Reasons for cannabis use in men with and without psychosis.

Psychoses are relatively low prevalence disorders that have a disproportionately negative impact on individuals and society. Cannabis use is one factor that can exacerbate the negative consequences associated with psychotic disorders. Relatively few studies have examined the effects or reasons for using cannabis self-reported by individuals with psychosis. The present study is the first known to compare directly such factors in individuals with and without psychosis, within a single study. At baseline and follow-up participants with psychosis most commonly reported using cannabis for positive mood alteration (36% and 42%), coping with negative affect (27% and 29%) and for social activity reasons (38% and 29%). The control group most commonly reported using cannabis for relaxation (34% and 43%) and social activity reasons (49% and 51%). Participants with psychosis were less likely to report relaxation as the most important effect after use (27%) or expect it at follow-up (49%) compared to the control group (53% and 70%). In both groups, addiction and positive affect enhancement were the composite variable scores correlated most consistently with concurrent amount and frequency of use.

A descriptive study of hypertension in Vietnamese Americans.

This study focused on the extent of hypertension (HTN) and risk factors in 201 Vietnamese in a Gulf Coast community. Blood pressure and pulse were measured by a Welch-Allyn Vital Signs Monitor (Model AD-9000, Armstrong Medical, Lincolnshire, IL). The survey tool consisted of demographic information, health status, medications, dietary habits, smoking and alcohol use, education, family configuration, family health history, and 12 true or false items on HTN knowledge. Participants believed that HTN was inherited, presented symptoms, was caused by stress and lack of daily exercise, and had no cure. Of the factors correlated with high blood pressure, the most significant item was the total knowledge score. Nearly 44% of the participants in this sample were hypertensive. Other significant correlation findings included smoking r = .45, p < .05) and exercise r = .15, p < .05) were related to high blood pressure. Cultural sensitivity was found to be critical in the data collection process. This study demonstrates a profound need for health education related to cardiovascular disease, smoking, and alcohol use in Vietnamese Americans.

Isoflurane anesthesia for guinea pigs (Cavia porcella) in a stereotaxic surgical apparatus.

Isoflurane (1-chloro-2,2,2-trifluoroethyl difluoromethyl ether) is a potent general anesthetic agent that is highly adaptable to use in small laboratory animal species. Respiratory delivery is easily accomplished in these animals, even during restraint in a stereotaxic apparatus. The ease of administration, high predictability of action, and ability to finely control the depth of anesthesia make isoflurane anesthesia far superior to regimes involving injectable anesthetics. The wide margin of safety of isoflurane is a key indicator of the superiority of this product to all other anesthetic agents. The initial cost associated with the delivery system is a drawback, but the reliability and safety factors outweigh the hardware costs.