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Objective: This study aims to investigate the knowledge and attitudes among pharmacists in Oman towards the specific use and knowledge of herbal drugs. Methods: The study was conducted on 100 pharmacists employed in Oman. The data was collected using two self- administered questionnaire containing 7 and 11 closed ended questions in each, respectively. Results: The mean age of pharmacists was 32.6 (SD=5.6) years. The majority of pharmacists were interested in herbal information and their herbal information mainly comes from their previous classes during college. Most of them have belief on the effectiveness of herbal products. Pharmacists were more knowledgeable on specific therapeutic indications of herbal products rather than on other areas such as drug- herb interaction or side effects. Conclusion: In summary, Pharmacists need to be informed on the therapeutic indications, drug interactions, dose, active constituent and precautions of herbal products. Concerned bodies must also provide them with regular continuing education programs apart from putting their effects to incorporate relevant topics in herbal medicine in pharmacy curriculum.

Objective: To perform phytochemical screening and to evaluate the in-vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of ethanolic extract of seeds and fruits of Zizyphus spina-christi (ZSC) growing in Oman. Methods: Alcoholic extract of the dry powdered seeds and fruits of ZSC was obtained by cold maceration method and was subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening. Total phenolic content were estimated by using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) was used to determine in-vitro antioxidant activity of plant extracts. Anti-inflammatory activity was investigated by protein denaturation method. Results: Phytochemical analysis of both the extracts revealed the presence of major classes of phytochemicals such as tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides etc.. ZSC seeds were found to contain the highest total phenolics but ZSC fruits exhibited the maximum antioxidant activity. The anti-inflammatory activity of both parts of the plant extract was significant and comparable with the standard anti-inflammatory drug, diclofenac. Conclusions: Based on the results of this pilot study, it can be concluded that ZSC is a good source of natural antioxidants which can be used to prevent progression of many chronic diseases. Further detailed phytochemical studies are needed to identify the chemical compounds responsible for exhibiting potent anti-inflammatory activity.

Purpose. To evaluate the functional and oncological outcomes of 12 patients with giant cell tumour (GCT) of the proximal femur treated with customised endoprosthesis. Methods. Nine men and 3 women aged 26 to 52 (mean, 36) years with Campanacci stage-III GCTs of the proximal femur were included. All underwent a wide excision of the tumour with clear margins and replacement using a customised, bipolar, cemented proximal femoral megaprosthesis. Functional outcomes were evaluated using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society functional scores. Results. The mean follow-up period was 4.8 (range, 4–6) years. There were no instances of recurrence, dislocation, aseptic loosening, deep infection, or death. At the end of 4 years, 8 patients were walking unassisted, 2 used a cane to support during outdoor activities, one used a walking frame at home and outdoors, and one was lost to follow-up. The mean pain relief score was 5.0, the mean functional score was 4.3, the mean emotional acceptance of the procedure and its outcome was 4.7, the mean lower extremity score for support use was 4.7, for walking ability was 4.5, and for gait was 4.3, and the mean total score was 28.3 (out of the maximum of 30). Conclusion. Endoprosthetic replacement for Campanacci stage-III GCT of the proximal femur achieves good to excellent functional and oncological outcomes.

The objective of the study was to develop a model of Big Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence (BDA-AI) technology acceptance in the hospitality and tourism industry in Malaysia. The model developed in this study is Comprehensive Theory of Use and Adoption of Technology (CTUAT). This is an empirical and quantitative study based on a unified model developed through a massive literature review. The study adopted a cross-sectional online survey among 343 owners/managers of tourism and hospitality firms. Applying structural equation modeling and using AMOS software, data was purified and analyzed. The study identified that strategic orientation, performance effectiveness; top management support, organizational resources, employee readiness, and technology expectancy are the predictors of the behavioral intention of BDA-AI technology acceptance except for innovation on behavioral intention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]