Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Evidence-Based Human Clinical Trials On Antidiabetic Herbal 6 Remedies Commonly Used In The Middle East, Shihab Al-Makhmari, Abir Al-Aufi, Saleh Al-Kindi, Maha Al Riyami, Hussein Sakr, Mohamed-Rachid Boulassel, Khalid M Abu Khadra, Rahma Al-Haddabi, Ammar Boudaka, Jumana Saleh

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a prevalent metabolic disorder with significant health and economic impacts. This review examined Middle Eastern herbs as alternative T2DM treatments in human randomised controlled trials and meta-analyses. A comprehensive PubMed search was conducted for human randomised controlled trials and meta-analyses on black seed (Nigella sativa), fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), ginger (Zingiber officinale), cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia) and curcumin (Curcuma longa), with at least 6 human studies per herb. The results revealed that N. sativa and fenugreek improved glycaemic control and lipid profiles, while ginger regulated carbohydrate …

Pneumocephalus After Mediastinal Surgery, Mohamed Bhairis, Massine El Hammoumi, El Hassane Kabiri

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

No abstract provided.

Shifting To A Culture Of Inclusion By Design: Applying A Mixed-Methods Approach To Advance Accessibility Of Public Health Emergency Information & Communication Technology, Jessica L. Franks, Erin Vinoski Thomas

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) experience inequities in access to timely, accurate, and understandable information and communication technology (ICT), which increases risk for public health emergency (PHE)-related health disparities and impedes opportunities to achieve optimal health. This study assessed federal COVID-19 webpage accessibility levels and explored existing knowledge of and experience with filing accessibility complaints for federal ICT among adults with IDD. Through a mixed-methods approach, we evaluated compliance with accessibility standards for 18 federal agencies’ COVID-19 webpages (study 1) and interviewed 16 adults with IDD about experiences accessing federal webpages and filing accessibility complaints (study 2). We …

The Relationship Between Female Genital Mutilation And Infertility: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Narges S. Soltani, Farahnaz Heshmat, Mohsen Dehghani, Robab L. Roudsari, Mohadese B. Ghalibaf, Samira E. Zagami

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

This systematic review aimed to investigate the relationship between female genital mutilation (FGM) and infertility. Online databases were systematically searched up to January 2024 using MeSH keywords to retrieve relevant observational studies. The methodological quality of the analytical cross-sectional studies was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Pooled odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated, and a random-effects meta-analysis was used to address any heterogeneity. Additionally, a sensitivity analysis was performed. A total of 5 analytical cross-sectional studies involving 37,146 participants, with 3 studies meeting the criteria for the meta-analysis. The results indicated that female circumcision (FC) was …

Nurturing The Future: Understanding Maternal Knowledge Of Child Development In Oman, Watfa Al-Mamari, Ahmed B. Idris, Saquib Jalees, Muna Al-Jabri, Mohammed A. Mirghani, Dina Al Khalili, Asila Al Yarubi, Jamana Al Zadjali, Zahra Al Lawati, Ayat Al Lawati, Ahmed Al Saidi, Kamila Al Alawi, Sathiya Murthi, Wafa S. Al-Maamari

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the knowledge of Omani women of childbearing age concerning infant developmental care. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 1,006 Omani women of childbearing age, recruited from outpatient clinics at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (response rate = 71%). Their knowledge was evaluated using the Knowledge of Infant Development Inventory (KIDI), a validated self-report questionnaire. The KIDI scores were analysed to identify associations with demographic variables such as women’s age, education level, employment status and number of children. Data were collected from June 2023 to October 2023. Results: The mean age of the participating women was 31.6 …

Effectiveness Of Myofascial Release Compared To Manual Lymphatic Drainage In Reducing Post-Treatment Shoulder Pain And Stiffness Among Patients Who Underwent Breast Cancer Surgery And Adjuvant Radiotherapy: Randomised Controlled Trial, Chellappa Vijayakumar, Ankit Jain, M. Kalaranjani, Uday S. Kumbhar, Agarwal N. Kumar, G. S. Sreenath

