Distribution and correlates of total impaired fasting glucose in Oman

To determine the distribution and correlates of total impaired fasting glucose in Oman, we conducted a cross-sectional survey of 1968 households with 7011 eligible residents in 2000. During face-to-face interviews, demographic data, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, serum cholesterol, weight, height and waist and hip measurements were obtained. Of 5788 subjects tested for total impaired fasting glucose [response rate: 83%], crude prevalence was 17.3% and age-adjusted prevalence was 20.3%. Associated factors in bivariate analysis were older age, male gender, lower education, hypercholesterolaemia, being married, obesity, abnormal waist to hip ratio and hypertension. Total impaired fasting glucose is a significant public health problem in Oman. Increasing the awareness of health care providers and community through health education is crucial

The degradation of methylene blue dye using copper-doped hydroxyapatite encapsulated into polycaprolactone nanofibrous membranes

Methylene blue is degraded under visible light irradiation in the presence of the nanofibrous membranes of PCL containing modified HAP with different contents of Cu ions.

Chemical composition, oxidative stability, and sensory properties of

This study investigated the effects of blending alhydwan seed oil and peanut oil as a way of enhancing the stability and chemical characteristics of plant seed oils and to discover more innovative foods of high nutraceutical value which can be used in other food production systems. Alhydwan seed oil and peanut oil blended at proportions of 10:90, 20:80, 30:70, 40:60 and 50:50 (v/v) were evaluated according to their physi­cochemical properties, including refractive index, relative density, saponification value, peroxide value, iodine value, free fatty acids, oxidative stability index, and tocopherol contents using various standard and published methods. At room temperature, all of the oil blends were in the liquid state. The physicochemical profiles of the blended oils showed significant decreases (p < 0.05) in peroxide value (6.97–6.02 meq O2/kg oil), refractive index at 25 °C (1.462–1.446), free fatty acids (2.29–1.71%), and saponification value (186.44–183.77 mg KOH/g), and increases in iodine value and relative density at 25 °C (98.10–102.89 and 0.89–0.91, respectively), especially with an analhydwan seed oil to peanut oil ratio of 10:90. Among the fatty acids, oleic and linoleic acids were most abundant in the 50:50 and 10:90 alhydwan seed oil to peanut oil blends, respectively. Oxidative stability increased as the proportion of alhydwan oil increased. In terms of tocopherol contents (γ, δ, and α), γ-tocopherol had the highest values across all of the blended proportions, followed by δ-tocopherol. The overall acceptability was good for all blends. The incorporation of alhydwan seed oil into peanut oil resulted in inexpensive, high-quality blended oil that may be useful in health food products and pharmaceuticals without compromising sensory characteristics.

Physical, electrochemical and biological evaluations of spin-coated ε-polycaprolactone thin films containing alumina/graphene/carbonated hydroxyapatite/titania for tissue engineering applications

Composite structures are at the frontier of materials science and engineering and polymeric/ceramic composites present one of their most prospective subsets. Prior studies have shown both improvements and deteriorations of properties of polymers upon the addition of ceramic phases to them, but not many studies have dealt with the direct comparison of chemically distinct inorganic additives. The goal of this study was to compare the properties of ε-polycaprolactone (PCL) thin films supplemented with alumina, graphene, carbonated hydroxyapatite or titania particles, individually, in identical amounts (12 wt%). The composite films were analyzed for their phase composition, grain size, morphology, surface roughness, porosity, cell response, mechanical properties and electrochemical performance. Each additive imparted one or more physical or biological properties onto PCL better than others. Thus, alumina increased the microhardness of the films better than any other additive, with the resulting values exceeding 10 MPa. It also led to the formation of a composite with the least porosity and the greatest stability to degradation in simulated body fluid based on open circuit potential (OCP) measurements and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Titania made the surface of PCL roughest, which in combination with its high porosity explained why it was the most conducive to the growth of human fibroblasts, alongside being most prone to degradation in wet, corrosive environments and having the highest Poisson's ratio. Graphene, in contrast, made the surface of PCL smoothest and the bulk structure most porous, but also most conductive, with the OCP of -37 mV. The OCP of PCL supplemented with carbonated hydroxyapatite had the highest OCP of -134 mV and also the highest mechanical moduli, including the longitudinal (781 MPa), the shear (106 MPa), the bulk (639 MPa), and the elastic (300 MPa). The only benefit of the deposition of multilayered PCL films supplemented with all four inorganic additives was to enable a relatively high resistance to degradation. This study demonstrates that the properties of thin PCL films could be effectively optimized through the simple choice of appropriate inorganic additives dispersed in them. There is no single additive that proves ideal for improving all the properties of interest in PCL thin films, but their choice should be adjusted to the actual application. One such method of compositional optimization could prove crucial in the effort to develop biocomposites for superior performance in tissue engineering applications.

