Digital Commons Network^™

Factors Contributing To The Spread Of Odontogenic Infections : A Prospective Pilot Study, Abdulaziz A. Bakathir, Khursheed F. Moos, Ashraf F. Bagg, Jeremy

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Objectives: Spreading odontogenic infections (SOI) are the commonest type of serious infections encountered in the orofacial region. A prospective multi-centre study was conducted in the West of Scotland to investigate the contributing role of social, systemic and microbial factors in the pathogenesis of SOI. Methods: Twenty-five patients with severe odontogenic infections were recruited over a period of six months. At admission, clinical assessment included temperature rise, haematological and biochemical investigations. Demographic data, social and past medical histories were obtained. Microbiology samples were collected to identify causative microorganisms and the clinical management of each infection was recorded. Results: Most infections were …

Screening Of Five Common Beta Thalassemia Mutations In The Pakistani Population : A Basis For Prenatal Diagnosis, Muhammad Usman, Moinuddin Moinuddin, Rubina Usman, Sadia

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Objectives: Thalassemia is one of the most common autosomal single-gene disorder worldwide. The highest prevalence of the disease is in the “thalassemia belt” which includes the Mediterranean region, parts of the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent, the southern parts of the Far East, Pakistan and South-East Asia. This study aimed to detect the common molecular abnormalities of the beta thalassemia syndrome in Pakistan. Methods:The study was conducted at the Institute of Hematology, Baqai Medical University, Karachi, Pakistan from August 2004 to November 2007. Blood samples of patients with beta thalassemia major (n = 400) were collected from hospital transfusion centres …

Serum Level Of Heart-Type Fatty Acid-Binding Protein In Patients With Chronic Renal Failure, Hafidh A. Al-Hadi, Brent William, Keith A.

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Objectives: Heart-type fatty acid binding-protein (H-FABP) has been reported to be a potential novel biochemical marker for the early diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The effect of kidney diseases on the renal handling of H-FABP has not yet been fully evaluated. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of renal failure on the level of H-FABP and cardiac troponin (cTnT) concentrations. Methods: The study population was a small group of 16 patients with renal failure (6 females, 10 males aged 30-70 years) on routine regular haemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. Results: The mean ±SD of serum urea …

Leiomyomatosis Peritonealis Disseminata With Features Of Carcinomatosis On Laparoscopy : A Case Report (, Ayman Al-Talib, Abdul R. Al-Farsi, Gerald

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Leiomyomatosis peritonealis disseminata (LPD), also known as diffuse peritoneal leiomyomatosis, is a rare disease characterised by subperitoneal proliferation of benign nodules mainly composed of benign smooth muscle cells, macroscopically mimicking peritoneal carcinomatosis. We report a 43 year-old woman who presented with menorrhagia, pelvic pressure and pain. Ultrasound of the pelvis showed uterine fibroids and an ovarian cyst. She was scheduled to have a laparoscopic hysterectomy and left salpingo-oophorectomy for symptomatic relief. A picture of carcinomatosis was seen on laparoscopy so multiple biopsies were taken and the patient was referred to the gynaecological oncology team. Definitive surgery was performed and final …

A Case Of Amiodarone-Induced Thyrotoxicosis : A Diagnostic And Therapeutic Dilemma, Sudheer Ahamed Ps, Abe Mathew

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Amiodarone is an iodine rich agent widely used for the treatment of ventricular arrhythmias, paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, atrial fibrillation and flutter. However 14-18% of patients treated with amiodarone develop overt thyroid dysfunction in the form of either amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis (AIT) or amiodaroneinduced hypothyroidism (AIH). Two different types of AIT have been recognised and designated as Type 1 and Type 2. Distinguishing between the two is often difficult, but necessary for instituting appropriate treatment. We report a case of a 56 year-old male patient who was started on amiodarone for atrial fibrillation and then developed AIT. The challenges in the diagnosis …

A Case Of Disseminated Tuberculosis With Adrenal Insufficiency, Ali Al-Mamari, Abdullah Balkhair, Arunodaya Abid, Fatma Ben, Ahmed Al-Farqani, Aisha Al-Hamadani, Rajeev Jain

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

We present the case of a 37 year-old female who had disseminated tuberculosis (TB) with bilateral adrenal involvement resulting in primary adrenal failure (Addison’s disease) with refractory hyponatraemia and possible extrapontine ‘myelinolysis’. Laboratory results were remarkable for adrenal insufficiency. A Mantoux reaction was positive with evidence of pulmonary miliary TB. The magnetic resonance imaging scan showed all the characteristic changes of adrenal TB.

