The Psychological Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on the General Population of Oman: A National Community-based Study

@#Introduction: Despite evidence that that the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in general poses unprecedented risks, it is unclear to what extent these consequences have affected the mental health of the general population. This study aims to evaluate the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the general population in Oman and to associate the physical health status and psychological impact. Methods: A cross-sectional online anonymous survey in which 831 adults from Oman’s general population were randomly sampled as per the inclusion criteria. The medical research and ethics commission approved the project. Data were collected after obtaining informed consent from the study participants. The criteria of the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders was used to measure the psychological impact. Results: Among 831 respondents in this study, only 4.2 % and 14.9 % of total participants reported depressive and anxiety symptoms, respectively. There is a statistically significant difference in psychological scores between males and females at the p < .05 level: F (1, 829) = 16.03, p < .001. As a result of this discovery, it appears that women are mentally affected by the pandemic. Conclusion: The COVID-19 epidemic has had a severe impact on the general population’s psychological health in Oman. This survey found that the global health crisis has a psychological impact on most of the adult population, regardless of their age. As a result, early detection, urgent medical intervention, and counseling are required.

Development and prospect of Traditional Chinese Medicine in the Sultanate of Oman / 国际中医中药杂志

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has become an important part of the health system in the Sultanate of Oman. Although there is no independent law, the local health department has implemented the administrative measures such as the admittance assessment system of TCM doctors and the standardized examination and approval of TCM clinics. The development of TCM in the Sultanate of Oman is supported by the policies of the two governments, with the characteristics likemedical cooperation starting with high-level personnel, the cooperation in economy, trade and medical treatment, TCM and local traditional medicine showing inclusive with good base, and the advantages of TCM theory and treatment meeting the needs of the local medical market. The prospect of cooperation in TCM market is broad. It is suggested that the local government should promote the legislation of traditional medicine and improve the admittance system of practitioners. China needs to promote the formulation of international standards of TCM and optimize the cooperation platform of TCM by using Internet and other technologies. The practitioners in China need to carry out medical activities on the premise of understanding and respecting the local cultural background.In order to promote the development of TCM in Arab countries, the Sultanate of Oman will radiate the whole Middle East through the above strategies.

Areas Of Investment In Omani Sport

@#Omani sport is still searching for new methods to identify its problems and achieve a vision regarding the economic problems in sport, the short-term solutions to revitalize it, and long-term solutions to maintain its stability. It hopes to rise and find an end to its funding problems in order to take off toward international winners’ podiums, especially after the good results achieved lately in several sports. Therefore, the researcher deems it necessary to identify the areas of investment in Omani sport, as potential for investment in the presence of self-finance that covers its financial needs. The researcher used the descriptive method as it is suitable to the nature of the study, and a sample of 273 subjects representing the research population. He used a questionnaire as a data collection instrument, and rank, frequency, percentage in statistical treatment. The main finding of the research was a list of the areas of investment in Omani sport in the following order: launching sports channels, TV streaming, sports professionalism, establishing sporting camps centers, academies of different games, and investment in sporting facilities. The main recommendations were to authorize Omani sporting authorities to launch TV channels to stream their matches, be based on competition with each other, and according to the rules stipulated by the Ministry of Sports Affairs and the Public Authority for Radio and Television

First report of an outbreak of cerebral coenurosis in Dhofari goats in Oman / Primeiro relato de um surto de coenurose cerebral em cabras Dhofari em Omã