Investigation of Biochemical Alterations in Ischemic Stroke Using Fourier Transform Infrared Imaging Spectroscopy-A Preliminary Study

Objective: Brain damage, long-term disability and death are the dreadful consequences of ischemic stroke. It causes imbalance in the biochemical constituents that distorts the brain dynamics. Understanding the sub-cellular alterations associated with the stroke will contribute to deeper molecular understanding of brain plasticity and recovery. Current routine approaches examining lipid and protein biochemical changes post stoke can be difficult. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) imaging spectroscopy can play a vital role in detecting these molecular alterations on a sub-cellular level due to its high spatial resolution, accuracy and sensitivity. This study investigates the biochemical and molecular changes in peri-infract zone (PIZ) (contiguous area not completely damaged by stroke) and ipsi-lesional white matter (WM) (right below the stroke and PIZ regions) nine weeks post photothrombotic ischemic stroke in rats. Materials and Methods: FTIR imaging spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques were applied to investigate brain tissue samples while hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained images of adjacent sections were prepared for comparison and examination the morphological changes post stroke. Results: TEM results revealed shearing of myelin sheaths and loss of cell membrane, structure and integrity after ischemic stroke. FTIR results showed that ipsi-lesional PIZ and WM experienced reduction in total protein and total lipid content compared to contra-lesional hemisphere. The lipid/protein ratio reduced in PIZ and adjacent WM indicated lipid peroxidation, which results in lipid chain fragmentation and an increase in olefinic content. Protein structural change is observed in PIZ due to the shift from random coli and α-helical structures to β-sheet conformation. Conclusion: FTIR imaging bio-spectroscopy provide novel biochemical information at sub-cellular levels that be difficult to be obtained by routine approaches. The results suggest that successful therapeutic strategy that is based on administration of anti-oxidant therapy, which could reduce and prevent neurotoxicity by scavenging the lipid peroxidation products. This approach will mitigate tissue damage in chronic ischemic period. FTIR imaging bio-spectroscopy can be used as a powerful tool and offer new approach in stroke and neurodegenerative diseases research.

P617Early global longitudinal strain predicts late infarct size in patients with anterior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction treated with a primary percutaneous coronary intervention

Background

Late infarct size (IS) after STEMI is a determinant of subsequent mortality. Late Gadolinium enhancement in cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (LGE-CMRI) is the gold standard for IS measurement, however, it is not readily accessible in many areas.

Aims

To evaluate the value of early baseline 2D-echocardiographic global longitudinal strain (GLS) for prediction of late IS after STEMI.

Methods

From October 2017 to July 2018, we studied 100 patients with their 1st anterior STEMI treated with a PPCI. Baseline GLS calculation was performed within 48 hours of admission. The average value of the 9 segments supplied by the LAD was assessed separately (anterior GLS). Infarct size was assessed 3 months later using LGE-CMRI, and large infarcts were defined as ≥20% LV myocardium covered by scar.

Results

Based on CMRI, patients were divided into 2 groups; 57 patients with large infarcts (group I) and 43 patients with small infarcts (group II). Both groups were matched in all baseline demographics and risk factors. There was a good and significant correlation between GLS and the degree of myocardium affected by scar (r=−0.840, P<0.001). This correlation was even higher for anterior GLS (r=−0.867, P<0.001). ROC analysis showed a cut-off point of GLS (−13%) that identified large late IS with a sensitivity and specificity of 66.7% and 88.4% respectively (AUC= 0.85). For anterior GLS, the cut-off point was −9.6% (Sensitivity 94%, specificity 86%, AUC= 0.9).

Baseline 2D-GLS & Late LGE-CMRI

Conclusion

Baseline GLS significantly predicts and correlates well with late IS after anterior STEMI.