Papillary Carcinoma Of Thethyroid Presenting Primarily As Cervical Lymphadenopathy : An Approach To Management, Norman O. Machado, Pradeep J. Chopra, Aisha

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Papillary carcinoma of thyroid usually presents as a palpable thyroid mass. This could be associated with pain, hoarseness, stridor or dysphagia. Rarely, it presents solely as cervical lympadenopthy in the presence of an otherwise grossly normal thyroid gland. This could pose management problems. We report here a middle-aged lady who presented with cervical lymphadenopathy which on fine needle aspiration cytology was confirmed as metastatic papillary thyroid carcinoma. The thyroid gland was, however, normal on clinical examination and radiological investigations. Neck exploration confirmed a grossly normal thyroid gland; however, the cervical lymph node was found to invade the internal jugular vein. …

Culture Negative Confoscan Positive Acanthamoeba Keratitis : A Relentless Course, Nadia S. Al Kharousi, Upender K. Wali

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Acanthamoeba keratitis is a protozoal infection of the eye, mainly due to the use of non-sterile solutions, like saline for disinfecting contact lenses. We report a case where delay in the diagnosis of acanthamoeba keratitis due to inadequate laboratory investigations and clinical management led to an excruciatingly painful course of the disease. The importance of non-invasive imaging techniques of confocal microscopy in the diagnosis of acanthamoeba keratitis, in the absence of positive culture reports, is highlighted in this case.

Role Of Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography In The Evaluation Of Biliary Disease, Humoud Al-Dhuhli

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Magnetic resonace cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) was introduced in 1991, as a non-invasive method of imaging the biliary tree. Although endoscopic cholongiopancreatography (ERCP) has been the mainstay for diagnosing and treating pancreatico-biliary disease, complications such as pancreatitis, cholangitis, haemorrhage and duodenal perforation have limited its use as a routine diagnostic test. Although ERCP is still the standard of reference for imaging the pancreatico-biliary system, MRCP is the examination of choice in a setting where ERCP is difficult or impossible. It is useful in cases with severe biliary obstruction to evaluate the ducts proximal to the obstruction. MRCP has specific advantages over ERCP …

Re: Silent Epidemic Of Depression In Women In The Middle East And North Africa Region, Zena Al-Sharbati

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

No abstract provided.

2009 Fall Commencement, Harding University

Commencement Programs

Program for the Commencement on December 19.

Commencement Speaker: Jim Hannah

Reproductive Success Of American Kestrels (Falco Sparverius) Nesting In Boxes Along An Interstate In Northeastern Tennessee., Jennifer Robertson Powers

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Nest box programs provide supplemental nest sites for American Kestrels, Falco sparverius. When the availability of nest sites is a limiting factor, the addition of nest boxes can increase local breeding populations. These programs also facilitate the collection of data on breeding kestrels.

This study focuses on an American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) nest box trail along Interstate 26 in northeastern Tennessee during the breeding seasons of 1998, 1999, 2000, 2003, 2004, 2006, and 2009. Productivity measures and reproductive success of nesting birds are provided and compared to other programs. The data are analyzed across years and by …

Predicting Flavonoid Ugt Regioselectivity With Graphical Residue Models And Machine Learning., Arthur Rhydon Jackson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Machine learning is applied to a challenging and biologically significant protein classification problem: the prediction of flavonoid UGT acceptor regioselectivity from primary protein sequence. Novel indices characterizing graphical models of protein residues are introduced. The indices are compared with existing amino acid indices and found to cluster residues appropriately. A variety of models employing the indices are then investigated by examining their performance when analyzed using nearest neighbor, support vector machine, and Bayesian neural network classifiers. Improvements over nearest neighbor classifications relying on standard alignment similarity scores are reported.