Abstract This study documented the first outbreak of cerebral coenurosis in goats in Salalah, southern Oman. Deaths of 130 (16.6%) adult native goats in a herd (n=780) were reported from January to June 2017. Affected goats showed various nervous signs ended by death. Investigations for thiamine deficiency, polioencephalomalacia, caprine arthritis encephalitis, and listeriosis were negative. Upon necropsy, multiple (1-4) thin-walled cysts 2-3.5 cm in diameter containing clear fluid with numerous clusters of protoscolices in the cerebrum and cerebellum had replaced the brain parenchyma, causing space-occupying lesions. Parasitologically, the recovered cysts were Coenurus cerebralis, based on the arrangement of protoscolices, and the number and size of their hooks. Morphologically, each protoscolex had four suckers and a rostellum with double-crown hooks. The large and small hooks were 157.7±0.5 µm and 115±0.6 µm in length, respectively. Histopathologically, the parasite destroyed the affected tissues associated with multifocal to diffuse lymphocytic, non-suppurative meningoencephalitis; ischemic neuronal necrosis; and malacia. This is the first report of cerebral coenurosis in livestock in Oman, which should alert the local public health authorities for the application of prevention and control measures.

Resumo Este estudo documentou o primeiro surto de coenurose cerebral em cabras em Salalah, Oman. A morte de 130 (16,6%) caprinos adultos nativos (n=780) foi relatada de janeiro a junho de 2017. As cabras afetadas mostraram distúrbios neurológicos, que culminaram em óbito. Investigações para deficiência de tiamina, polioencefalomalácia, encefalite por artrite caprina e listeriose foram negativas. Na necropsia, múltiplos (1-4) cistos de paredes finas com 2-3,5 cm de diâmetro contendo líquido claro com numerosos aglomerados de protoescólices no cérebro e no cerebelo haviam substituído o parênquima cerebral, causando compressão nas estruturas adjacentes. Os cistos recuperados foram identificados como sendo de Coenurus cerebralis, com base no arranjo dos protoescólices, e no número e tamanho de seus ganchos. Morfologicamente, cada protoescólice tinha quatro ventosas e um rostelo com dupla coroa de ganchos. Os ganchos grandes e pequenos tinham 157,7±0,5 µm e 115±0,6 µm de comprimento, respectivamente. Histopatologicamente, o parasita causou a destruição dos tecidos afetados associada à meningoencefalite linfocítica não-supurativa, que variou de multifocal a difusa, necrose neuronal isquêmica e malacia. Este é o primeiro relato de coenurose em ruminantes no Oman, o que deve servir de alerta para as autoridades locais da área de saúde para a aplicação de medidas de prevenção e controle.

Two cases of cholera O1 in South Batinah, Oman, April 2019: lessons learned / 한국역학회지

Cholera represents an ongoing threat to many low-income and middle-income countries, but some cases of cholera even occur in high-income countries. Therefore, to prevent or combat cholera outbreaks, it is necessary to maintain the capacity to rapidly detect cholera cases, implement infection control measures, and improve general hygiene in terms of the environment, water, and food. The 2 cases, 1 imported and 1 secondary, described herein are broadly indicative of areas that require improvement. These cases were missed at the primary health care stage, which should be the first detection point even for unusual diseases such as cholera, and the absence of strict infection control practices at the primary care level is believed to contribute to secondary cases of infection. This report also encourages countries to ensure that rapid diagnostic stool tests are available to enable quick detection, as well as to provide information to people travelling to areas where cholera is endemic.

Two cases of cholera O1 in South Batinah, Oman, April 2019: lessons learned / 한국역학회지

Cholera represents an ongoing threat to many low-income and middle-income countries, but some cases of cholera even occur in high-income countries. Therefore, to prevent or combat cholera outbreaks, it is necessary to maintain the capacity to rapidly detect cholera cases, implement infection control measures, and improve general hygiene in terms of the environment, water, and food. The 2 cases, 1 imported and 1 secondary, described herein are broadly indicative of areas that require improvement. These cases were missed at the primary health care stage, which should be the first detection point even for unusual diseases such as cholera, and the absence of strict infection control practices at the primary care level is believed to contribute to secondary cases of infection. This report also encourages countries to ensure that rapid diagnostic stool tests are available to enable quick detection, as well as to provide information to people travelling to areas where cholera is endemic.

