Additional file 1: of Awareness and implementation of nine World Health Organization’s patient safety solutions among three groups of healthcare workers in Oman

Awareness and practice of nine World Health Organization’s patient safety solutions. (DOCX 34 kb

Protective effects of pomegranates, figs, or dates on the plasma levels of many cytokines.

<p>The basal plasma levels of many cytokines in WT mice and transgenic mice, fed a control diet or a diet supplemented with 4% total extracts of pomegranates, figs, or dates, as indicated, were determined by multi-plex cytokine anaylsis using the Bio-Plex kits, as described in the Materials and Methods. The representative data from at least three independent experiments are shown (** <i>p</i><0.01 and *** <i>p</i><0.001 vs. control TG group; <i>n</i> = 16/group).</p

Differential executive functioning in the topology of Spirit possession or dissociative disorders: an explorative cultural study

Background In Oman, anecdotal and impressionistic observation have helped parse and categorize various manifestations of spirit possession into two broad and distinct categories: intermittent dissociative phenomenon and transitory dissociative phenomenon. The primary aim of the present study was to compare the performance of participants on neuropsychological tests among different grades of possession. Other correlates were also sought. Methods Assessment criteria for the two groups included measures examining executive functioning: controlled oral word association test Verbal Fluency, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (Perseverative error and the number of categories achieved), Trail Making Test and the Tower of London Test (number of correctly solved problems). Sociodemographic variables and the history of trauma were also sought. Result Among 84 participants, one third of them presented the intermittent possession type and two thirds, the transitory possession type. Their mean age was 34.17 ± 11.82 and 56% of them were female. Nearly 35% of them endorsed a history of a traumatic experience. Both the multivariate models showed statistical significance (F (5, 78) = 5.57, p  Conclusions This study suggests that typology of spirit possession found in Oman tends to differ on indices of executive function. Those with ‘diagnosis’ of intermittent possession showed impairment in many indices of executive functioning. Despite its wide prevalence, spirit possession has not been examined in terms of its neuropsychological functioning. We believe that this study will be instrumental in laying the groundwork for a more robust methodology.Other Information Published in: BMC Psychiatry License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/See article on publisher's website: http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12888-019-2358-2</p

Schematic diagram.

<p>The conclusive figure showing the inflammatory signaling pathways in Alzheimer’s disease mouse model (APPsw/Tg 2576) and protection by dietary supplementation of pomegranates, figs and dates as potential complementary and alternative medicine for the neurodegenerative diseases.</p

Effects of pomegranates, figs, or dates on the levels of IL-1β TNF-α and IL-6 in the cortex and hippocampus.

<p>The levels of the three cytokinses in the WT and TG mice, as indicated, were determined by multi-plex cytokine anaylsis using the Bio-Plex kits, as described in the Materials and Methods. The representative data from at least three independent experiments are shown (** <i>p</i><0.01 and *** <i>p</i><0.001 vs. control TG group; <i>n</i> = 16/group), Pomegranates [PGs].</p

HMC investigation results (medical error/no medical error) according to background characteristics, Oman 2010–2021.

HMC investigation results (medical error/no medical error) according to background characteristics, Oman 2010–2021.</p

Factors associated with medical errors in registered medical malpractice cases, Oman 2010–2021.

Factors associated with medical errors in registered medical malpractice cases, Oman 2010–2021.</p

Methylphenidate improves executive functions in patients with traumatic brain injuries: a feasibility trial via the idiographic approach

Background Road traffic accidents are known to be the main cause of traumatic brain injury (TBI). TBI is also a leading cause of death and disability. This study, by means of the idiographic approach (single-case experimental designs using multiple-baseline designs), has examined whether methylphenidate (MPH - trade name Ritalin) had a differential effect on cognitive measures among patients with TBI with the sequel of acute and chronic post-concussion syndromes. The effect on gender was also explored. Methods In comparison with healthy controls, patients with TBI (acute and chronic) and accompanying mild cognitive impairment (MCI) were screened for their integrity of executive functioning. Twenty-four patients exhibiting executive dysfunction (ED) were then instituted with the pharmacological intervention methylphenidate (MPH). The methylphenidate was administered using an uncontrolled, open label design. Results The administration of methylphenidate impacted ED in the TBI group but had no effect on mood. Attenuation of ED was more apparent in the chronic phases of TBI. The effect on gender was not statistically significant with regard to the observed changes. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first feasibility trial from the Arabian Gulf to report the performance of a TBI population with mild cognitive impairment according to the IQCODE Arabic version. This investigation confirms anecdotal observations of methylphenidate having the potential to attenuate cognitive impairment; particularly those functions that are critically involved in the integrity of executive functioning. The present feasibility trial should be followed by nomothetic studies such as those that adhere to the protocol of the randomized controlled trial. This evidence-based research is the foundation for intervention and future resource allocation by policy- or public health decision-makers.Other Information Published in: BMC Neurology License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/See article on publisher's website: http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12883-020-01663-x</p

Sample questions for the interview.

There is currently limited knowledge about the firsthand experiences of adolescents and young adults with mental health problems and the meanings they ascribe to these experiences, particularly within Arab countries. This study, therefore, aimed to explore the lived experience of Omani adolescents and young adults with a mental health problem. A sample of 15 participants aged 13–22 diagnosed with a range of mental health problems took part in the study. A qualitative interview guide consisting of open-ended questions was used to allow participants to speak in-depth about their experiences. Using the thematic analysis approach to uncover patterns in the data, three major themes emerged: “living in darkness”, “perilous journey” and “uncertain future”. Results show that the progress of adolescents and young adults with mental health problems is characterized by several challenges; the most significant of which is having insufficient knowledge about their illness, leading to unnecessary delays in their treatment. These findings shed light on the breadth and depth of the experience of adolescents and young adults with mental health problems and lay the groundwork for further examinations. Implications lie in the development of approaches for preventing or mitigating difficulties faced by adolescents and young adults with mental health problems.</div