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Objectives: This study aimed to adapt the myofascial release technique (MRT) in the form of massage, which will reduce pain and functional restriction of the shoulder joint compared to manual lymphatic drainage (MLD).
Methods: This study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in South India from September 2021 to September 2023. The study population included 98 patients older than 18 years who underwent surgery/adjuvant radiotherapy for breast cancer and developed complications. Patients with tendon/muscle injuries in neck/skin conditions, which made MRT difficult, were excluded. A trained physiotherapist delivered the interventions. Patient pain, range of movements at shoulder …

Symmetrical Peripheral Gangrene Associated With Plasmodium Vivax Malaria: A Case Report With A Brief Review Of Literature, Atanu Chandra, Koustav A. Shah, Debapratim Ganguly, Rupak Chatterjee, Sugata Dasgupta

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Symmetrical peripheral gangrene (SPG) is an exceptionally uncommon complication of malaria, predominantly linked with Plasmodium falciparum and mixed infections. We report a 41-year-old female who presented to a tertiary care centre of eastern India in 2022 with complaint of fever with chills and rigor for 4 days along with pain and acrocyanosis of distal portions of bilateral upper and lower limbs for last 2 days. Investigations revealed anaemia and neutrophilic leucocytosis with thrombocytopaenia. The peripheral smear revealed trophozoites of P. vivax and the malaria rapid diagnostic test confirmed the presence of P. vivax antigen. D-dimer and fibrin degradation product was …

When The Right Ventricle Fails After Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation: Prediction Tools, Recognition Strategies, And Support Options, Juan Jose Rodriguez Arias, James Schurr, Phyllis Billia, Joyce W. Wald

Journal of Shock and Hemodynamics

The incidence of right heart failure (RHF) during durable left ventricular assist device (LVAD) surgery ranges from 9% to 42%, depending on the definition. RHF can be divided into three peri-implantation categories: early acute, early, and late. Despite many available risk models, predicting RHF before durable LVAD implantation has been difficult. Preemptive right-sided temporary mechanical circulatory support can improve outcomes; however, if intraoperative RHF is not suspected, early recognition and appropriate intervention after surgery are important.

Reaching Tomorrow’S Extension Customer: A Food And Health Needs Assessment, Morgan Szczepaniak, Sarah L. Francis, Ruth Litchfield, Ulrike Genschel, Shannon Coleman, Anirudh Naig

Journal of Extension

The food and health needs and preferences of Iowans (n=452) were examined. The leading food and health information sources were online platforms, social media, and print media. Program topics with high participation likelihood were cooking, food preservation, food safety, and gardening. Short, low-cost, online programs were preferred. Extension use was more likely among those who identified as persons of color, Hispanic/Latino, or were food insecure (p < 0.030). Those with less education and chronic disease were less likely to be interested in Extension programming (p < 0.040). These results provide valuable information regarding future directions for Extension programming.

The Effect Of Group Prenatal Care On The Empowerment Of Pregnant Adolescents: Randomized Controlled Trial, Fatemeh Malchi, Parvin Abedi, Mina Iravani, Elham Maraghi, Eesa Mohammadi, Najmieh Saadati

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

No abstract provided.

Clinical Predictors Of Inherited Breast Cancer At A Comprehensive Cancer Centre In Oman: Is It Time For Universal Germline Genetic Testing?, Reem Abdulrahim, Hasan Al-Sayegh, Sara Al-Kiyumi, Ilse Crouse, Khalid Albaimani, Adil Aljarrah, Chantel Van Wyk, Abeer Alsayegh

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Objectives: This study aimed to explore the clinical, histopathological and demographic characteristics of female Omani breast cancer (BC) patients to identify possible predictors of a positive test result. Additionally, it aimed to evaluate the applicability of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines for germline genetic testing in risk assessment. Methods: This study was conducted at the Sultan Qaboos Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Oman, between September 2021 and September 2022. The variables examined included age, disease stage, presence of metastasis at diagnosis, hormone receptor status, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 status, histopathological type, Ki-67 levels, family history of …

