Medical principles and practice : international journal of the Kuwait University, Health Science Centre
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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major global health problem which is increasing throughout the world and a major cause of death. However, current therapies fail to prevent disease progression or mortality. The mainstay of current drug therapy are long-acting bronchodilators; several longer-acting inhaled beta(2)-agonists and muscarinic antagonists (and combinations) are now in development. ⋯ Broad-spectrum anti-inflammatory drugs may be more effective, and include inhibitors of the enzymes phosphodiesterase-4, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, NF-kappaB kinase and phosphoinositide 3 kinase-gamma and -delta, but side effects will be a major limitation so that inhaled delivery may be necessary. Perhaps the most promising approach is reversal of corticosteroid resistance through increasing histone deacetylase-2 activity. This might be achieved by theophylline-like drugs, phosphoinositide 3 kinase-delta inhibitors, more effective antioxidants and non-antibiotic macrolides.
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To evaluate the accuracy of urine sample collection methods among children suspected of having urinary tract infections. ⋯ Suprapubic aspiration showed the lowest contamination rate and sterile urine bag showed the highest contamination rate among 4 methods of urine sample collection. Contaminated specimens, needed to be repeated and this procedure increased the cost of urine culture. In conclusion, measures should be taken to reduce the contamination rate in our center. This is an area where further investigation is required.
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The objective of the present study was to investigate smoking habits of Iranian dental students in relation to their background characteristics and oral self-care (OSC). ⋯ Smoking among Iranian dental students is similar to their socioeconomic group, and is associated with the characteristics of their background, such as gender and father's level of education, as well as the quality of OSC. The results indicate a need to include smoking cessation education and public health activities in the dental curriculum to provide future health care professionals and role models for patients with adequate training in up-to-date patient management to control smoking.
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Clinical Trial
Potential adjuvant effects of Nigella sativa seeds to improve specific immunotherapy in allergic rhinitis patients.
To investigate the effects of Nigella sativa seed supplementation on symptom levels, polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) functions, lymphocyte subsets and hematological parameters of allergic rhinitis. ⋯ N. sativa seed supplementation during specific immunotherapy of allergic rhinitis may be considered a potential adjuvant therapy.
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The aims of the study were to compare obesity and its association with risk factors of atherosclerosis in Arabs and South Asians in Kuwait and to define which of the anthropometric parameters is best suited for clinical purposes in general. ⋯ The degree of adiposity was different between Arabs and South Asians in Kuwait. Abdominal obesity had a different impact on cardiovascular risk factors in these two ethnic groups in Kuwait.