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Abstract Background Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is one of the most serious microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus (DM) and the leading cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) worldwide. Since obesity and type 2 DM (T2DM) are considered as inflammatory conditions, thus reducing their accompanied systemic inflammation may lessen their complications. Sestrin 2 belongs to a group of stress induced proteins which are produced in response to oxidative stress, inflammation and DNA damage. Betatrophin; a hormone that stimulates the growth, proliferation and mass expansion of pancreatic beta-cells and improves glucose tolerance. The objective of the study was to evaluate levels of serum Sestrin 2 and betatrophin in patients with different stages of diabetic nephropathy (DN)) and compare results with healthy control. Methods This cross sectional study was carried out on 60 patients above 18 years old, recruited from Tanta University hospitals out patients clinics and 20 apparently healthy individuals of matched sex and age as a control group. Participants were divided into two groups: group I: 20 normal subjects as control group and group II: 60 patients with type 2 DM,. further subdivided in to three equal groups: group 1IIA(20 patients) with normo-albuminuria (ACR 300 mg/g). They were subjected to detailed history taking, careful clinical examination and laboratory investigations including blood urea, serum creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), urinary albumin creatinine ratio, and specific laboratory tests for Sestrin 2 and Betatrophin by using ELISA technique. Results Serum Sestrin 2 significantly decreased, while serum betatrophin level significantly increased in macroalbuminuric group compared to control and other 2 diabetic groups (P value 98.25 ng/ml with sensitivity 98%, specificity 82%. Serum betatrophin positively correlated with age, fasting, 2 h postprandial, BMI, triglyceride, total cholesterol, serum creatinine, blood urea, UACR, and negatively correlated with eGFR and serum albumin. Serum Sestrin 2 positively correlated with serum albumin. BMI, serum urea, UACR and serum albumin. Serum betatrophin are found to be risk factors or predictors for diabetic nephropathy. Conclusions Patients with DN, particularly the macroalbuminuria group, had a significant increase in betatrophin levels and a significant decrease in serum Sestrin 2 level. The function of Sestrin 2 is compromised in DN, and restoring it can reverse a series of molecular alterations with subsequent improvement of the renal functions, albuminuria and structural damage.

Abstract Aim We aimed to examine the validity and reliability of a newly developed tool that measures nursing and allied health students’ knowledge of caring for patients with COVID‐19. Method We developed in five phases (literature review, item development, expert evaluation using content validity index, revisions based on a pilot test, and exploratory factor and reliability analyses on the data from the main study). We administered online surveys (the pilot test & the main study using a cross‐sectional design) to students in a governmental health sciences college in Oman. Results The pilot test had 43 participants, and the main study had 507. The item content validity index scores ranged from 0.81–1.00, and the scale content validity index for 20 items was 0.95. The factor analysis revealed a three‐factor solution. The overall Cronbach’s alpha for the final (19‐item) version of the tool after item deletion was 0.76. The reliabilities for Subscales 1, 2, and 3 were 0.83, 0.67, and 0.51, respectively.

Higher education institutions (HEIs) are increasingly being held accountable for maintaining quality in their activities by governments, industry, students, and the community as a whole. Accreditation agencies formulate assessment criteria covering the entire range of HEI activities so that the quality of HEI activities can be measured. However, as the perceptions of stakeholders varies of what makes a good HEI, it is crucial to investigate their opinions about the standards set by these agencies. This study uses focus group discussions involving Omani HEI stakeholders, including students, HEI staff, and employers, to gain insights into their perceptions on the most significant standards set by Oman Academic Accreditation Authority (OAAA) in measuring the quality of HEIs. It was found that stakeholders' views of the key standards that measure HEI quality varies. Students were in favor of the standards related to the quality of teaching and learning. Students also show a good level of awareness about employers' priorities. Employers were more concerned about the research skills of graduates and their industry and community involvement. There was also some agreement between staff and employers on the importance of governance and management. This study provides HEIs, OAAA, and partner universities insights into stakeholder priorities and concerns.

Byline: Maria. Mansouri, Fatima. Bouzid, Said. Amal, Oufae. Hocar, Nissrine. Aboussair Background: Focal dermal hypoplasia (Goltz syndrome) is a genetic multisystem disorder characterized primarily by involvement of the skin associated [...]