Prevalence of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis among elderly subjects referred for radiological investigation in tertiary hospital at Oman / 대한해부학회지

Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is characterized by calcification of different entheseal sites including the anterior longitudinal ligament of the spine. There is no documented information about DISH in Oman. This study determined the prevalence of DISH and associated factors among elderly subjects in a national tertiary care referral hospital in Oman. This retrospective study reviewed chest X-rays of all patients aged more than 50 years, referred to the radiology department of Sultan Qaboos University Hospital in the year 2016, based on the Resnick's criteria. The prevalence was expressed as proportions across age groups and sex. Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis was done to determine the association of the age and sex with DISH. A total of 1305 chest X-rays of patients were reviewed. The overall prevalence of DISH was 10%, with male to female ratio of 1.56:1. The odds ratio for males and increasing age were 1.63 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12–2.3; P<0.05) and 1.34 (95% CI, 1.14–1.58; P<0.001) respectively. The prevalence increased with age to maximum of 13% in the age group of ≤80. The pre-stage DISH prevalence was 9.3% and more frequently observed among males. Prevalence of DISH in the national tertiary care referral center in Oman is lower than in Jewish population, almost similar to Japanese, but higher than in Koreans. DISH prevalence is positively associated with age and sex. It is necessary to take appropriate precautionary measures to target the ageing population in Oman, especially elderly males.

Diet rich in date palm fruits improves memory, learning and reduces beta amyloid in transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease.

Background: At present, the treatment options available to delay the onset or slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are not effective. Recent studies have suggested that diet and lifestyle factors may represent protective strategies to minimize the risk of developing AD. Date palm fruits are a good source of dietary fiber and are rich in total phenolics and natural antioxidants, such as anthocyanins, ferulic acid, protocatechuic acid and caffeic acid. These polyphenolic compounds have been shown to be neuroprotective in different model systems. Objective: We investigated whether dietary supplementation with 2% and 4% date palm fruits (grown in Oman) could reduce cognitive and behavioral deficits in a transgenic mouse model for AD (amyloid precursor protein [APPsw]/Tg2576). Materials and Methods: The experimental groups of APP‑transgenic mice from the age of 4 months were fed custom‑mix diets (pellets) containing 2% and 4% date fruits. We assessed spatial memory and learning ability, psychomotor coordination, and anxiety‑related behavior in all the animals at the age of 4 months and after 14 months of treatment using the Morris water maze test, rota‑rod test, elevated plus maze test, and open‑field test. We have also analyzed the levels of amyloid beta (Aβ) protein (1–40 and 1–42) in plasma of control and experimental animals. Results: Standard diet‑fed Tg mice showed significant memory deficits, increased anxiety‑related behavior, and severe impairment in spatial learning ability, position discrimination learning ability and motor coordination when compared to wild‑type on the same diet and Tg mice fed 2% and 4% date supplementation at the age of 18 months. The levels of both Aβ proteins were significantly lowered in date fruits supplemented groups than the Tg mice without the diet supplement. The neuroprotective effect offered by 4% date fruits diet to AD mice is higher than 2% date fruits diet. Conclusions: Our results suggest that date fruits dietary supplementation may have beneficial effects in lowering the risk, delaying the onset or slowing down the progression of AD.

Development of Application of Acupuncture and Moxibustion in the Sultanate of Oman / 中国中医药信息杂志

Acupuncture and moxibustion is classified as category of alternative medicine and has been incorporated into the public medical institution in Oman. There are two public hospitals which have set up acupuncture and moxibustion service at present, but only in outpatient department regions. Private clinics of traditional Chinese medicine are not uncommon, and the local government is constantly improving the management policy on it now. The musculoskeletal system diseases are predominant diseases treated by acupuncture and moxibustion, and obesity female is mostly common. Compared with other Arabian countries, Oman is more inclusive to foreign culture and the local government attaches great importance to acupuncture and moxibustion, so there is much better development space for acupuncture and moxibustion in Oman.

