Comparison of three systems for psychotechnical assessment used in Turkey

The aim of this study was to compare three different psychotechnical test batteries in Turkey (Act and React Test system – ART2020, TRAFIKENT, and Vienna Test System) which are used to evaluate safe driving-related ability traits and to evaluate the construct validity of the tests included in these three test systems that claim to measure the same cognitive structures. Therefore, 176 drivers (19–63 years old), who owned a driving license for at least one year and had driven at least 5000 km, were tested in all three systems. Both professional and amateur drivers as well as drivers whose licenses were detained due to speeding, DWI or other violations were included in order to form a heterogeneous and representative sample for the Turkish driver population. Participants completed the three psychotechnical batteries which tested their cognitive and psychomotor skills in a period of two or three days. The analysis of the findings revealed that the three batteries were more compatible for some cognitive abilities whereas they were less compatible for other abilities. For instance, there were higher similarities among the systems in skills such as reasoning, visual memory, and attention, while there were lower similarities in terms of reaction speed, visual continuity, coordination, speed distance estimation, and visual field. The results were discussed and evaluated so as to improve traffic safety in Turkey, and further suggestions for enhancement in traffic situations followed.     

Predictors of quality of life enjoyment and satisfaction in individuals living with HIV and AIDS in a resource-constrained setting in South Africa

The burden of HIV disease is concentrated in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in South Africa (SA). Whilst there have been many studies conducted on the biomedical and socio-psychological aspects of HIV and AIDS, insufficient attention has been paid to the quality of life of those infected with the virus. The primary purpose of the study was to determine the predictors of quality of life enjoyment and satisfaction (Q-LES) among individuals infected with HIV. A battery of questionnaires, which included the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire (Q-LES-Q), were administered to 121 participants. Data was analysed using SPSS. Of the total sample (n = 121), 74% were females. The study found that a large proportion (49.5%) of the sample within the age group 25–49 years old experienced psychological distress. Those who were not on antiretroviral treatment (ART) were significantly affected (66%). Psychological distress was significantly prevalent among HIV positive individuals and also the strongest predictor of Q-LES among these individuals.     

关于辅助生殖技术的理性思考

现代生物医学科技的进步和发展,使人类的自然生殖繁衍变成了一种可由技术干预和控制的过程.理性地审视辅助生殖技术,必须重视它的双面效应,切实履行知情同意原则,正确对待"人造"多胞胎,防止利用辅助生殖技术犯罪.     

ART伦理督导的实践与评价

在生殖中心(医院)中,将伦理原则的学习与技术规范的掌握相结合,将伦理学评价与员工的奖惩机制相结合,将伦理学研究与管理骨干的培养相结合,将伦理原则的贯彻与工作总结相结合;发挥医学伦理委员会监督的权威作用,重视群众监督手段的督促作用,借助国家行政督导机构和行业法规的震慑作用,是ART增强道德约束能力的有效机制。     

Cognitive and social-communication abilities among young children conceived by assisted reproductive technologies

Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) lack biological filters that are part of the natural fertilization process and thus might enable the presence of abnormal genetic materials. Whereas the findings regarding neonatal and neurological risks among ART-conceived children are rather consistent, data regarding cognitive and social-emotional developmental outcomes are inconsistent. The aim of this study was to examine the association between ART and cognitive and social-communication outcomes among pre-school children. The results indicated that the cognitive and social-communicative abilities of the ART-conceived children were similar to those of the spontaneously conceived children; however, according to parental reports, children in the ART group had higher communicative skills and better motor abilities than spontaneously conceived children. These results should be interpreted with caution as we used measures that assess global cognitive abilities that may not be sensitive to more subtle differences of higher cognitive and social-communication abilities in infancy that may become more prominent later in life. Although infertile couples and professionals in the field of ART can be reassures by the current findings, further research is needed as well as follow-up evaluation of this population during school age.     

山东省人类辅助生殖技术服务利用人群特征调查研究

对山东省人类辅助生殖技术(Assisted Reproductive Techology,ART)服务利用人群特征进行了调查和评价研究.主要包括不孕症门诊病人社会学特征,知情权,不孕症患者意愿,满意度评价等;并建议进一步加大宣传教育的力度,普及ART健康知识,提高对ART的知晓率,树立正确的社会观念,达到充分有效的利用ART的目的.     

“Whenever Jack sees a condom,he falls asleep”: experiences of condom use and erectile disorder among HIV positive men in a Zimbabwean rural setting

In this qualitative inquiry, we set out to explore the experience of condom use and erectile disorder (ED) among men living with HIV in a rural district of Zimbabwe. Data on condom use related erectile disorder with antiretroviral (ART) medication were collected from a purposive sample of 18 men living with HIV and AIDS (age range 23–54 years). These data were supplemented with those from a convenience sample of 23 women living with HIV who self-identified as partners of men living with HIV and AIDS (age range 26–37 years). The data were thematically analyzed. Results suggest that men attributed their experiencing of erectile problems to two main explanations: use of condoms and ART medication. These men reported inconsistent use of condoms and/or adherance to ART therapy due to a belief that these cause their ED. The women informants reported similar observations, including the shared gendered perspective that the men perceived a loss of sense of manhood from ED. Beliefs that influence health promotion with men living with HIV and AIDS are important to public health interventions with them.     

ART知情同意的困境与对策

由于受到千百年来传统家庭观念及患者认知能力的影响,同时,由于辅助生殖技术(ART)的专业性、复杂性,ART技术应用的局限性、结果的不确定性以及诊治周期长、费用高等因素的存在,ART知情同意过程面临着困境。ART伦理管理落实真实知情同意的体现在对患者进行充分、全面、如实的信息告知,取得其配偶的同意和支持,完善的、个案化的文书签定,是ART伦理管理落实真实知情同意的体现。     

Embryo genetic disorder analysis demonstration project: A model protocol

A demonstration project designed for couples at a minimum 25% risk for having a child with cystic fibrosis is being undertaken using embryo genetic disorder analysis within an organization proficient inin vitro fertilization techniques. Prior to offering the project to patients, issues were identified that needed to be addressed in order to improve the likelihood of success. We then developed a set of protocols that would enable us to introduce this new technology to our staff and to prospective patients in a consistent manner.     

人类精子库伦理管理的困惑与对策

建立人类精子库主要用于解决不孕不育问题,在一定程度上解决了男性不育的难题,拓展了生殖医学及发育生物学领域,为许多不孕不育夫妇带来了福音,具有广泛的科学及社会学意义。但是,冷冻精子的使用所涉及的医学、人文、法律、伦理、道德等问题已成为严肃的值得深思熟虑的社会问题。如不加以规范和管理,必将对人类及整个社会造成危害。