Medical principles and practice : international journal of the Kuwait University, Health Science Centre
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The aim of this study was to investigate the association between earlobe crease (ELC) and cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) in asymptomatic hypertensive subjects. ⋯ Patients with ELC had higher CAVI than normal subjects. This observation of ELC is simple, adds no cost and can be easily made by most physicians, and it may provide important predictive information of arterial stiffness and subclinical atherosclerosis in asymptomatic hypertensive subjects. © 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel.
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To describe a modification of the index of clinical consequences of untreated dental caries [pulpal involvement, ulceration, fistula and abscess (PUFA/pufa) index] to pulpal involvement-roots-sepsis (PRS/prs) and to compare the two indices using the example of caries in primary molar teeth in children aged 6-8 years. ⋯ The proposed prs index was a useful epidemiological instrument for the evaluation of the clinical consequences of untreated caries in the surveyed population. The PRS instrument could be a good alternative to the PUFA index.
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The burden of infections caused by community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) is increasing among different patient populations globally. As CA-MRSA has become established in healthcare facilities, the range of infections caused by them has also increased. Molecular characterization of CA-MRSA isolates obtained from different centers has revealed significant diversity in their genetic backgrounds. ⋯ CA-MRSA belonging to ST80-MRSA-IV and ST30-MRSA-IV appear to be the dominant clones in the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The emergence of pandemic CA-MRSA clones not only limits therapeutic options but also presents significant challenges for infection control. Continued monitoring of global epidemiology and emerging drug resistance data is critical for the effective management of these infections.
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This study aimed to determine the degree of involvement of general dental practitioners working in primary health care centers of the Ministry of Health (MOH) of Kuwait in tobacco cessation activities. ⋯ Findings showed that smoking cessation practices are not performed on a routine basis in MOH dental clinics. Practitioner knowledge and confidence showed the most significant association with the performance of cessation activities.