Effect Of Prophylactic Tranexamic Acid On Peripartum Changes In Haemoglobin Concentration After Vaginal Delivery, Ezukwa E. Omoronyia, Moses I. Ekuma, Edu Eyong, Sylvester E. Abeshi, Ubong B. Akpan

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of prophylactic intravenous tranexamic acid on postpartum haemoglobin (Hb) concentration values compared to a control group. Methods: This randomised controlled study took place from May to July 2023 and included parturients with no apparent risk for postpartum haemorrhage from the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital in Calabar, Nigeria. Participants were divided equally into 2 groups. Group A (intervention group) received 10 IU of intramuscular oxytocin along with 1,000 mg of intravenous tranexamic acid within 1 minute of vaginal delivery, while Group B (control group) received 10 IU of intramuscular oxytocin with 10 …

Effect Of Magnesium Supplements On Improving Glucose Control, Blood Pressure And Lipid Profile In Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Nasiba Al Maqrashi, Salim Al Busaidi, Sara Al-Rasbi, Abdullah M. Al Alawi, Juhaina S. Al-Maqbali

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

This study evaluated the effects of magnesium (Mg) supplementation on glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus through a meta-analysis of 23 randomised controlled trials involving 1,345 participants. Mg supplementation significantly increased serum Mg levels (weighted mean difference [WMD] = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.32 to 1.06) and reduced fasting blood glucose levels (WMD = -0.58, 95% CI: -0.87 to -0.28). However, the impact on glycated haemoglobin was minimal (WMD = -0.16, 95% CI: -0.32 to 0.00). Subgroup analysis showed a greater reduction in glycated haemoglobin among participants aged ≥65 years and those receiving longer durations of supplementation. Additionally, Mg supplementation …

Lead And Iron Levels In Maternal And Umbilical Cord Blood In Basrah, Iraq, Balqees Kadhim Hasan, Jafar Sadek Abdulazeez, Meaad Kadhum Hassan, Hamid Jaddoah Abbas, Lamia Mustafa Al-Naama

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Objectives: Lead can pass from a mother to her developing foetus and is associated with well-established risks for the foetus. This study aimed to evaluate maternal and cord iron and lead levels and study the association of maternal and cord blood lead levels (BLLs) with newborn anthropometric measurements. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Basra Maternity and Children Hospital, Basrah, Iraq, and included women and their newborns over the period from January through June 2023. Blood samples from mothers and umbilical cords were collected and sent to determine the complete blood count and lead and iron levels. Linear …

Psoriasis Presenting As Koebner Phenomena, Zamzam Al Qutaiti, Ayida Al Khalili, Asem Shalaby

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

No abstract provided.

Prevalence Of Viruses In Odontogenic Cysts And Tumours: A Systematic Review Of Literature And Meta-Analysis, Deepak Pandiar, Divya Gopinath, Pinky Pavithran, Reshma Poothakulath Krishnan, Jishnu Krishna Kumar, Sajesh K. Veettil

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

This review aimed to assess the prevalence of oncogenic and non-oncogenic viruses in odontogenic cysts and tumours. A comprehensive database search was performed for published articles regarding the presence of viruses in all odontogenic cysts and tumours, following guidelines without date constraints, and was registered with PROSPERO. After screening 164 articles, 24 studies were included for systematic evaluation. A meta-analysis was performed to determine the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV), revealing an overall pooled prevalence of HPV in ameloblastomas of 18.21% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 6.36–33.73) while the prevalence of HPV in odontogenic cysts was found to be 1.51% (95% …

Urinary Tract Infections Among Patients In Primary Healthcare Centres In Bahrain: A Cross-Sectional Study, Mahmood Alawainati, Zahra Ayoob, Eman Almajed, Safaa Alkhawaja, Noof Abdulaal, Rehab Alkhnaizi, Hanin Shaheen, Fatema Hubail, Nermin Kamal Saeed

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the clinical and microbiological profiles of patients with urinary tract infections (UTIs) in primary healthcare centres in Bahrain. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at 27 primary care centres in Bahrain between January and December 2022. All patients with positive urine cultures, defined as the presence of ≥100,000 colony-forming units/mL were included. Participants’ sociodemographic characteristics, comorbidities, risk factors for resistant uropathogens, uropathogen types and antibiotic sensitivity outcomes were assessed. Descriptive and inferential statistics were analysed. Results: A total of 1,985 patients were included, with an average age of 40.57 ± 20.18 years. Most …