This study evaluated students’ perceptions about providing feedback and identified their preferred feedback methods. The study design comprised quantitative and qualitative approaches to ensure a better understanding of students’ perceptions and increase the study’s validity. A structured questionnaire was distributed in five higher education institutions (HEIs) in Oman, followed by a focus group discussion (FGD). A total of 614 students responded to the questionnaire. The quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and the qualitative data were analyzed using thematic text analysis. It was observed that although students understand the importance of feedback, they feel that the methods can be improved. Furthermore, HEIs did not share the outcomes with the students, and therefore, students believed that HEIs were not considering their comments. Whilst students preferred anonymous online surveys, they believed that inperson meetings would be even more useful. This paper looked at how the educational well-being of students in Oman can be improved through the development of methods of seeking feedback from institutions. Additionally, this result can be applied worldwide to improve feedback mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is one of the most serious microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus (DM) and the leading cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) worldwide. Since obesity and type 2 DM (T2DM) are considered as inflammatory conditions, thus reducing their accompanied systemic inflammation may lessen their complications. Sestrin 2 belongs to a group of stress induced proteins which are produced in response to oxidative stress, inflammation and DNA damage. Betatrophin; a hormone that stimulates the growth, proliferation and mass expansion of pancreatic beta-cells and improves glucose tolerance. The objective of the study was to evaluate levels of serum Sestrin 2 and betatrophin in patients with different stages of diabetic nephropathy (DN)) and compare results with healthy control. Methods: This cross sectional study was carried out on 60 patients above 18 years old, recruited from Tanta University hospitals out patients clinics and 20 apparently healthy individuals of matched sex and age as a control group. Participants were divided into two groups: group I: 20 normal subjects as control group and group II: 60 patients with type 2 DM,. further subdivided in to three equal groups: group 1IIA(20 patients) with normo-albuminuria (ACR < 30 mg/g), group IIB (20 patients) with micro albuminuria (ACR = 30 to 300 mg/g) and group IIC (20 patients) with macro albuminuria (ACR > 300 mg/g). They were subjected to detailed history taking, careful clinical examination and laboratory investigations including blood urea, serum creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), urinary albumin creatinine ratio, and specific laboratory tests for Sestrin 2 and Betatrophin by using ELISA technique. Results: Serum Sestrin 2 significantly decreased, while serum betatrophin level significantly increased in macroalbuminuric group compared to control and other 2 diabetic groups (P value < 0.05). The cut off value of serum sestrin 2 was 0.98 ng/ml with sensitivity 99%, specificity 66% while the cut off value of serum betatrophin was > 98.25 ng/ml with sensitivity 98%, specificity 82%. Serum betatrophin positively correlated with age, fasting, 2 h postprandial, BMI, triglyceride, total cholesterol, serum creatinine, blood urea, UACR, and negatively correlated with eGFR and serum albumin. Serum Sestrin 2 positively correlated with serum albumin. BMI, serum urea, UACR and serum albumin. Serum betatrophin are found to be risk factors or predictors for diabetic nephropathy. Conclusions: Patients with DN, particularly the macroalbuminuria group, had a significant increase in betatrophin levels and a significant decrease in serum Sestrin 2 level. The function of Sestrin 2 is compromised in DN, and restoring it can reverse a series of molecular alterations with subsequent improvement of the renal functions, albuminuria and structural damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epidermodysplasia verruciformis, or Lutz–Lewandowsky disease, is a rare genodermatosis, usually autosomal recessive, characterized by abnormal susceptibility to infection by certain types of human papillomavirus. There are hereditary and acquired forms. Immunocompromised people, such as HIV-positive patients and kidney transplant recipients, are at risk for acquired epidermodysplasia verruciformis. This pathology poses management problems, and variable responses are observed in different individuals. The prognosis of epidermodysplasia verruciformis is related to the oncogenic potential of certain types of human papillomavirus, inducing carcinomas in sun-exposed areas in 30% to 60% of cases. Tumors grow slowly or sometimes rapidly and are locally destructive. Lesions of epidermodysplasia verruciformis are refractory to conventional wart treatments, yet preventive treatments for complications and symptomatic treatments for lesions may be offered with regular follow-up. Herein, we report a case of acquired epidermodysplasia verruciformis in an HIV-positive patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder presented by light-pink or red thick skin plaques covered with whites scales, and it negatively affects patients’ quality of life. Aim The aim was to evaluate the serum level of elafin in patients with psoriasis and its correlation with the disease severity. Patients and methods This a case–control study that included 90 subjects classified into group I, which included 60 patients with moderate to severe psoriasis according to psoriasis area severity index (PASI), and group II, which included 30 apparent healthy age-matched and sex-matched participants as a control group. All patients were subjected to history taking, including age, duration, family history, and previous treatment; complete general examination, including weight, height, and blood pressure; complete dermatological examination; severity assessed by PASI score; and elafin serum level measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). Results The mean serum elafin level in the case group was 6.09±8.91, which was significantly higher than the level in the control group (0.40±0.35), with P less than 0.001. There was a positive significant correlation between elafin level and PASI in the case group (r=0.467 and P