AEO7 Surfactant as an Eco-Friendly Corrosion Inhibitor for Carbon Steel in HCl solution

The impact of AEO7 surfactant on the corrosion inhibition of carbon steel (C-steel) in 0.5 M HCl solution at temperatures between 20 °C and 50 °C was elucidated using weight loss and different electrochemical techniques. The kinetics and thermodynamic parameters of the corrosion and inhibition processes were reported. The corrosion inhibition efficiency (IE%) improved as the concentration of AEO7 increased. In addition, a synergistic effect was observed when a concentration of 1 × 10⁻³ mol L⁻¹ or higher of potassium iodide (KI) was added to 40 µmol L⁻¹ of the AEO7 inhibitor where the corrosion IE% increased from 87.4% to 99.2%. Also, it was found that the adsorption of AEO7 surfactant on C-steel surface followed the Freundlich isotherm. Furthermore, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and potentiodynamic polarization measurements indicated that AEO7 was physically adsorbed on the steel surface. The surface topography was examined using an optical profilometer, an atomic force microscope (AFM), and a scanning electron-microscope (SEM) coupled with an energy dispersion X-ray (EDX) unit. Quantum chemical calculations based on the density functional theory were performed to understand the relationship between the corrosion IE% and the molecular structure of the AEO7 molecule.

Troubled minds in the Gulf: mental health research in the United Arab Emirates (1989-2008)

This article aims to describe the characteristics of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) mental health research published from 1989 to 2008 in PubMed indexed journals to identify gaps and to suggest recommendations. Our sensitive PubMed search for general and mental health publications in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and the UAE revealed a total of 192 mental health studies published in GCC countries over the past 20 years, which constituted less than 1% of the GCC total biomedical research. Most of the studies were from the UAE University and were either epidemiologic (48.98%) or psychometric (24.49%) with no studies addressing mental health systems research. Underrepresented were studies on health promotion and interdisciplinary, cross-cultural, ethnic, and gender research. There is a need for more international collaboration and for policies that link research conducted to services provided with longitudinal studies to test the long-term impact of early preventive interventions.

Egyptian ever-married women's attitude toward discontinuation of female genital cutting

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to examine Egyptian ever-married women's beliefs and attitude toward the discontinuation of female genital cutting (FGC). We also examined the significant sources of information which the women with positive attitude were exposed to the year prior to the survey.

METHODS

In a national representative community-based sample of 15,573 ever-married Egyptian women, the intention to continue the practice of FGC and other sociodemographical variables were collected from the 2000 Egypt Demographic and Health Survey data. A secondary in-depth analysis was conducted on the data in order to investigate the women's attitude and its associated factors.

RESULTS

Only 12.4 percent of the sample intended to discontinue the practice. The logistic regression models showed that women with a positive attitude to discontinue the practice believed that FGC was not an important part of religious traditions, that husbands did not prefer a cut wife, and that FGC reduced sexual desire. The most significant sources of information related to a positive attitude to discontinue the practice were community discussions, the mosques or churches and the newspapers.

CONCLUSION

The aforementioned sources of information are related to the social and religious aspects of women in the Egyptian community. In order to change women's attitude toward the discontinuation of this unhealthy practice, communication rather than passive learning is needed.

Lactational amenorrhoea method for family planning and women empowerment in Egypt

INTRODUCTION

This study aims to assess the potential for the lactational amenorrhoea method (LAM) and passive LAM among women with children below six months of age, and to examine its association with women empowerment in household decisions.

METHODS

Data from the Egypt Demographic Health Survey 2000 was downloaded from the Demographic and Health Surveys website. A sub-sample of women fulfilling all four criteria were selected: (1) women whose last birth of children was less than three years ago; (2) currently married; (3) not sterilised; and (4) currently breastfeeding their children. Accordingly, only 3,447 women entered into the statistical analysis, of whom 1,141 had children below six months of age.

RESULTS

Passive LAM users constituted 82 percent of the women who met LAM criteria, 57.1 percent of exclusive breastfeeding mothers, and 32.9 percent of all nursing mothers of children below six months of age. 11.8 percent of women who met the LAM criteria were under double coverage of family planning methods. In the logistic regression model where all variables were adjusted, women empowerment in household decisions, significantly and independently, inversely predicted passive LAM along with increase in child age (Odds-ratio [OR] of 0.86 and 0.43, respectively). Women with higher birth order children were more likely to use passive LAM (OR 1.11).

CONCLUSION

Women of low empowerment index in household decisions were more likely to use passive LAM. Passive LAM users could be subjected to discontinuation or double coverage of contraceptives.