Assessing One-Year Health Impacts From Wildfires In Rural Communities: Roles For Extension In Promoting Wildfire Preparedness And Recovery, Marc T. Braverman, Sandi Cleveland Phibbs, Emily Jane Davis, Amanda Rau, Elijah Penner

Journal of Extension

Wildfires can produce health impacts that persist for years in affected communities. This article describes an Extension-led study of health impacts in rural Oregon communities one year after a destructive wildfire. Data collection included key informant interviews (n=36), an online survey (n=80), and three focus group interviews with survivors (n=23). Mental health, exposure to contaminants, physical stress, food insecurity, and other issues were frequently identified health concerns. Survivors’ difficulties in dealing with housing displacement significantly exacerbated health challenges. We describe potential roles for Extension in addressing wildfire risk and mitigating health impacts, including a description of the Oregon Fire Program.

Integrating Social Work In An Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service Primary Health Care Setting: The First Three Months Of Data, Ines Sofia Zuchowski, Erin Waters, Albert Kuruvila, Brodie Kuhn, Rebecca Lee

Journal of the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet

Background

Social work within General Practice is an emerging contributor to primary healthcare aiming to address social determinants of health. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experience higher rates of health inequity and racism than non-Indigenous Australians. The Townsville Aboriginal and Islander Health Service [TAIHS] is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Service [ATSICCHS] whose mission is to deliver culturally appropriate services to achieve better health and wellbeing outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Objective

This article reports on the first three months of data collection of a social worker employed at TAIHS as part …

Climate Change Impacts On Drinking Water Security: A Comparative Study In Australia’S Remote Central Australia And Torres Strait Islands, Nina Lansbury, Julia Bradford, Sandra J. Creamer, Geoffrey Evans

Journal of the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are well adapted to the many different environments in which they have lived for thousands of years. However, their environments and communities are highly vulnerable to impacts of anthropogenic climate change, including increasing threats to the security of drinking water supplies. Climate change is intensifying the significant social and economic disadvantage Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities face from poverty, poor housing, and poor health including high exposure to infectious and other diseases. Lack of sufficient safe, clean, drinking water could force Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to leave their homelands, adding …

Centralising Local Aboriginal Language And Culture In Healthy Skin Books On The See Treat Prevent (Stop) Trial In The Kimberley Region Of Western Australia: A Process And Impact Inquiry, Tracy Mcrae, Kelli Mcintosh, Hannah Mm Thomas, Stephanie Enkel, Abbey Ford, John Jacky, Slade Sibosado, Marianne Mullane, Alexandra Whelan, Rebecca Dalton, Juli Coffin, Jonathan R. Carapetis, Roz Walker, Asha C Bowen

Journal of the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet

Language is significant for communicating knowledge across cultures and generations and has the power to attribute meanings and alter our worldviews. More than 250 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders languages were spoken in 1788. This number has diminished to approximately 110 languages spoken in 2016, of which 90% were considered endangered in 2019. Language custodians and speakers across Australia are working to preserve and ensure languages are strongly spoken into the future. Language revitalisation initiatives can facilitate (re)connection to Country, cultures and communities and be recognised as acts of reconciliation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. In a health …

Observed And Reported Outcomes Following Experiential Cultural Capability And Clinical Yarning Training For Clinicians Treating Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander People With Persistent Pain, Stuart Ekberg, Renata F. I Meuter, Ivan Lin, Roslyn Rowen, Angela Kinnell, Eva Malacova, Tania Waring, Kushla Houkamau, Marayah Taylor, Matthew Bryant, Jermaine Isua, Andrew Claus, Paul Gray, Joseph Kluver, Christina M. Bernardes, Greg Pratt

Journal of the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet

Communication is recognised as crucial to culturally safe healthcare, and poor communication remains a major reason that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people do not access healthcare. This pragmatic, pre-post comparison study employed mixed methods to evaluate cultural capability and clinical yarning training delivered to 57 clinicians supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people at three persistent pain management services in Queensland, Australia. Observable outcomes of the training were evaluated by video recording clinicians’ training experiences and seven consultations with patients that occurred either pre- or post-training. Reported outcomes were evaluated by using a modified Cultural Safety Survey (CSS), which …

A Description Of Mental Health Policies In Ohio Secondary Schools, Laura L. Harris, Molly Rowe

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE To compare secondary school mental health policies implemented for the student body with those implemented for student athletes.