Frankincense derived heavy terpene cocktail boosting breast cancer cell (MDA-MB-231) death in vitro

Objective: To investigate the anti-cancer effect of frankincense derived heavy oil obtained by Soxhlet extraction method on breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231), and to study its chemical profile using gas chromatography mass spectrometry analysis. Methods: Hexane was used to extract heavy oil from frankincense resin. Chemical profiling of heavy oil was done using Perkin Elmer Clarus GC system with mass spectrometer. MDA-MB-231 cells were treated with different dilutions (1:1. 000, 1:1. 500, 1:1. 750, 1:2. 000, 1:2. 250, 1:2. 500, 1:2. 750, 1:3. 000, 1:3. 250) of heavy oil for 24 h. The cells were observed by using light microscopy. Cell viability was measured by MTT assay. Results: Gas chromatography mass spectrometry chemical profiling of frankincense derived heavy oil revealed the presence of terpenes such as α-pinene (61.56%), α-amyrin (20.6%), β-amyrin (8.1%), β-phellandrene (1.47%) and camphene (1.04%). Heavy terpene cocktail induced significant MDA-MB-231 cell death at each concentration tested. Noticeably, very low concentration of Soxhlet derived heavy terpenes elicits considerable cytotoxicity on MDA-MB-231 cells compared to hydro distillated essential oil derived from frankincense resin. Conclusions: Extracting anti-cancer active principle cocktail by simple Soxhlet method is cost effective and less time consuming. Our in vitro anti-cancer data forms the rationale for us to test heavy terpene complex in breast cancer xenograft model in vivo. Furthermore, fractionation and developing frankincense heavy terpene based breast cancer drug is the major goal of our laboratory.

Frankincense derived heavy terpene cocktail boosting breast cancer cell (MDA-MB-231) deathin vitro

Objective:To investigate the anti-cancer effect of frankincense derived heavy oil obtained by Soxhlet extraction method on breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231), and to study its chemical profile using gas chromatography mass spectrometry analysis. Methods: Hexane was used to extract heavy oil from frankincense resin. Chemical profiling of heavy oil was done using Perkin Elmer Clarus GC system with mass spectrometer.MDA-MB-231 cells were treated with different dilutions (1:1 000, 1:1 500, 1:1 750, 1:2 000, 1:2 250, 1:2 500, 1:2 750, 1:3 000, 1:3 250) of heavy oil for 24 h. The cells were observed by using light microscopy. Cell viability was measured byMTT assay. Results: Gas chromatography mass spectrometry chemical profiling of frankincense derived heavy oil revealed the presence of terpenes such asα-pinene (61.56%),α-amyrin (20.6%),β-amyrin (8.1%),β-phellandrene (1.47%) and camphene (1.04%). Heavy terpene cocktail induced significantMDA-MB-231 cell death at each concentration tested. Noticeably, very low concentration of Soxhlet derived heavy terpenes elicits considerable cytotoxicityon MDA-MB-231cells compared to hydro distillated essential oil derived from frankincense resin. Conclusions: Extracting anti-cancer active principle cocktail by simple Soxhlet method is cost effective and less time consuming. Ourin vitro anti-cancer data forms the rationale for us to test heavy terpene complex in breast cancer xenograft modelin vivo. Furthermore, fractionation and developing frankincense heavy terpene based breast cancer drug is the major goal of our laboratory.

Peak Bone Mineral Density Levels in Normal Omanis, a Pilot Study.

