Medical principles and practice : international journal of the Kuwait University, Health Science Centre
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To evaluate the acceptance rate and patterns of contraceptive use among postpartum women. ⋯ The acceptance rate of contraception in this study was high. However, the following issues need to be evaluated: compliance of women using progestin-only pills, awareness of long-acting reversible contraception as an alternative option in women considering sterilization, and interventions to promote the use of intrauterine devices and implants.
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The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of water pipe smoking and its associated sociodemographic factors among Iranian women of reproductive age in Tehran. ⋯ The findings of this study show that Iranian women with a university education and the younger age group (15-24 years) were at most risk of water pipe smoking. The findings of this study about associated factors may contribute to the development of efficient health promotion programmes for the prevention and cessation of water pipe smoking.
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To determine the knowledge, perceived effectiveness and harmfulness of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) modalities, general attitude and the need for education in the use of CAM therapies among medical and pharmacy students. ⋯ The students acknowledged the need to be well educated about CAM to better advise their patients in the future.
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The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of impaired glucose regulation in a young, asymptomatic Kuwaiti population. ⋯ Kuwaiti youth have a high prevalence of impaired glucose regulation and overweight/obesity. Waist circumference, rather than BMI, may be a more appropriate screening tool to predict impaired glucose regulation in Kuwaiti youth.
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Review
Optical imaging in cancer research: basic principles, tumor detection, and therapeutic monitoring.
Accurate and rapid detection of diseases is of great importance for assessing the molecular basis of pathogenesis, preventing the onset of complications, and implementing a tailored therapeutic regimen. The ability of optical imaging to transcend wide spatial imaging scales ranging from cells to organ systems has rejuvenated interest in using this technology for medical imaging. Moreover, optical imaging has at its disposal diverse contrast mechanisms for distinguishing normal from pathologic processes and tissues. ⋯ Importantly, light absorption, and emission methods, as well as hybrid optical imaging approaches are amenable to both small animal and human studies. Typically, complex methods are needed to extract quantitative data from deep tissues. This review focuses on the development of optical imaging platforms, image processing techniques, and molecular probes, as well as their applications in cancer diagnosis, staging, and monitoring therapeutic response.