Athletic Trainers Confidence In Evaluating And Treating Emergent Conditions, Andrea Cripps, Jenny Toonstra, Sara Stiltner

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE The profession of Athletic Training (AT) has undergone a substantial educational overhaul in the last decade, adding more advanced knowledge and skills than ever before. With more than 50% of the profession having obtained their certification more than 10 years prior,¹ it is essential that we understand the varying levels of confidence in evaluating and managing these new skills, so that appropriate continuing education opportunities can be developed to bridge any gaps that may be identified. The purpose of this study to examine self-reported confidence in evaluating and managing acute care skills.

Sternocleidomastoid Syndrome In A Collegiate Basketball Athlete: A Case Study, Sara Stiltner, Rob Whitehurst, Eric Avers

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

BACKGROUND
20-year-old male basketball athlete with recurring upper and lower extremity instability injuries presented fall 2021 with shoulder and ankle instability. A past medical history of thermal capsulorrhaphy from high school with surgical intervention May 2021 (college first year). October 2021 athlete began experiencing rotator cuff strains in both shoulders. November 2021, December 2021, January 2022 athlete experiences recurrent right ankle sprains. Each ankle sprain resulted in two weeks of lost participation, followed by one week of active participation. The third ankle sprain associated with increased swelling and pain over medial ankle. Upon referral and MRI a deltoid ligament sprain …

Causes Of Athletic Trainer Attrition: A Critically Appraised Topic, Mckenna E. Tuttle, Klevione D. Brown, Elizabeth A. Starns

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

Athletic Training (AT) attrition has been a persistent issue within the profession for years^1,2. By identifying the factors contributing to the attrition rates among Athletic Trainers, targeted interventions can be developed to mitigate turnover and decrease attrition within the profession.

Kinematic Analysis Of Lower Extremity Movement Patterns During Functional Tests In Collegiate Track And Field Runners To Predict Injury Incidence, Maddie Hoyt, Brooke Parker, Bailey Weise, Andrew Busch

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE
Lower extremity overuse injuries are becoming increasingly more prevalent in endurance-based running sports^1,2,3,4,5,6. These injuries negatively impact an athlete’s sports performance and increase the risk of additional injuries^3,4. The purpose of this study was to first examine kinematic and kinetic variables within distance runners and compare those with previous lower extremity injuries to those without reported injuries; and second to understand if such variables predicted future injuries sustained throughout a track season.

Injury Epidemiology In Collegiate Marching Band, Morgan Davis, Jinghzen Yang, Matthew Brancaleone

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE
Marching bands have become more popular and physically demanding, with performers taking up to 16,174 steps on game days, which may increase their risk of musculoskeletal injuries. However, research on these performers remains limited. The purpose of this study was to describe the incidence of reported injury and pain and soreness experienced by marching artists within a collegiate marching band.

Atypical Anterior Tibial Stress Fracture Leading To Acute Fracture And Intermedullary Rodding, Emily Mulkey Swisher, Chad Cochran, Raymond Duffett

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE
This case highlights an unusual stress fracture progressing to an acute tibial fracture requiring intermedullary rodding.

The Athletic Trainer's Responsibility In Disability Exercise Adherence, Elizabeth Starns, Stephanie M. Kubiak, Rebecca J. Wehler

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE
This study examined exercise adherence to aerobic and strength training exercise guidelines in individuals with disabilities, highlighting the implications for athletic training (AT). Because disabilities impact over 25% of the U.S. population¹, an understanding of the varied exercise adherence patterns can inform inclusive AT best practices and assist in promoting exercise and sport participation.