Usage and perceptions of anabolic-androgenic steroids among male fitness centre attendees in Kuwait - a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: Considering the recent popularity of bodybuilding and the apparent spread of anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) use amongst bodybuilding enthusiasts in Kuwait, there is a relative lack of scientific investigation into the use, knowledge and attitudes towards AAS amongst the population at risk of abusing it. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the frequency, knowledge, attitudes and practice of AAS use amongst male fitness centre attendees in Kuwait. METHODS: A cross sectional survey utilizing a self-administered questionnaire was used. Information on demographics as well as knowledge and attitude about and towards the use of AAS was included in the questionnaire. Ten fitness centres in Kuwait were randomly selected and questionnaires were distributed to all individuals leaving each centre on randomly selected days and periods of time for each centre. Overall n = 400 questionnaires were distributed. RESULTS: A total of n = 194 questionnaires were returned completed (~49 %). Of the responders, 22.7 % used AAS. The 19–25 age group had the highest occurrence (46.8 %) of first-time AAS use. In contrast with non-users, most (70.5 %) of AAS users believed that having an optimally muscular body can only be achieved by using AAS, and a small minority (6.8 %) believed that AAS usage would have significant harms to health. Only 18.2 % of AAS users had appropriate knowledge regarding the side effects of AAS. Non-users were as much uninformed as AAS users regarding the side effects of AAS. CONCLUSION: The usage of AAS is high amongst male gym users in Kuwait and is likely to present an additional burden to the health service. An effective initiative to minimize the burden of AAS abuse should focus on changing the attitudes towards AAS rather than spreading awareness of their side effects

Challenges to optimal medicines use in people living with dementia and their caregivers: A literature review

Dementia is fast becoming a global concern due to a demographic shift towards an older population. Many studies have shown that caring for a family member or friend has a profound and negative impact on the physical, emotional and psychosocial aspects of the caregivers’ life. One significant activity that a family caregiver undertakes is assistance with the management of medicines. This review was undertaken to ascertain what the issues are that affect optimal medicines use from the perspectives of people living with dementia and their caregivers, both in the community and care home settings. A literature search was conducted using electronic databases, employing a combination of search terms. A total of 16 studies met the inclusion criteria. Six broad themes were identified, together with some recommendations to improve medicines use in people with dementia. Challenges to medicines use centred on medicines management and administration, the impact on the caregiver and care recipient, their partnership and interface with formal care. Future research should focus on developing targeted interventions that can overcome these challenges to achieve optimal medicines use

Sino-Saudi Relations: Geopolitics, Energy, Taiwan, and Chinese Muslims

Cradle of Islam and home to two holy mosques, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia bears political significance to China and spiritual importance to its Muslim population. Yet the Kingdom was one of a few major countries that chose to recognize Taipei until the twilight of the Cold War. Being the last Arab state to recognize the People’s Republic of China, Saudi Arabia represents a rare diplomatic case worthy of study. The Saudi’s strong and stable ties first with Taiwan—even decades after the latter was thrown out of the United Nations—and warming relationship with Beijing now have all to do with oil, but oil is by no means the only factor. The links tying Taiwan to the Saudi Kingdom were complex, geopolitics and anti-communist ideology among them. While the professed anticommunism bound Taiwan with Riyadh in the past, Saudi Arabia holding hands with the second largest economy no doubt shapes a new path for the world not limited in the energy sector. Both G20 members, Sino-Saudi bilateral political-military cooperation is also on the rise. The Saudi 2030 Vision and China’s One Belt One Road initiative may further cement the bond. Yet the obvious improvement of the Sino-Iranian relationship and Chinese support of the Syrian regime could negatively affect the Sino-Saudi rapport. This paper investigates the intricate relationships between the world’s largest oil exporter and the world’s most populous state, revealing the multi-level considerations of bilateral diplomacy. It also looks into the impact this relationship has on their allies and rivals

Using public engagement and consultation to inform the development of ageing-and dementia-friendly pharmacies – Innovative practice

This study explored public perceptions about the importance of, and how to create, ageing- and dementia-friendly pharmacists and pharmacies. In September 2016, four focus groups (45 minutes each) were conducted with 16 participants who represented organisations, groups or forums working with and/or for older people and people with dementia in Greater London. Discussions were recorded via handwritten notes and thematically analysed. Participants confirmed the importance of pharmacists and pharmacies being ageing- and dementia-friendly and described variability in whether this is currently the case. Suggested strategies for improvement included targeting communication, pharmacist leadership and shop layout

Effects of Storage Conditions on the Composition, Physical Properties, and Functionalities of Peas and Lentils

Peas (Pisum sativum L.) and lentils (Lens culinaris) are nutritionally rich pulses valued for their high protein, fiber, and starch content. Although their composition and health advantages are widely known, little is known about the effects of long-term storage on their functional qualities and nutritional value. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of storage conditions and duration on the proximate composition, physical attributes, and techno-functional traits of lentils and peas. Storage conditions included bin (BIN; -30 to 41°C, 20–98% RH), non-environmentally controlled warehouse (NECW; -23 to 32°C, 25–84% RH), and environmentally controlled warehouse (ECW; 19–21°C, 50–53% RH), in which yellow peas (Agassiz) and lentils (Richlea) were kept for a maximum of four years. Significant compositional variations were noted over time. Compared to fresh samples, lentils held in BIN conditions had a higher starch content and a lower protein content. After two years of storage at BIN and NECW, both peas and lentils had significant declines in their ability to foam and emulsify. Long-term storage, xx particularly in BIN and NECW conditions, had flours with higher water absorption index (WAI) and water solubility index (WSI). Samples held at BIN and NECW conditions had lower final viscosity and gel firmness, indicating a structural breakdown in starch. After four years, noticeable darkening of the lentils stored at BIN conditions was supported by decreased lightness values from the colorimeter, which was indicative of enzymatic browning. Storage condition and storage time had a significant impact on nutrient content and functional characteristics (p \u3c 0.05), as determined by univariate and multivariate analyses. Peas and lentils stored under ECW conditions retained protein content, functionality, and physical properties comparable to the control. Overall, ECW was the most effective condition for preserving the quality of stored pulses, providing valuable insights for improving post-harvest storage practices to ensure the nutritional and functional stability of pea and lentil

Impulsive Nonlocal Neutral Integro-Differential Equations Controllability results on Time Scales

In this work, we studied the controllability results for neutral differential time-varying equation with impulses on time scales & extend these results into nonlocal controllability of neutral functional integro-differential time-varying equation with impulses on time scales. The solutions are obtained employing standard fixed point theorems

Using The Internet In Teaching Algebra To Middle School Students: A Study Of Teacher Perspectives And Attitudes

During the past decades, technological resources have been improved to support the teaching of mathematics. While the improvement of technological resources, the World Wide Web provides teachers and students many resources that engage students in rich mathematics experiences. There are a vast number of educational resources available through the Internet for students and teachers, which should be implemented in the classroom to support and improve algebra instructions. This study seeks to identify the extent of the middle school teacher’s awareness of using the Internet to teach and develop students’ learning of algebra. The participant’s teachers in this study are teaching in schools located in a rural Appalachian region of a Midwestern state in the United States.  The study found that the Internet’s function in the algebra classroom within this particular group of middle childhood teachers are used for purposes that do not contribute to algebra instruction.