent drugs or Cu gluconate. Copper complexes were also more effective anti-inflammatory agents than their parent ligands or Cu gluconate when the volume of exudate and number of exudate PMNLs were assessed after induction of pleurisy in rats by injection of isologous serum. It is concluded that modulation of the PMNL oxidative burst by copper complexes offers an accounting for the anti-inflammatory activity of these compounds.     

水稻亚种间杂种优势利用研究

本试验探讨了华南双季稻区利用亚种同杂种优势的特点和问题,结果表明:当前,两系亚种问杂种一代主要存在的问题是结实率低和谷草比低;籼粳交杂种易受环境条件的影响;每穗实粒数和单株有效穗数是决定单株产量的重要因子;每穗实粒数增加的关键在于结实率的提高,本文还就提高结实率和谷草比等问题提出了意见。     

A Biomechanical Double Sac (Pericardium-Pebax) for Specially Shaped Artificial Ventricles: A Computerized Study to Evaluate Its Mechanical and Volumetric Properties

Abstract: For original ovoid shaped artificial ventricles. a biomechanical double sac consisting of a biological sac (porcine pericardium) as the blood contact interface and a synthetic sac (Pebax 3533) as the mechanical support to assume systolic-diastolic dynamic constraints was conceived. The volumetric and mechanical properties were assessed with a three-dimensional modeling of Pebax sacs and computerized simulations of their systolic distortions for both right and left ventricular configurations. The stresses and strains of these sacs were represented as quantitative mappings for a maximum end-systolic state and were below the respective threshold values above which the Pebax material is jeopardized for permanent structure impairment. After fatigue tests applied on Pebax strips under the alleged working conditions of Pebax sacs, the material structure was unchanged and maintained its intrinsic mechanical properties. The theoretical maximum stroke volumes were 74.4 cm³ and 62.4 cm for the left and right ventricular configurations, respectively. With these mechanical and volumetric features, the biomechanical double sac concept was considered valid and could be provided for a consequent specific total artificial heart.