Gender differences in mental health

Effective strategies for mental disorders prevention and its risk factors' reduction cannot be gender neutral, while the risks themselves are gender specific. This paper aims to discuss why gender matters in mental health, to explain the relationship of gender and health-seeking behaviour as a powerful determinant of gender differences, to examine the gender differences in common mental health disorders, namely, depressive and anxiety disorders, eating disorders, schizophrenia, and domestic violence, and finally, to raise some recommendations stemming from this review.

Positive health practices and depressive symptoms among high school adolescents in Oman

INTRODUCTION

The study aimed to investigate the association of health practices and depressive symptoms among high school adolescents in a national representative sample of 5,409 students in Oman.

METHODS

Depressive symptoms were screened in 2004 through the application of the self-report 27-item Child Depression Inventory. Health practices scale comprised a simple sum of five healthy practices, namely: sleeping seven to eight hours at night, having breakfast daily, not eating between meals, not smoking the month prior to the study, and doing physical activities more than once per week apart from attending physical education classes in school.

RESULTS

Sequential logistic regression models were run to test for the change in the odds-ratio (OR) of having depressive illness with a one point increase in the healthy practices scale, after adjustment for other risk factors of depression. Health practices remained having a significant protective effect on depression (OR is 0.72, 95 percent confidence interval is 0.64-0.80) even after adjustment to other significant covariates in the last model, such as history of chronic medical or mental illness diagnosed by a doctor, high scoring in chance health locus of control (HLC), low scoring in internal HLC, poor relationships with social contacts, and physical abuse during childhood or adolescence.

CONCLUSION

Findings support the protective effects of positive health practices on adolescents' depression.

Depressive symptoms among high school adolescents in Oman

We used the self-reported 27-item Child Depression Inventory to investigate the rate and correlates of depressive symptoms among 5409 secondary school adolescents in Oman. Being female was a significant predictor of adolescent depression in bivariate analysis, but adjusting to other predictors in multivariate analysis, it was no longer a significant independent risk factor. History of mental illness, high score in negative health locus of control, low score in positive health locus of control, not taking breakfast, poor relationship with family members, friends and teachers and physical abuse during adolescence significantly predicted depressive symptoms in the logistic regression model. Having a hobby and never dropping a class were protective variables.

Knowledge, attitudes and practices of secondary-school pupils in Oman: II. reproductive health

We examined the knowledge, attitudes and practices of Omani adolescents with regard to reproductive health in a nationally representative secondary school-based sample of 1670 boys and 1675 girls. Through a self-administrated questionnaire the adolescents were asked about puberty, marriage, birth spacing and AIDS and sexually transmitted infections. Only half of the sample knew the changes at puberty of their own sex, while even fewer knew the changes in the opposite sex. Girls were inclined significantly towards later age of marriage than boys. The mean number of children desired by the sample was 4.9. About two-thirds of the adolescents had a positive attitude toward modern contraceptive methods and intended to use them in the future. Knowledge of fertility period was poor as was knowledge of AIDS and sexually transmitted infections. There was a high rate of approval (80%) of female genital cutting by both sexes.

Depression in adolescents: gender differences in Oman and Egypt

To investigate the differences between adolescent boys and girls, the rates of depression and associated factors were determined for secondary school adolescents in 2 different samples, 552 in South Sharqiya, Oman, and 1577 in Alexandria, Egypt. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to investigate the correlates of depression. In Alexandria, the rate of having depressive symptoms in girls was almost double that in boys. In Oman, however, there was no significant difference. History of abuse during adolescence predicted depression in almost all the models. Poor relationship with parents affected girls more than boys in Alexandria and in the merged sample. Gender differences in rates or correlates of depression exist but may differ for different countries.

Knowledge, attitudes and practices of secondary-school pupils in Oman: I. health-compromising behaviours

We investigated the practice of some of health-compromising behaviours among Omani adolescents and their correlates in a nationally representative secondary school-based sample of 1670 boys and 1675 girls. The mean age of the sample was 17.13 (SD 1.35) years. Through a self-administrated questionnaire the adolescents were asked about 6 risky behaviours: current smoking, ever use of alcohol, succumbing to peer pressure to take illicit drugs, driving without a licence, speeding while driving and being involved in a physical fight in the month prior to the survey. Demographic and psychosocial variables related to their risk behaviours were also assessed. The results indicated that 4.6 % were current smokers, 4.3% had drunk alcohol and 4.6% had taken drugs. About 20% had been involved in a physical fight in the month prior to the survey, 33.4% drove without a licence and 33.9% liked to speed. Male sex and low self-esteem were the strongest predictors of risky behaviour.

