OBJECTIVES GB virus-C/hepatitis G virus (GBV-C/HGV), collectively known as GBV-C, has been reported to be associated with non-A-E hepatitis. The aim of this study was to determine the rate of infection and genotypic characteristics of GBV-C among Kuwaiti and Jordanian blood donors. METHODS A total of 334 plasma/serum samples from healthy blood donors in Kuwait (n = 130) and Jordan (n = 204) w...

OBJECTIVE To compare the classification of overweight, obesity and underweight using international v. national approaches in Kuwaiti adolescents. DESIGN Assessment of underweight, overweight and obesity using a national approach (based on Kuwaiti reference data for BMI-for-age) was compared with assessments obtained using three international approaches: the Cole et al. and International Obesi...

BACKGROUND Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is highly prevalent in Kuwait with incidence of around 40.1/100,000 individuals. Evidence indicate that vitamin D plays an important role in modulating the immune system and could thus impact the onset and high prevalence of T1DM. We report serum vitamin D levels in Kuwaiti children with T1DM and non-diabetic controls to explore its relationship with p...

Introduction: Hematology reference range provides valuable information for the correct interpretation of results for proper diagnosis and treatment. Previous studies have shown that hematology reference range may vary in people of various continents. Method: From 95,501 subjects a normal 500 females and 500 male Kuwaiti fulfilling the criteria of normal individuals were chosen in this study fro...

INTRODUCTION Contact with nickel-releasing coins as a cause of hand dermatitis has been debated. AIM Studying a hand dermatitis risk from handling Kuwaiti cupronickel coins among nickel-allergic and nickel non-allergic subjects. MATERIAL AND METHODS One hundred hand dermatitis patients (group I: nickel-allergic) and 100 matched patients (group II: nickel non-allergic) were selected from ove...

Anchor Environmental, L.L.C. and The Berger Partnership are assisting the City of Mercer Island in Master Planning activities for Luther Burbank Park in Mercer Island, Washington. In the past, shoreline conditions have been evaluated for the purpose of visioning park improvements (Reid Middleton 2002) and addressing shoreline erosion (Parametrix 1991). However, the park’s shoreline has not been...

Accurate, up-to-date national shoreline is critical in defining the territorial limits of the Unites States, updating nautical charts, and managing coastal resources. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) delineates the interpreted shoreline photogrammetrically using tide-coordinated stereo photography acquired with black-and-white infrared emulsion. In this paper, we prese...

The morphological change of a headland bay beach—Tenby, West Wales, UK—was analysed over a 73-year period (1941–2014). Geo-referenced aerial photographs were used to extract shoreline positions which were subsequently compared with wave models based on storm event data. From the 1941 baseline, results showed shoreline change rates reduced over time with regression models enabling a prediction o...

OBJECTIVES To determine the prevalence of type 1 diabetes among 6- to 18-year-old Kuwaiti children according to gender, age, and region. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Children with type 1 diabetes aged 6-18 years were identified at 182 schools (50 primary, 63 intermediate, and 69 secondary) in Kuwait during the study period October 2000 to September 2002. Schools were randomly selected using the 2000/...

Coastlines are constantly changing due to both natural and anthropogenic forces, and climate change and associated sea level rise will continue to reshape coasts in the future. Erosion is not only apparent along oceanfront areas; shoreline dynamics in sheltered water bodies have also gained greater attention. Additional estuarine shoreline studies are needed to better understand and protect coa...