Perceptions Of Mentors And New Teachers: A Case Study Of A Mentoring Program In Northeast Tennessee., Gregory Scott Wallace

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study included 9 new teachers all of whom were assigned master teachers as mentors. The study also included 11 mentor teachers who participated in this study. There were 20 participants in this case study. The study was conducted in the Johnson City School System.

This qualitative case study was conducted by interviewing 20 participants in the mentoring program. Eleven mentor teachers and 9 new teachers were chosen through purposeful sampling. A list of possible participants was obtained from the Johnson City Schools Central Office and an email was sent to possible participants explaining the nature of the study. Participants …

The Need To Teach Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Gilbert Pinard

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

No abstract provided.

Comparative Study Of The Radial And Femoral Artery Approaches For Diagnostic Coronary Angiography, Mansour Sallam, Hafidh Al-Hadi, S Rathinasekar, Sunil Chandy

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Objectives: Femoral artery access is the standard approach for coronary procedures; however, the radial approach has gained sound recognition as an alternative to femoral access. We present our early experience with the transradial approach. Methods: A prospective, non-randomised study of 221 candidates for diagnostic coronary angiography was carried out at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Oman between December 2008 and April 2009. The patients had their procedure performed from radial or femoral access according to operator discretion and the results were compared. Femoral and radial groups included 116 and 105 patients respectively. Results: Radial access was associated with a significantly higher …

Patients’ Views Of Interpersonal Continuity Of Care In Four Primary Health Care Centres Of Urban Oman, Mohammed Al-Azri M, Shyam S. Ganguly

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Objectives: Interpersonal continuity of care (consulting the same physician) is widely regarded as a core value of primary care and a crucial component of quality of care. Nonetheless, interpersonal continuity as experienced by patients remains a neglected topic in Arab countries including Oman. The aim of this study was to explore how patients view interpersonal continuity of care in the primary care setting in Oman. Methods: Four primary health centres (PHCs) were selected from two urban cities in Oman. In the period June to August 2008, adult patients were surveyed by questionnaire at their PHC while waiting to see their …

Surgical Technique For Retroperitoneoscopic Nephrectomy : A Case Report, Shahid Aquil, Joseph K. Mathew, Krishna Prasad Rehman, Khalid, Omar W. Sharef, Ghalib Al Baadi

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

A case of right non-functioning kidney secondary to chronic pyelonephritis is presented. The successful management through retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy is described, emphasising the technique of this minimally invasive therapeutic option.

Coronary Arteries Ectasia, Emad Al-Tamimi, Humoud Al-Dhuhli

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

No abstract provided.

4th Symposium On Patient Safety One Aim With Shared Responsibilities Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Sultanate Of Oman 2nd - 4th February 2009, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital Sultanate Of Oman

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

No abstract provided.

The Influence Of Garden Size And Floral Cover On Pollen Deposition In Urban Community Gardens, Peter A. Werrell, Gail A. Langellotto, Shannon U. Morath, Kevin C. Matteson

Cities and the Environment (CATE)

Many cucurbits, such as cucumbers, squashes and pumpkins, depend on pollinating bees in order to set fruit. However, fruit yield and progeny vigor in these plants generally decreases as heterospecific pollen deposition increases. We studied how the spatial area dedicated to cucumbers (Cucumis sativis), versus other flowering plants, influenced the deposition of conspecific and heterospecific pollen on cucumber plants in New York City community gardens. We also examined the effect of garden size on conspecific and heterospecific pollen deposition on cucumber plants. Female flowers were collected from potted cucumber plants that had been experimentally placed into the gardens, specifically for …

A Presuppositional Critique Of Constructivism, Paul R. Rickert

Christian Perspectives in Education

Educational theories have roots. They have roots in broader philosophies, conceptions of the nature of reality, and the theories utilized in classrooms to teach have implications for broader society. The author takes a presuppostitional view and shows that all systems have most basic beliefs that are un-provable. So at the heart of any form of interpretive schema or paradigm is faith in that schema. The author discusses the role of theories of truth, how fact-constructivism embraces a relativist position that is self-refuting, and ultimately is untenable absent a suspension of laws of logic. The author argues in favor of revelation …

Bestowing The Blessing: Practical Strategies For Christian Educators, Gail M. Bones

Christian Perspectives in Education

Christian teachers in the public schools who wish to improve student motivation and outcomes can effectively apply the strategies suggested by Smalley and Trent (1986) in The Blessing. Smalley and Trent set forth a five-fold plan for parents to bless their children with unconditional love and acceptance. The techniques of using meaningful touch, speaking words of honor, encouragement, and affirmation, and making an active commitment to student success are supported both by Scripture and research in educational best practices.

