Moderate-intensity exercise training reduces vasorelaxation of mesenteric arteries: role of BKCa channels and nitric oxide.

Exercise training (ET) is well established to induce vascular adaptations on the metabolically active muscles. These adaptations include increased function of vascular potassium channels and enhanced endothelium-dependent relaxations. However, the available data on the effect of ET on vasculatures that normally constrict during exercise, such as mesenteric arteries (MA), are scarce and not conclusive.

Estimate of the HOMA-IR Cut-off Value for Identifying Subjects at Risk of Insulin Resistance Using a Machine Learning Approach.

Objectives: This study describes an unsupervised machine learning approach used to estimate the homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) cut-off for identifying subjects at risk of IR in a given ethnic group based on the clinical data of a representative sample.

Methods: The approach was applied to analyse the clinical data of individuals with Arab ancestors, which was obtained from a family study conducted in Nizwa, Oman, between January 2000 and December 2004. First, HOMA-IR-correlated variables were identified to which a clustering algorithm was applied.

Development and validation of knowledge of caring for COVID-19 tool.

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.

Heritability and genetic correlations of obesity indices with ambulatory and office beat-to-beat blood pressure in the Oman Family Study.

Objective: To more precisely and comprehensively estimate the genetic and environmental correlations between various indices of obesity and BP.

Methods: We estimated heritability and genetic correlations of obesity indices with BP in the Oman family study (n = 1231). Ambulatory and office beat-to-beat BP was measured and mean values for SBP and DBP during daytime, sleep, 24-h and 10 min at rest were calculated.

A Mixed-Methods, Randomized Clinical Trial to Examine Feasibility of a Mindfulness-Based Stress Management and Diabetes Risk Reduction Intervention for African Americans with Prediabetes.

African Americans have disproportionately high rates of stress-related conditions, including diabetes and diabetes-related morbidity. Psychological stress may negatively influence engagement in risk-reducing lifestyle changes (physical activity and healthy eating) and stress-related physiology that increase diabetes risk. This study examined the feasibility of conducting a randomized trial comparing a novel mindfulness-based stress management program combined with diabetes risk-reduction education versus a conventional diabetes risk-reduction education program among African American adults with prediabetes and self-reported life stress.