Adolescents' attitudes toward gender roles and women's empowerment in Oman

This study investigated the attitudes of Omani adolescents towards gender roles and women's empowerment in taking household decisions, and the determinants of their positive attitudes. A national representative secondary school-based sample of 1670 boys and 1675 girls completed a self-administrated questionnaire with 2 indices: Adolescents' Attitudes Towards Gender Roles and Adolescents' Attitudes Towards Women's Empowerment. Other questions included demographic data, risk behaviour lifestyle, proxies to mental health and social environments expected to predict attitudes towards gender role. Eight variables predicted higher scores in both indices: sex, age, socioeconomic class, sleep problems, self-esteem, current smoking, history of indulging in violent behaviour and parental relations.

Smoking in Oman: prevalence and characteristics of smokers

We carried out a cross-sectional survey to study the prevalence and the characteristics of current and former smoking among Omani adults. Crude prevalence of current smoking was 7.0% [males 13.4%, females 0.5%] ; 2.3% were former smokers. The overall highest prevalence of current smoking [11.1%] was observed in those 40-49 years [18.7% of males, 0.9% of females]. Older age [>/= 40 years], higher educational level and larger family size were protective against smoking. Mean age for starting smoking was 18.7 years for males and 24.3 years for females. Although smoking prevalence is low in Oman, prevention should be addressed in health education programmes, with the emphasis on heightening awareness in adolescents. Government action, e. g. tobacco taxation, clean air laws and bans on advertising, is also recommended

Genotoxic evaluation of the antimalarial drug, fansidar, in cultured human lymphocytes

Fansidar (pyrimethamine-sulfadoxine) has been used extensively worldwide for the treatment of chloroquine resistant Plasmodium falciparum malaria, toxoplasmosis and Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Because of the wide usage of pyrimethamine-sulfadoxine in developing countries and the lake of information from open literature and reports from manufacturers about the genotoxicity of such antimalarial drug, the present work was suggested. The possible genetic toxicity of fansidar has been evaluated in human peripheral blood lymphocyte cultures. The frequencies of sister-chromatid exchanges (SCE) and micronuclei (MN) were scored as genetic endpoints. Both tests covering a wide range of induced genetic damage as primary DNA damage, clastogenicity and aneugenicity. Cultures were set up by using blood samples from two healthy donors and the treatment was done using different fansidar concentrations ranging from 1:20 to 10:200 microg/ml. From our results, it appears that this drug is able to induce moderate genotoxic effects, as revealed by the increases found in SCE and MN frequencies in cultures from the two donors at the two highest concentrations tested (5:100 and 10:200 microg/ml). In addition, cyotoxic/cytostatic effects of fansidar were revealed by a decrease in the proliferative rate index (PRI) and in the cytokinesis block proliferation index (CBPI). Our findings suggest that the use of this drug should be restricted to situations where other antimalarial drugs cannot be used. The drug should never be given to pregnant women.

Smoking in Oman: prevalence and characteristics of smokers

We carried out a cross-sectional survey to study the prevalence and the characteristics of current and former smoking among Omani adults. Crude prevalence of current smoking was 7.0% (males 13.4%, females 0.5%); 2.3% were former smokers. The overall highest prevalence of current smoking (11.1%) was observed in those 40-49 years (18.7% of males, 0.9% of females). Older age (> or = 40 years), higher educational level and larger family size were protective against smoking. Mean age for starting smoking was 18.7 years for males and 24.3 years for females. Although smoking prevalence is low in Oman, prevention should be addressed in health education programmes, with the emphasis on heightening awareness in adolescents. Government action, e.g. tobacco taxation, clean air laws and bans on advertising, is also recommended.

