Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal最新文献

{"title":"Perceptions of Secondary School Faculty about Vaping Behaviour in Secondary School Students: <i>A qualitative analysis in Muscat, Oman</i>.","authors":"Thamra Al Ghafri, Riyadh Al Siyabi, Rawnaq Al Said, Nihal Afifi, Mohamed Al Harthi, Ahmed Al Harthi","doi":"10.18295/2075-0528.2905","DOIUrl":"10.18295/2075-0528.2905","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The World Health Organization has reported concerns around the increase in vaping behaviour in adolescents. This study aimed to explore the perceptions of the faculty of secondary public schools in Muscat regarding: (a) reasons for vaping among students, (b) impact of this behaviour on school/class dynamics and families and (c) effective interventions within and beyond schools.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This qualitative study held 4 focus groups among secondary school faculty at 4 secondary public schools in the areas of A'Seeb, Al Amarat, Bausher and Muscat in Oman from February to March 2023. Discussions were transcribed verbatim, anonymised and thematically analysed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 40 faculty members were included in this study. All participants expressed concern about the increase in vaping in students. There were 3 factors that emerged as driving forces behind this behaviour: (a) the perception that vaping is less harmful than traditional cigarettes, (b) inadequate support to prevent/control vaping and (c) the wide availability of various shapes and forms of vapes. The impacts of vaping were reported as negative manifestations in classrooms, disruptions in student-teacher relationships and undesirable consequences on families and society. Suggested interventions to prevent/control vaping in schools were themed around enforcing the national anti-tobacco policies and regulations, adapting a multi-sectoral approach within interventions against vaping, enhancing capacity-building anti-vaping activities and integrating social media in anti-vaping campaigns. Additionally, active involvement of the community including religious leaders, was deemed essential to effectively address vaping among school students.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Addressing vaping among school students requires a collaborative approach. Recommendations from this study include translating national anti-tobacco policies into practice through a multi-level and comprehensive strategy that involves schools, families and the broader community.</p>","PeriodicalId":22083,"journal":{"name":"Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal","volume":"25 1","pages":"746-755"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12445300/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145114121","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Clinical Predictors of Inherited Breast Cancer at a Comprehensive Cancer Centre in Oman: <i>Is it time for universal germline genetic testing?</i>","authors":"Reem Abdulrahim, Hasan Al-Sayegh, Sara Al-Kiyumi, Ilse Crous, Khalid Al Baimani, Adil Aljarrah, Chantel Van Wyk, Abeer Alsayegh","doi":"10.18295/2075-0528.2843","DOIUrl":"10.18295/2075-0528.2843","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aimed to explore the clinical, histopathological and demographic characteristics of female Omani breast cancer (BC) patients to identify possible predictors of a positive test result. Additionally, it aimed to evaluate the applicability of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines for germline genetic testing in risk assessment.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study was conducted at the Sultan Qaboos Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Oman, between September 2021 and September 2022. The variables examined included age, disease stage, presence of metastasis at diagnosis, hormone receptor status, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 status, histopathological type, Ki-67 levels, family history of cancer (presence/absence) and the applicability of NCCN guidelines. Data were retrieved and summarised using electronic patient files and family pedigrees collected by geneticists and genetic counsellors. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of a positive test result.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Except for age, there were no statistically significant differences in the baseline characteristics between patients with positive and negative genetic testing results. Furthermore, age was found to be a poor screening tool for differentiating between positive and negative patients, as indicated by an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.67.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>A strict application of the NCCN testing criteria in Omani BC patients may lead to underdiagnosis of hereditary BC. Universal testing of all BC patients could be appropriate for Omani individuals with BC, provided that careful consideration is given to cost-effectiveness and the testing methods employed.