Aims: To determine normal peak bone mineral density (PBMD) values in a cohort of healthy Omanis. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of the study: in the Departments of Nuclear Medicine and Medicine at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital in Oman between 2012 and 2013. Methodology: Omani employees aged between 25 to 34 years at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (SQUH) were randomly chosen and invited to participate. Fifty normal males and 50 females were studied. Their fully informed consent was obtained to establish PBMD values using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Blood was also taken to determine their serum calcium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels as well as a complete blood count (CBC), serum sodium, potassium and creatinine levels. Statistical analysis was done based on Hologic Delphi Reference Values on a reference curve generation using z-scores and the fitting a polynomial curve of third order. This data was interpolated, sampled and tested to verify the initial results. Results: Our results show that normal Omani PBMD values of L1-L4 in women were 0.94  0.11 and in men 0.99  0.12 g/cm2. These are significantly lower than those of a normal Caucasian population by 26.5% in women P-value (<.001) and by 23.8% in men P-value (<.001). Only three subjects had values on or slightly above the mean Caucasian level but sixteen had values on or below -2SD. The blood tests were within the normal range in all subjects. Conclusion: Omani mean PBMD values obtained in this study are substantially lower than Caucasian values. To avoid the use of inappropriate anti-resorptive therapy we should consider revising our reference range. We recommend using normal Asian reference values as they are almost identical to those obtained in this study until a normal reference range is established for this country.

High levels of Zinc-α-2-Glycoprotein among Omani AIDS patients on combined antiretroviral therapy

Objective: To investigate the levels of zinc-α-2-glycoprotein (ZAG) among Omani AIDS patients receiving combined antiretroviral therapy (cART). Methods: A total of 80 Omani AIDS patients (45 males and 35 females), average age of 36 years, who were receiving cART at the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (SQUH), Muscat, Oman, were tested for the levels of ZAG. In addition, 80 healthy blood donors (46 males and 34 females), average age of 26 years, attending the SQUH Blood Bank, were tested in parallel as a control group. Measurement of the ZAG levels was performed using a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Results: The ZAG levels were found to be significantly higher among AIDS patients compared to the healthy individuals (P=0.033). A total of 56 (70%) of the AIDS patients were found to have higher levels of ZAG and 16 (20%) AIDS patients were found to have high ZAG levels, which are significantly (P > 0.031) associated with weight loss. Conclusions: ZAG levels are high among Omani AIDS patients on cART and this necessitates the measurement of ZAG on routine basis, as it is associated with weight loss.

High levels of Zinc-α-2-Glycoprotein among Omani AIDS patients on combined antiretroviral therapy

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the levels of zinc-α-2-glycoprotein (ZAG) among Omani AIDS patients receiving combined antiretroviral therapy (cART).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 80 Omani AIDS patients (45 males and 35 females), average age of 36 years, who were receiving cART at the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (SQUH), Muscat, Oman, were tested for the levels of ZAG. In addition, 80 healthy blood donors (46 males and 34 females), average age of 26 years, attending the SQUH Blood Bank, were tested in parallel as a control group. Measurement of the ZAG levels was performed using a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The ZAG levels were found to be significantly higher among AIDS patients compared to the healthy individuals (P=0.033). A total of 56 (70%) of the AIDS patients were found to have higher levels of ZAG and 16 (20%) AIDS patients were found to have high ZAG levels, which are significantly (P>0.031) associated with weight loss.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>ZAG levels are high among Omani AIDS patients on cART and this necessitates the measurement of ZAG on routine basis, as it is associated with weight loss.</p>

High levels of Zinc-α-2-Glycoprotein among Omani AIDS patients on combined antiretroviral therapy

Objective:To investigate the levels of zinc-α-2-glycoprotein (ZAG) among Omani AIDS patients receiving combined antiretroviral therapy (cART). Methods:A total of 80 Omani AIDS patients (45 males and 35 females), average age of 36 years, who were receiving cART at the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (SQUH), Muscat, Oman, were tested for the levels of ZAG. In addition, 80 healthy blood donors (46 males and 34 females), average age of 26 years, attending the SQUH Blood Bank, were tested in parallel as a control group. Measurement of the ZAG levels was performed using a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Results:The ZAG levels were found to be significantly higher among AIDS patients compared to the healthy individuals (P=0.033). A total of 56 (70%) of the AIDS patients were found to have higher levels of ZAG and 16 (20%) AIDS patients were found to have high ZAG levels, which are significantly (P>0.031) associated with weight loss. Conclusions:ZAG levels are high among Omani AIDS patients on cART and this necessitates the measurement of ZAG on routine basis, as it is associated with weight loss.

