Studying clinical feature and some risk factors of depressive disorders and depressive levels by the test Beck in 41 patients from war-veterans with different organic diseases, the authors made the following comments: clinical pictures of depressive disorders in these patients were very variable. Clinical symptoms usually presented with higher frequency in patients with more organic disease such as worries (65.85%), exhaustion after minimal effort (78.05%), diminished appetite (59.54%), insomnia (60.97%), lack or loss of sexual desire (87.8%)... Risk factors such as bad social customs made up 17.07% (alcoholism, superstitions, gambling...), consequences of war (29.27%), widowhood (14.63%)... weren't favorable psychosocial factors for depressive disorders in war-veterans with organic diseases. Mild and moderate depressive levels made up 60.97% and severe depressions were 7.32%.
Depressive Disorder ; diagnosis

Background: A/H5N1 influenza virus spreads from birds to humans and cause influenza diseases with high mortality rate. Vaccination is the most effective way to protect communities from pandemic, reduce morbidity and mortality. The study of creating A/H5N1 influenza vaccines in conformity with Vietnam was the urgent need. Institute of Vaccine\u2019s Achievement (IVAC) studied production of inactivated influenza vaccine for human on egg-grown from reassortants NIBRG-14. Objectives: In order to produce experimentally A/H5N1 influenza vaccine for human in accordance with WHO requirements and set up a viable process for production of the vaccines. Subjects and method: 10 days embryonated eggs and NIBRG-14 strains were served to the study with LAL method to check endotoxin, Kijehdal method to test total protein. Results: IVAC had produced successfully 5 lots of absorbed vaccine A/H5N1 (FLUVAC) using NIBRG-14 strains and embryonated eggs. Initially, production and quality control processes had been set up at IVAC by applying the recommendations of WHO. Conclusion: The success of the study was a basis of the approval of the government to establish a influenza vaccine manufacturing facilities.
Influenza A Virus ; H5N1 Subtype ; Influenza Vaccines ; Humans ; Eggs

Background: Sodium bicarbonate is highly alkaline and may be helpful in relieving symptoms of gout. Sodium bicarbonate helps to adjust your body's pH level, slightly creating an alkaline-forming state that lessens the likelihood of gout attacks. We can prepare sodium bicarbonate in several ways to treat gout symptoms. Objective: To examine the efficacy of sodium bicarbonate for treatment of gout. Subjects and method: A study was conducted in 54 patients with gout at Department of Rheumatology of Bach Mai hospital, from September 2006 to March 2007. Patients were divided into two groups, group 1 included 29 patients treated with intravenous sodium bicarbonate and group 2 included 25 patients treated with oral sodium bicarbonate. This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study. Results: No significant changes showed between serum uric acid level, 24-hour urine uric acid level at before and after treatment in 2 groups. Gout patients with renal failure had increased level of 24-hour urine uric acid after treatment (p < 0.05). There were significantly increased level of urine volume, urine pH and decreased level of urine specific gravity after treatment. The effect of sodium bicarbonate was not different between intravenous usage and oral usage. Conclusion: Sodium bicarbonate could change urine environment, limit crystallization of urine uric acid of gout patients.
Gout/ therapy

Objective: To investigate antidiabetic and antioxidant activities of the extract and fractions from Vietnamese red seaweed Laurencia dendroidea. Methods: The seaweed Laurencia dendroidea was extracted by using microwave-assisted extraction method in 80％ methanol. The seaweed extract was then fractionated using different solvents (n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, butanol and water). These obtained fractions were evaluated for α-glucosidase inhibitory and antioxidant activities. Antioxidant activities were tested using DPPH, nitric oxide radical scavenging and metal chelating assays. The enzyme inhibition mode was determined using Lineweaver-Burk plot. For acidic and thermal stabilities, the ethyl acetate fraction was treated at pH 2.0 and 100 ℃, respectively. The residual inhibitory activity of the fraction was calculated based on the initial inhibitory activity. For in vivo antidiabetic activity, mice were divided into four groups, including normal control, diabetic control, diabetic mice treated with ethyl acetate fraction and diabetic mice treated with gliclazide. Blood glucose level of treated mice during acute and prolonged treatments was measured. To evaluate the toxicity of the ethyl acetate fraction, the body weight changes and activities of liver function enzymes (aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase and gammaglutamyl transferase) were carried out. Results: The extract of Laurencia dendroidea showed strong α-glucosidase inhibitory and DPPH radical scavenging activities. Methanolic concentrations affected both α-glucosidase inhibitory and antioxidant activities. A 80％ aqueous methanol was the suitable solvent for extraction of enzyme inhibitors and antioxidants. Among solvent fractions, ethyl acetate fraction had the highest inhibitory activities against α-glucosidase with a mixed type of inhibition and the strongest antioxidant activities, and was stable under acidic and thermal conditions. The ethyl acetate fraction treated diabetic mice significantly reduced blood glucose level compared with the diabetic control group (13.16 mmol/L vs. 22.75 mmol/L after 3 hours of treatment). Oral administration of ethyl acetate fraction did not exhibit toxicity at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight as determined by body weight changes and liver biochemical parameters. Conclusions: Laurencia dendroidea could be a potential source for production of antidiabetic and antioxidative agents.