</p>","PeriodicalId":22083,"journal":{"name":"Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal","volume":"25 1","pages":"341-348"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12244299/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144609599","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Erythema Multiforme Triggered by <i>Trichophyton mentagrophytes: An unusual association</i>.","authors":"María Zulaika-Lloret, Álvaro Prados-Carmona, Mar Rodríguez-Troncoso, Ricardo Ruiz-Villaverde","doi":"10.18295/2075-0528.2858","DOIUrl":"10.18295/2075-0528.2858","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":22083,"journal":{"name":"Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal","volume":"25 1","pages":"462-464"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12244271/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144609613","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Vision-Related Quality of Life Among Glaucoma Patients in Saudi Arabia: <i>A cross-sectional study</i>.","authors":"Amani Abu-Shaheen, Mohsen Ayyash, Essam A Osman, Isamme AlFayyad, Doaa Dahan, Abdusalam Torjoman, Sadique Zameer, Humariya Heena","doi":"10.18295/squmj.10.2024.051","DOIUrl":"10.18295/squmj.10.2024.051","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aimed to examine the impact of glaucoma severity and socioeconomic factors on perceived vision-related quality of life (VRQoL) among glaucoma patients in Saudi Arabia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This cross-sectional study included adult glaucoma patients attending the ophthalmology outpatient clinics at King Fahad Medical City and King Saud University Medical City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from May 2022 to May 2023. The validated Arabic translation of the 39-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ-39) was used to measure VRQoL. Multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to examine the factors associated with VRQoL.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 454 adult glaucoma patients participated in this study (response rate = 97.6%). The mean age of the patients was 60.8 ± 15.0 years. Most patients had severe glaucoma (42.5%), were female (54.2%), married (67.8%), unemployed (55.3%), had an income level of less than 10,000 Saudi Riyals per month (35.9%) and approximately one-third had lower secondary education (32.8%). A total of 24.4% of participants reported needing a care assistant, and 31.9% lived with caregivers. The mean overall composite score on the NEI VFQ-39 was 71.0 ± 21.3. Factors such as the severity of glaucoma, education level, employment status, needing care assistance and having care assistance from others were significant determinants of VRQoL in Saudi Arabian glaucoma patients.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Perceived VRQoL among Saudi adult glaucoma patients is influenced by glaucoma severity, education level, employment status and care needs. This study informs healthcare providers to enhance patient care and, consequently, improve patients' quality of life.</p>","PeriodicalId":22083,"journal":{"name":"Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal","volume":"25 1","pages":"54-65"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12244250/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144609652","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effect of Prophylactic Tranexamic Acid on Peripartum Changes in Haemoglobin Concentration After Vaginal Delivery.","authors":"Ezukwa E Omoronyia, Moses I Ekuma, Edu Eyong, Sylvester E Abeshi, Ubong B Akpan","doi":"10.18295/squmj.10.2024.055","DOIUrl":"10.18295/squmj.10.2024.055","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aimed to evaluate the effect of prophylactic intravenous tranexamic acid on postpartum haemoglobin (Hb) concentration values compared to a control group.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This randomised controlled study took place from May to July 2023 and included parturients with no apparent risk for postpartum haemorrhage from the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital in Calabar, Nigeria. Participants were divided equally into 2 groups. Group A (intervention group) received 10 IU of intramuscular oxytocin along with 1,000 mg of intravenous tranexamic acid within 1 minute of vaginal delivery, while Group B (control group) received 10 IU of intramuscular oxytocin with 10 mL of sterile water. The primary outcome measure was the difference in admission and postpartum Hb concentration.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 80 parturients were included in this study; 40 were allocated to each study arm. The demographic characteristics and admission parameters of the 2 groups showed no significant statistical difference (<i>P</i> >0.05). The mean postpartum Hb concentration was significantly higher in Group A compared to Group B (10.28 ± 0.59 mL versus 9.44 ± 0.62 mL; <i>P</i> <0.001). No major maternal side effects were reported in either group.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Compared to the placebo plus oxytocin, tranexamic acid plus oxytocin exhibited effectiveness in reducing postpartum Hb drop after vaginal delivery. Therefore, the use of tranexamic acid plus oxytocin is recommended as part of the active management of the third stage of labour.