Adolescents’ use of health services in Alexandria, Egypt: association with mental health problems

The study assessed patterns of health service use by adolescents and the association with mental health problems in Alexandria, Egypt. A systematic stratified r and om sample of 1577 school students aged 14-19 years completed a self-report questionnaire about demographic and health status, use of health services in the previous year, and the Children’s Depression Inventory and the Adolescent Self-Report Aggression Scale. Overall, 97.1% of students reported using school health clinics once or more in the year before the study, 93.7% primary health centres, 16.8% mental health services and 13.6% other health services. A history of organic illness in the previous year [OR = 1.80], having depressive symptoms [OR = 2.93] and having aggressive symptoms [OR = 5.53] were significantly associated with frequent use of health services [

Adolescents' use of health services in Alexandria, Egypt: association with mental health problems

The study assessed patterns of health service use by adolescents and the association with mental health problems in Alexandria, Egypt. A systematic stratified random sample of 1577 school students aged 14-19 years completed a self-report questionnaire about demographic and health status, use of health services in the previous year, and the Children's Depression Inventory and the Adolescent Self-Report Aggression Scale. Overall, 97.1% of students reported using school health clinics once or more in the year before the study, 93.7% primary health centres, 16.8% mental health services and 13.6% other health services. A history of organic illness in the previous year (OR = 1.80), having depressive symptoms (OR = 2.93) and having aggressive symptoms (OR = 5.53) were significantly associated with frequent use of health services (> or = 4 visits/year).

Clustering of cardiovascular risk factors among Omani adults

To determine the distribution and correlates of clustering of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, data from the Oman National Health Survey, 2000 were analysed. Based on demographic data (blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, serum cholesterol, weight, height, waist and hip measurements), 5660 subjects were grouped according to how many of four CVD risk factors (hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, overweight/obesity) they had. We found that 72% of subjects had less than one risk factor and 2% had all four. Older age exacerbated risk, while living in rural areas or being single was protective. Metabolic cardiovascular syndrome is a public health problem in Oman. Increasing awareness in healthcare providers and the wider population by comprehensive dissemination of the survey results is crucial.

Distribution and correlates of total impaired fasting glucose in Oman

To determine the distribution and correlates of total impaired fasting glucose in Oman, we conducted a cross-sectional survey of 1968 households with 7011 eligible residents in 2000. During face-to-face interviews, demographic data, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, serum cholesterol, weight, height and waist and hip measurements were obtained. Of 5788 subjects tested for total impaired fasting glucose (response rate: 83%), crude prevalence was 17.3% and age-adjusted prevalence was 20.3%. Associated factors in bivariate analysis were older age, male gender, lower education, hypercholesterolaemia, being married, obesity, abnormal waist to hip ratio and hypertension. Total impaired fasting glucose is a significant public health problem in Oman. Increasing the awareness of health care providers and community through health education is crucial.

Clustering of cardiovascular risk factors among Omani adults

To determine the distribution and correlates of clustering of cardiovascular disease [CVD] risk factors, data from the Oman National Health Survey, 2000 were analysed. Based on demographic data [blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, serum cholesterol, weight, height, waist and hip measurements], 5660 subjects were grouped according to how many of four CVD risk factors [hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, overweight/obesity] they had. We found that 72% of subjects had less than one risk factor and 2% had all four. Older age exacerbated risk, while living in rural areas or being single was protective. Metabolic cardiovascular syndrome is a public health problem in Oman. Increasing awareness in healthcare providers and the wider population by comprehensive dissemination of the survey results is crucial

A community-based study of common hereditary blood disorders in Oman

We assessed the prevalence of three common hereditary blood disorders (sickle-cell and beta-thalassaemia traits and glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency) among the Omani population. We interviewed a representative sample of 6103 Omani households and blood samples from 6342 children aged 0-5 years were collected. About 27% of Omani males had inherited glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (compared with 11% of females) while countrywide prevalence rates for the sickle-cell and beta-thalassaemia traits were estimated to be 5.8% and 2.2% respectively and showed no significant gender differences. There was a significant association between all three disorders and region of the country.

Substance abuse policy and peace in the Middle East: a Palestinian and Israeli partnership

This paper describes the working exchange between Israelis, Palestinians and international experts who engaged in a process to promote communications, cooperation and coordination of efforts directed toward peace as well as the prevention and treatment of drug abuse in the region. From 1997 to 1999, a program of training workshops and courses, drug prevention and treatment skills development and collaborative research was conducted on the basis of mutual respect and cooperation among Palestinians and Israelis. By tapping into the issue of substance abuse and by focusing on its professional and academic dimensions, this initiative engaged representative delegations of the police force, academia, treatment centers and various government ministries. While events of this period underscored the dependence of "bottom-up" peace initiatives on the prevailing political situation, the experience revealed the vital role of NGO frameworks in providing a safety net for promoting and sustaining relations as well as addressing an issue of common concern. This case study shows that addiction professionals, both clinicians and researchers, can be instrumental in conflict resolution as well as the prevention and treatment of drug abuse.