South Korea currently has the lowest fertility rate among Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development countries, with a total fertility rate of less than one child per woman. This study explored the factors influencing future fertility intentions (FFI) among Korean women of childbearing age. Methods: Using a cross-sectional design, we analyzed data from the 2022 Survey on Low Birth Policy Demand in Seoul, conducted by the Seoul Women and Family Foundation. This study focused on women of childbearing age. Bivariate analyses and a multivariate logistic regression model were employed to investigate the FFI rate and its associated factors. Results: The observed overall FFI rate among Korean women of childbearing age was 25.6%, with rates of 27.9% among unmarried women, and 22.0% among married women. Factors associated with FFI included education level, employment status, weekly working hours, number of children, age at first sexual education, monthly income, and perspectives on marriage, childbearing, and gender inequality. High FFI rates were noted among self-employed individuals (33.3%); those who received sexual education in adulthood (48.6%), those who believed in having children after marriage (44.0%), those who thought children strengthen relationships (32.5%), and those who perceived gender equality in family or workplace culture (31.7%). Conclusion: This study assessed the FFI rate among Korean women of childbearing age, identifying the sociodemographic characteristics and perspectives on marriage, childbearing, and gender inequality that influence it. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and nurses to engage with women and increase birth rates in Seoul and throughout South Korea.

South Korea currently has the lowest fertility rate among Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development countries, with a total fertility rate of less than one child per woman. This study explored the factors influencing future fertility intentions (FFI) among Korean women of childbearing age. Methods: Using a cross-sectional design, we analyzed data from the 2022 Survey on Low Birth Policy Demand in Seoul, conducted by the Seoul Women and Family Foundation. This study focused on women of childbearing age. Bivariate analyses and a multivariate logistic regression model were employed to investigate the FFI rate and its associated factors. Results: The observed overall FFI rate among Korean women of childbearing age was 25.6%, with rates of 27.9% among unmarried women, and 22.0% among married women. Factors associated with FFI included education level, employment status, weekly working hours, number of children, age at first sexual education, monthly income, and perspectives on marriage, childbearing, and gender inequality. High FFI rates were noted among self-employed individuals (33.3%); those who received sexual education in adulthood (48.6%), those who believed in having children after marriage (44.0%), those who thought children strengthen relationships (32.5%), and those who perceived gender equality in family or workplace culture (31.7%). Conclusion: This study assessed the FFI rate among Korean women of childbearing age, identifying the sociodemographic characteristics and perspectives on marriage, childbearing, and gender inequality that influence it. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and nurses to engage with women and increase birth rates in Seoul and throughout South Korea.

South Korea currently has the lowest fertility rate among Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development countries, with a total fertility rate of less than one child per woman. This study explored the factors influencing future fertility intentions (FFI) among Korean women of childbearing age. Methods: Using a cross-sectional design, we analyzed data from the 2022 Survey on Low Birth Policy Demand in Seoul, conducted by the Seoul Women and Family Foundation. This study focused on women of childbearing age. Bivariate analyses and a multivariate logistic regression model were employed to investigate the FFI rate and its associated factors. Results: The observed overall FFI rate among Korean women of childbearing age was 25.6%, with rates of 27.9% among unmarried women, and 22.0% among married women. Factors associated with FFI included education level, employment status, weekly working hours, number of children, age at first sexual education, monthly income, and perspectives on marriage, childbearing, and gender inequality. High FFI rates were noted among self-employed individuals (33.3%); those who received sexual education in adulthood (48.6%), those who believed in having children after marriage (44.0%), those who thought children strengthen relationships (32.5%), and those who perceived gender equality in family or workplace culture (31.7%). Conclusion: This study assessed the FFI rate among Korean women of childbearing age, identifying the sociodemographic characteristics and perspectives on marriage, childbearing, and gender inequality that influence it. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and nurses to engage with women and increase birth rates in Seoul and throughout South Korea.