</p>","PeriodicalId":22083,"journal":{"name":"Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal","volume":"25 1","pages":"363-369"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12244327/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144609573","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Breast and Ovarian Cancers' Incidence Trends Among Iraqi Women During 2012-2022 and Their Relationship to Fertility Patterns.","authors":"Jasim Naeem Al-Asadi","doi":"10.18295/2075-0528.2863","DOIUrl":"10.18295/2075-0528.2863","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aimed to estimate the incidence trends of female breast cancer (BC) and ovarian cancer (OC) among women in Iraq and their relation to fertility patterns.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This retrospective study utilised the Iraqi Cancer Registry annual reports for the years 2012-2022 and the World Bank data for Iraqi crude birth rate and total fertility data for the years 1992-2002. Simple linear regression analysis examined the relationship between these variables and incidence rates of BC and OC.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 63,446 women were newly diagnosed with BC from 2012-2022. The overall age standardised incidence rate (ASIR) of BC was 46.68/100,000 females. It increased significantly from 36.61/100,000 in 2012 to 61.89/100,000 in 2022 with an average annual percentage change (AAPC) of 4.83% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.69-7.08; <i>P</i> < 0.001). The overall ASIR rate of OC was 6.22/100,000 women. It increased significantly from 4.35/100,000 in 2012 to 6.90/100,000 in 2022 with an AAPC of 4.58% (95% CI: 2.40-6.88; <i>P</i> < 0.001). The ASIR of BC was negatively and significantly associated with crude birth rate (CBR) and total fertility (TFR) rate (R² = 0.727; <i>P</i> = 0.001 and R² = 0.728; <i>P</i> = 0.001, respectively). The ASIR of OC was negatively and significantly associated with CBR and TFR (R² = 0.699; <i>P</i> = 0.001 and R² = 0.696; <i>P</i> = 0.001, respectively).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Iraqi women are experiencing a rising incidence of breast and ovarian cancers over time. Lower fertility rates may partly play a role in this trend. Research and initiatives are necessary to identify and control the factors that are increasing this risk.</p>","PeriodicalId":22083,"journal":{"name":"Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal","volume":"25 1","pages":"499-505"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12255333/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144627049","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Role of Intratumoural Budding and Its Association with Tumour-Associated Macrophages in Preoperative Biopsies of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.","authors":"Anju Devi, R Keerthika, Mala Kamboj, Anjali Narwal","doi":"10.18295/2075-0528.1008","DOIUrl":"10.18295/2075-0528.1008","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Intratumoural budding (ITB) is an emerging entity in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and serves as a prime histopathological predictor of aggressive potential. This study aimed to investigate the incidence of ITB in OSCC due to its limited representation in the literature.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This retrospective study was conducted in the Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Post Graduate Institute of Dental Sciences, Rohtak, India, between 2017 and 2021. A total of 73 haematoxylin and eosin-stained sections of various grades of OSCC were examined for ITB and tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs), focusing on correlating these findings with clinicopathological parameters. Immunohistochemical analysis using a cluster of differentiation 68 (CD68) was performed. Additionally, the expression of CD68+ TAMs was studied in the centre of the tumour mass and correlated with ITB to ascertain the biological behaviour of OSCC. The data obtained were analysed using chi-square and Pearson correlation tests (<i>P</i> < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>ITB significantly increased in higher histopathological grades of OSCC (<i>P</i> = 0.000). Conversely, CD68+ TAMs in OSCC decreased significantly as the histopathological grades increased (<i>P</i> = 0.000), whereas on correlating with ITB, a non-significant difference was observed, revealing a negative correlation (r = -0.149; <i>P</i> = 0.208).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The inverse association between ITB and TAMs with increasing histopathological grades may help identify ITB as a precise histopathological parameter for evaluating the aggressive biological potential in OSCC. Additionally, this relationship suggests the involvement of the anti-tumour immune response of TAMs within tumour mass.