Ovarian tumours are commonly seen in reproductive age group in women. However, when they occur at extremes of age, the suspicion of malignancy increases. The detection of dermoid cyst at 56 years of age is uncommon, hence proper imaging with CA-125 level monitoring is essential. Awareness of benign tumours or rare possibility of malignant transformation in such age is mandatory for surveillance management or planning the surgical procedure.

This article discusses a rare form of melanoma called malignant blue nevus. The case study focuses on a 17-year-old female patient who had a history of blue nevi on her buttocks since childhood. One of the lesions recently enlarged and developed ulceration. The diagnosis was confirmed through clinical examination, dermoscopy, and skin biopsy. The patient underwent excision and lymph node dissection, and after three years of monitoring, no relapse was observed. Malignant blue nevus is a challenging diagnosis, and early detection is crucial for successful treatment. [Extracted from the article]

Higher education institutions (HEIs) are increasingly being held accountable for maintaining quality in their activities by governments, industry, students, and the community as a whole. Accreditation agencies formulate assessment criteria covering the entire range of HEI activities so that the quality of HEI activities can be measured. However, as the perceptions of stakeholders varies of what makes a good HEI, it is crucial to investigate their opinions about the standards set by these agencies. This study uses focus group discussions involving Omani HEI stakeholders, including students, HEI staff, and employers, to gain insights into their perceptions on the most significant standards set by Oman Academic Accreditation Authority (OAAA) in measuring the quality of HEIs. It was found that stakeholders’ views of the key standards that measure HEI quality varies. Students were in favor of the standards related to the quality of teaching and learning. Students also show a good level of awareness about employers’ priorities. Employers were more concerned about the research skills of graduates and their industry and community involvement. There was also some agreement between staff and employers on the importance of governance and management. This study provides HEIs, OAAA, and partner universities insights into stakeholder priorities and concerns.

The article discusses a case of Pseudopelade of Brocq, a rare form of progressive scarring alopecia that primarily affects middle-aged women. The diagnosis is based on clinical presentation, trichoscopy, and pathology. Treatment options include intralesional corticosteroid injections and hydroxychloroquine, with varying degrees of effectiveness. The condition is challenging to treat, and patient counseling may be necessary due to the slow progression and difficulty in managing the alopecia. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses a case of Symmetrical Drug-Related Intertriginous and Flexural Exanthema (SDRIFE) associated with oral metronidazole in a 21-year-old female patient. SDRIFE is characterized by a symmetrical rash in flexural areas and is commonly caused by beta-lactam antibiotics. The patient experienced erythematous patches on various body parts, leading to a diagnosis of SDRIFE, with treatment involving antihistamines and corticosteroids. The article highlights the importance of recognizing SDRIFE as a potential reaction to systemic drugs, such as metronidazole, and emphasizes the need for prompt diagnosis and appropriate management. [Extracted from the article]

Trichoepitheliomas are benign tumors of follicular origin often appearing in childhood or early adolescence. They present as small, firm papulonodular lesions of normal skin color or translucent. The lesions gradually increase in size and then stabilize. They sit electively on the face, mainly on the nasolabial folds, forehead, chin, and cheeks, and sometimes on the scalp and neck. Trichoepitheliomas may be divided into three subgroups: multiple familial trichoepitheliomas, solitary non-hereditary trichoepitheliomas, and desmoplastic trichoepitheliomas. Non-familial multiple trichoepitheliomas are rarely described. Herein, we report the case of a twelve-year-old child whose clinical history and clinicopathologic correlation allowed us to retain the diagnosis of multiple non-familial trichoepitheliomas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]