South Korea currently has the lowest fertility rate among Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development countries, with a total fertility rate of less than one child per woman. This study explored the factors influencing future fertility intentions (FFI) among Korean women of childbearing age. Methods: Using a cross-sectional design, we analyzed data from the 2022 Survey on Low Birth Policy Demand in Seoul, conducted by the Seoul Women and Family Foundation. This study focused on women of childbearing age. Bivariate analyses and a multivariate logistic regression model were employed to investigate the FFI rate and its associated factors. Results: The observed overall FFI rate among Korean women of childbearing age was 25.6%, with rates of 27.9% among unmarried women, and 22.0% among married women. Factors associated with FFI included education level, employment status, weekly working hours, number of children, age at first sexual education, monthly income, and perspectives on marriage, childbearing, and gender inequality. High FFI rates were noted among self-employed individuals (33.3%); those who received sexual education in adulthood (48.6%), those who believed in having children after marriage (44.0%), those who thought children strengthen relationships (32.5%), and those who perceived gender equality in family or workplace culture (31.7%). Conclusion: This study assessed the FFI rate among Korean women of childbearing age, identifying the sociodemographic characteristics and perspectives on marriage, childbearing, and gender inequality that influence it. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and nurses to engage with women and increase birth rates in Seoul and throughout South Korea.

South Korea currently has the lowest fertility rate among Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development countries, with a total fertility rate of less than one child per woman. This study explored the factors influencing future fertility intentions (FFI) among Korean women of childbearing age. Methods: Using a cross-sectional design, we analyzed data from the 2022 Survey on Low Birth Policy Demand in Seoul, conducted by the Seoul Women and Family Foundation. This study focused on women of childbearing age. Bivariate analyses and a multivariate logistic regression model were employed to investigate the FFI rate and its associated factors. Results: The observed overall FFI rate among Korean women of childbearing age was 25.6%, with rates of 27.9% among unmarried women, and 22.0% among married women. Factors associated with FFI included education level, employment status, weekly working hours, number of children, age at first sexual education, monthly income, and perspectives on marriage, childbearing, and gender inequality. High FFI rates were noted among self-employed individuals (33.3%); those who received sexual education in adulthood (48.6%), those who believed in having children after marriage (44.0%), those who thought children strengthen relationships (32.5%), and those who perceived gender equality in family or workplace culture (31.7%). Conclusion: This study assessed the FFI rate among Korean women of childbearing age, identifying the sociodemographic characteristics and perspectives on marriage, childbearing, and gender inequality that influence it. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and nurses to engage with women and increase birth rates in Seoul and throughout South Korea.

Background: Depression is a mental disorder common worldwide. This study determined the relationships between demographics, health status, household parameters, and depression rates among working-age household heads. Methods: We analyzed data from the Korea Welfare Panel Study Survey conducted in 2020. The 11-item version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale was used to assess depression. Bivariate analyses and a multiple logistic regression model were used to evaluate the influence of these factors on depression among household heads. Results: The overall prevalence of depression among working-age household heads was 11.69% (19.83% of females and 9.58% of males). The relative risk of depression was 1.71 times higher among the unemployed than among wage earners and 2.18 times higher among those with low income than among those with general income. The relative risk of depression was 3.23 times higher in those with poor health status than in those with good health, and 2.45 times more in those with severe disabilities than in those without disabilities. The rate of depression decreased with education level, number of family members, and presence of children but increased with the presence of the disabled or elderly. Conclusion This study provides a comprehensive overview of depression among working-age household heads and identifies factors strongly associated with depression. These findings may have implications for policymakers to reduce the burden on and improve the quality of life of household heads.