Equipping Children And Pre–Teens To Read And Study Their Bibles, David R. Seal

Christian Perspectives in Education

There is a shortage of material which teaches children and pre–teens how to read and study the Bible. It is important for educators to help them become good Bible readers and interpreters. This paper presents five crucial steps that are important to instruct children and pre–teens in the skills necessary to work out the appropriate meaning and application of the Biblical text. Because children and adolescents learn by “doing,” this article suggests core activities to help them understand and develop Bible interpretation skills.

Classroom Management Training: Keeping New Teachers, Michael R. Coggins

Christian Perspectives in Education

Many new teachers begin their first day of school with a sense of idealism. They expect to make a difference in the lives of young students. However, many soon learn the challenges of classroom, behavior management and feel great stress. Can more classroom management training in college and pre-service, student-teaching strategies help these novice educators? This article asks education professionals and researchers to evaluate their teacher training programs and increase classroom management training.

The Emergent Use Of Online Learning In Secondary Education: A Preliminary Review Of The Literature, Mark A. Lamport, Kimberly Metz

Christian Perspectives in Education

While the preponderance of online learning is geared toward adult learners, its use in the United States for secondary education students has been around for over a decade and has a growing literature. As online learning for adolescents gains popularity, questions are being raised about the quality, strategies, and effectiveness of the programs being offered. There are several delivery methods of online learning from the full-time virtual school to the ‘blended’ model. This review of the literature will provide an understanding of current theory and practice online learning for secondary students, recommendations for implementation, and where it may lead.

Understanding The Role Of Faith In Decisions To Persist In College For First-Generation Black Male Students, Larry K. Asplund

Christian Perspectives in Education

While the admissions rate for Black students is now equivalent to that of White students, there is still a large gap in persistence and graduation rates. Among Black students there is a significant graduation rate gap between Black male and female students. The writer used a qualitative research design to make preliminary observations of the decisions to persist in college of a small sample of first-generation African American male students. As students in a Christian university, the dominant role of faith in decisions to persist emerged as an important theme.

Community Gardens As Contexts For Science, Stewardship,And Civic Action Learning, Marianne E. Krasny, Keith G. Tidball

Cities and the Environment (CATE)

Community gardens are heterogeneous environments that integrate environmental restoration, community activism, social interactions, cultural expression, and food security. As such, they provide a context for learning that addresses multiple societal goals, including a populace that is scientifically literate, practices environmental stewardship, and participates in civic life. Several theories are useful in describing the learning that occurs in community gardens, including those focusing on learning as acquisition of content by individuals, learning as interaction with other individuals and the environment and as increasingly skilled levels of participation in a community of practice, and social learning among groups of stakeholders leading to …

Bumble Bee Abundance In New York City Community Gardens: Implications For Urban Agriculture, Kevin C. Matteson, Gail A. Langellotto

Cities and the Environment (CATE)

A variety of crops are grown in New York City community gardens. Although the production of many crops benefits from pollination by bees, little is known about bee abundance in urban community gardens or which crops are specifically dependent on bee pollination. In 2005, we compiled a list of crop plants grown within 19 community gardens in New York City and classified these plants according to their dependence on bee pollination. In addition, using mark-recapture methods, we estimated the abundance of a potentially important pollinator within New York City urban gardens, the common eastern bumble bee (Bombus impatiens). …

Volume 15, Number 4: November/December 2009, Suzanne Zack

UConn Libraries Newsletter

Page 2 The Vice Provost for University Libraries looks at how undergraduates are being supported by the library.

Faculty learn the nuances of making map mash-ups for their classes.

Page 3 Scholars come from throughout the U.S. and abroad to research at Archives & Special Collections at the Dodd Research Center.

Page 5 A trip to Kenya by a journalism professor opens a door to the world for his students.