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Mycotoxin contamination in agricultural goods is a major global problem due to its negative impact on human and animal health. The principal mycotoxin producers are fungal species from the genera Fusarium, Aspergillus, Alternaria, and Penicillium. The toxigenic fungal species produce the mycotoxins as secondary metabolites when they invade agricultural commodities during crop cultivation in the field (preharvest) or after harvesting or during transport and storage. This study was designed to investigate the levels of Fusarium mycotoxins, viz., fumonisin (FUM), zearalenone (ZEN), and deoxynivalenol (DON) in cereal grain samples collected from Muscat, Sultanate of Oman during 2023-24. A total of 90 cereal grain (wheat, corn, rice, barley) samples from local markets at Muscat, the Plant Quarantine Department, Oman, and Oman Flour Mills Company were analyzed using competitive enzyme immunoassay kits. Furthermore, Fusarium spp. associated with the contaminated grain samples were isolated, and their mycotoxin-producing potential was assessed. The results indicated that FUM, ZEN, and DON levels were below the detection limit (LOD) in 81%, 97%, and 44% of the samples, respectively. Two out of fifteen corn samples and one out of thirty-seven wheat samples tested exceeded the maximum permissible limit for FUM and ZEN, respectively, as set by the European Commission. A total of 19 Fusarium spp. associated with the contaminated grain samples were isolated and identified through molecular techniques. Sixteen isolates of F. verticillioides, one isolate of F. thapsinum, and two new Fusarium species were identified based on nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer and elongation factor 1-alpha sequences. Two isolates of F. verticillioides (FQD-1 and FQD-20) produced FUM levels exceeding 2000 µg kg−1. The maximum ZEN concentration was observed in F. verticillioides FQD-20 (9.2 µg kg−1), followed by F. verticillioides FQD-2 (2.8 µg kg−1) and Fusarium sp. FOFMC-26 (2.5 µg kg−1). All tested Fusarium strains produced DON, with levels ranging from 25.6 to 213 µg kg−1, with F. thapsinum FQD-4 producing the highest level (213 µg kg−1). To our knowledge, this is the first report on the occurrence of Fusarium mycotoxins and mycotoxigenic Fusarium spp. in food commodities in Oman. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is a risk factor for atherosclerosis, diabetes, kidney disease, and liver cirrhosis. Limited research exists on the biochemical and nutritional elements influencing NAFLD among adult patients in Oman. Objective : This study aimed to characterize the biochemical parameters and nutritional factors of Omani adults diagnosed with NAFLD at the Diwan Polyclinic in Muscat, Oman. Methods: This retrospective case–control study included 104 participants (52 cases and 52 controls) who have 2 or more risk factors for NAFLD and were referred to the Radiology department from January 2021 to January 2022 for abdominal ultrasound after Internal Medicine consultations. A validated scale, incorporating a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, was employed. Results: The study revealed a significantly higher risk of NAFLD among men (69%) compared to women (31%). A common characteristic among participants was a prior diabetes diagnosis, 61.5% of the case group and 65% of the control group. While average liver enzyme levels were within the normal range for both groups, alanine transaminase levels were notably elevated in the case group. The case group exhibited a significantly higher average caloric intake than the control group. Conclusion: NAFLD is significantly more common among men. Alanine transaminase is significantly high in NAFLD group, which might be considered as a biochemical marker for NAFLD, but further investigations are needed. Moreover, high daily caloric intake is directly related to NAFLD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In Oman, ischemic heart disease (IHD) is the most common type of cardiovascular disease, and there are multifactorial causes, including nutritional deficiencies of B vitamins (folate and B12) and health illiteracy. Objective: This study aimed to characterize the health literacy, nutrition literacy, and B-vitamin (folate and B12) status of patients with recurrent episodes of IHD. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of 5 months from February to June 2022. The enrolled study participants had an angiographically proven recurrence of IHD, and they were interviewed using a study questionnaire to identify their sociodemographic data, health status, and nutrition status. Folate and B12 were measured in the sera of the study participants. Results: Most participants were in their middle age (62%), and the frequency of the IHD recurrence was noticed among men, married, and unemployed. The serum values of folate and vitamin B12 were within the normal range among the IHD patients. Health literacy categories were affected by the employment status (χ21 = 6.05, P = 0.01), and the binary logistic regression confirmed the statistical significance between employment status and health literacy (odds ratio; 1.7, P = 0.005). Nutrition literacy had a significant difference regarding the education variable (χ21 = 8.34, P = 0.004), and the sociodemographic variables were not associated with nutrition literacy. Conclusion: The investigated health and nutrition literacy measures might be used for assessing IHD patients' literacy and detecting any deficits that needed to be improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The World Health Organization has indicated that Gulf countries, including Oman, have the highest incidence of obesity. Objectives: This study aims to describe the changes in body composition values as an index among the morbidly obese population. We investigated the gender, age, and body mass index (BMI)-related differences in morbidly obese subjects. Methods: A retrospective, hospitalbased study was carried out at the Royal Hospital, Muscat. Results: The study involved 104 morbidly obese subjects (35 males and 69 females) with a BMI ≥35 kg/m². All enrolled study subjects were compared for their gender, BMI, and age. Significant trends were observed for body fat percentage, water percentage, muscle mass, basal metabolic rate, bone mass and visceral fat between different genders in general, and between different genders within the same age frame (P < 0.05). No significant differences were observed within the same gender regarding changes in BMI and weight gain (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Aging and changes in BMI have a significant effect on the body composition of morbidly obese individuals of different genders while showing no significant effects within the same genders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dates are an excellent source of polyphenols which makes them a valuable avenue for pharmacological properties. However, there are underutilized date fruits in Oman. In this study, four commonly grown Omani date cultivars, namely Barni, Fard, Khalas and Madloki at Tamar stages, were investigated for their total phenolic contents, phenolic and flavonoid compounds, vitamin C, ß-carotene, tannins and saponins. The acidic-aqueous and alcoholic extracts were obtained from the dried powder of date varieties. Total phenolic contents were determined spectrophotometrically by using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent. Phenolic acids, flavonoids, ß-carotene and vitamin C, were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography. Tannins and saponins were analyzed qualitatively. The results showed that there were differences among date cultivars in terms of total phenolic and flavonoids compounds. Madloki date powder exhibited the highest concentration of vitamin C and total phenolic compounds. Fard date powder had the highest concentration of flavonoid compounds, though it showed a lower concentration of ß-carotene. A comparatively higher concentration of quercetin was observed in Madloki dates. The study results provide evidence that the investigated Omani date fruits possess potential nutraceutical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Children with special needs such as those with autism spectrum disorder have been recorded as ostracized and stigmatized in many parts of the world. Little is known about whether such negative views are present among mainstream teachers in Oman. A cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate school teachers' awareness about autism spectrum disorder in an urban region in Oman. A total of 164 teachers were randomly enrolled from five schools. Misconceptions about autism spectrum disorder were found to be common among mainstream teachers in the country. We posit that such lack of awareness was likely to be rooted with sociocultural patterning as well as conflicting views often "spun" by the scientific community and mass media. Enlightened views toward children with autism spectrum disorder should be presented to Omani teachers to overcome misconceptions and negative attitudes toward children with autism spectrum disorder.