</p>","PeriodicalId":22083,"journal":{"name":"Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal","volume":"25 1","pages":"74-82"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12255344/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144627117","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Pseudomyxoma Peritonei: <i>Exploring an unusual clinical presentation - A case report</i>.","authors":"Mallak Al Naabi, Salim Al Busaidi, Amwaj Al Shahi, Maha Al Shaibi, Khalid Al Shamousi, Abdullah Al Alawi, Mohammed Al Hosni","doi":"10.18295/2075-0528.2822","DOIUrl":"10.18295/2075-0528.2822","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a rare clinicopathological condition characterised by mucin-producing peritoneal and omental deposits with an estimated incidence of 1-2 cases per million per year. We report a 42-year-old female patient who presented to a tertiary care hospital in Muscat, Oman, in 2023 due to a 7-year history of chronic diarrhoea associated with progressive abdominal distension over the past 2 years. Her assessment was significant for ascites. No neoplastic lesions were found on the upper and lower gastrointestinal scopes. A diagnostic ascitic tapping revealed a free flow of gel-like thick, yellowish fluid. A diagnostic laparoscopy showed a perforated appendicular mass with diffuse peritoneal nodules and mucin ascites. Subsequently, the patient underwent cytoreductive surgery with heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy. On follow-up, the patient's abdominal distension and diarrhoea had resolved. This case reports an unusual presentation of a very rare disorder and highlights the challenge of diagnosing PMP.</p>","PeriodicalId":22083,"journal":{"name":"Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal","volume":"25 1","pages":"276-281"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12240162/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144609637","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Chest Wall Chondromyxoid Fibroma: <i>A case report and literature review</i>.","authors":"Waad Al Farsi, Yaseen Al Lawati, Hilal Al Sabti, Zakiya Al Ajmi, Humaid Al Farii","doi":"10.18295/2075-0528.2876","DOIUrl":"10.18295/2075-0528.2876","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Chondromyxoid fibromas (CMFs) are rare tumours that comprise less than 2% of benign bone tumours; approximately 5-7.9% occur in the ribs. We report a 28-year-old female patient with CMF in the 4th rib that presented to a tertiary care hospital in Muscat, Oman, in 2023. She complained of pain in the right posterior chest wall for 6 months. A chest computed tomography showed posterior 4th rib expansile lesion measuring 3 × 2 cm without soft tissue involvement. A percutaneous biopsy suggested a diagnosis of chondomyxoid fibroma. The tumour was resected with a free-margin and assistance of video-assisted thoracic surgery approach. The diagnosis of CMF was confirmed postoperatively by histopathological studies. In terms of radiological feature, histopathological findings, and the treatment options, this data and the data of 11 other cases can contribute to guide the advancement of clinical decisions.</p>","PeriodicalId":22083,"journal":{"name":"Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal","volume":"25 1","pages":"573-579"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12293489/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144733349","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"<i>Elizabethkingia</i> Infections - An Important Emerging Cause of Sepsis and Meningitis in Neonates and Infants: <i>Case Series from North Batinah Region, Oman, and literature review</i>.","authors":"Mohammed S Al Reesi, Latifa A Al Muttawa, Mariam A Albolushi, Naima S Al Risi","doi":"10.18295/2075-0528.2895","DOIUrl":"10.18295/2075-0528.2895","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Elizabethkingi</i>a species, particularly <i>E. anophelis</i> and <i>E. meningoseptica</i>, are gram negative bacilli known to be associated with neonatal infections. Although these bacteria are rare, they are highly concerning pathogens associated with severe sepsis, bacteraemia and meningitis in neonates and immunocompromised individuals. Managing <i>Elizabethkingia</i> infections presents significant challenges because of their multidrug resistance, including resistance to most β-lactam agents. They have been implicated in both nosocomial and community outbreaks worldwide, often with high mortality rates. In Oman, <i>Elizabethkingia</i> infections are underreported, with only 1 publication documenting 2 cases of <i>E. meningoseptica</i> bacteraemia and meningitis, both of which were successfully treated. To the best of the authors' knowledge, the current case series of 7 <i>Elizabethkingia</i> infections represents the largest cohort reported from Oman to date. In this report, the clinical manifestations and management strategies and a relevant literature are presented.</p>","PeriodicalId":22083,"journal":{"name":"Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal","volume":"25 1","pages":"708-716"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12445316/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145114059","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}