In vitro Antioxidant, Cytotoxic and Antibacterial Screening of the leaves of Acridocarpous orientalis, Native to Sultanate of Oman.

Aims: To determine antioxidant, cytotoxic and antimicrobial activities of organic extracts from leaves of Acridocarpous orientalis (qafas) from Sultanate of Oman. Study Design: Brine shrimp test, DPPH assay and Disc diffusion method. Place and Duration of Study: School of Pharmacy, University of Nizwa, Oman, December 2012. Methodology: Hexane, chloroform, ethylacetate and hydroalcoholic extract were obtained by Kupchan’s partitioning of ethanol extract isolated from leaves of A. orientalis by maceration. Antioxidant activity was determined by free radical scavenging of (2,2- diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, DPPH). The antimicrobial activity was checked using agar disc diffusion method against Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) and two Gramnegative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonus aeruginosa). Brine shrimp test was used to measure cytotoxic activity. Results: All extracts demonstrated potential antioxidant activities, hydroalcoholic extract showed the strongest activity (RC50 = 6.11 g/ml). The order of antioxidant activity was hydro alcohol > ethyl acetate > chloroform > hexane extract. Ethylacetate extract showed low activity against Pseudomonus aeruginosa. None of the extracts was found to be active against brine shrimp larvae. Conclusion: A. orientalis could be considered as a good source of antioxidant compounds.

Dog rabies: the first case reported from Sultanate of Oman.

Background: There has been no report of dog rabies in Sultanate of Oman, possibly due to an inadequate active and passive surveillance and response system. Methods: We recently developed Fluorescent Antibody Test (FAT) and real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) as a sensitive diagnosis of rabies. Results: We present the first laboratory proven canine rabies case in Sultanate of Oman. Laboratory facilities for sensitive diagnosis are now available in Sultanate of Oman. Conclusion: A systematic surveillance system for rabies in domesticated dogs will have a good influence on the control of this zoonotic infection in Sultanate of Oman.

Gender inequality in vision loss and eye diseases: Evidence from the Sultanate of Oman.

Purpose: The data from surveys of vision loss and monitoring of services were used to assess changes in gender inequality in Oman. Study Design: Retrospective review of data collection instruments. Materials and Method: The data sets of 12 years between 1996 and 2007 were abstracted to assess the gender equality for vision loss, eye disease prevalence, and service use. They included two surveys (1996 and 2005), Health Information from eye units (1998 and 2007), and eye screening in schools. Results: In 1996, the prevalence of bilateral blindness in ≥ 40 years of age was higher in females [Odd's Ratio (OR) = 0.36 (95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.24 – 0.53)]. Gender differences in the prevalence of cataract [OR = 0.82 (95% CI 0.63 – 1.03)] were not significant while trachomatous trichaisis (TT) was less in males [OR = 0.33 (95% CI 0.22-0.48)]. In 2005, gender differences in the prevalence of bilateral blindness [OR = 0.97 (95% CI 0.71 – 1.34)] and TT [OR = 0.66 (95% CI 0.42- 1.04)] were not statistically significant. But males were associated with higher prevalence of cataract [OR = 1.26 (95% CI 1.00 – 1.59)]. Surgery rates for cataract, glaucoma and TT were not different by gender. More male compared to female patients with diabetic retinopathy were treated. Myopia was significantly higher in girls. Compliance of spectacle wear was higher in girls. Conclusions: Gender inequality for eye care seems to have reduced in the last 10 years in Oman. However, apart from TT and glaucoma patients the difference in service utilization by gender was not statistically significant.