Characterization of blood group variants in an Omani population by comparison of whole genome sequencing and serology.

Background: Although blood group variation was first described over a century ago, our understanding of the genetic variation affecting antigenic expression on the red blood cell surface in many populations is lacking. This deficit limits the ability to accurately type patients, especially as serological testing is not available for all described blood groups, and targeted genotyping panels may lack rare or population-specific variants.

Study Design And Methods: Here, we perform serological assays across 24 antigens and whole genome sequencing on 100 Omanis, a population underrepresented in genomic databases.

Single-centre comparison of non-familial, familial and monogenic lupus.

Objectives: There is a significant genetic contribution to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Monogenic SLE is a distinct form of SLE. We investigated whether familial or known monogenic lupus cases are distinguishable from non-familial lupus by clinical or laboratory phenotype in a population with high rates of consanguinity.

Human mesenchymal stem cell expansion on laminin-521 in serum-free and xeno-free culture conditions.

Laminin-521 (LN521) is a crucial adhesion protein found in natural stem cell niches and plays an important role in maintaining human pluripotent stem cell (PSC) properties. This study aimed to investigate the effects of LN521 on human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell (UC-MSC) characteristics in Serum-free and Xeno-free culture conditions as a step toward clinical application. In our experiment isolated UC-MSC via explant method were expanded as a homogeneous monolayer and morphologically, presented typical MSC-like morphology (spindle-shaped) from passage three to six when cultured on either LN521 or CELLstart™.

Factors influencing choice of residency program among medical intern doctors and medical students: a cross-sectional survey.

Introduction: The global shortage of healthcare professionals is a critical concern, with an estimated deficit of 18 million workers by 2030, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Oman faces challenges with its doctor-to-population ratio falling below the global average. This study examines the factors influencing residency program choices among Omani medical students and interns, with a specific focus on internal medicine.

Expression of JAK/STAT Signaling Proteins at Diagnosis and Remission in Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

Objectives: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML), among other malignancies, has been linked to the deregulation of the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) signalling pathway, which is essential for cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation. This study aimed to investigate the expression of JAK/STAT proteins at diagnosis and remission and how it affects overall survival (OS).

Methods: This is a prospective study conducted in the College of Medicine, Sultan Qaboos University.

and Gene Mutations in Omani Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Prognostic Significance and Clinic-pathologic Features.

Objectives: We sought to define the prevalence of isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutations, evaluate the clinicopathologic impact of IDH mutations, assess the effect of IDH mutations on the response to the currently offered treatment for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cases, and determine the impact of other common concurrent mutations with IDH.

Methods: A single-center retrospective cohort study was conducted at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (SQUH) from October 2009 to October 2019. We included all Omani patients (pediatric and adult) treated at SQUH with the standard therapy, for whom DNA extraction was performed at diagnosis.

Characterization of Blood Group Variants in an Omani Population by Comparison of Whole Genome Sequencing and Serology.

Although blood group variation was first described over a century ago, our understanding of the genetic variation affecting antigenic expression on the red blood cell surface in many populations is lacking. This deficit limits the ability to accurately type patients, especially as serological testing is not available for all described blood groups, and targeted genotyping panels may lack rare or population-specific variants. Here, we perform serological assays across 24 antigens and whole genome sequencing on 100 Omanis, a population underrepresented in genomic databases.

Yield of Cardiac Investigations in Patients Presenting with Acute Ischaemic Stroke: A single tertiary centre experience.

Objectives: Strokes are a major cause of morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of routine cardiac investigations in identifying a cardioembolic aetiology for ischaemic strokes.

Methods: This retrospective study involved patients who presented with a stroke to the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman, between January and December 2019.

Business trends & challenges in Islamic FinTech: A systematic literature review.

This systematic literature review (SLR) study is on Islamic financial technology (FinTech) business trends and challenges. It follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist. This research identifies the gaps in Islamic FinTech, which require further studies.

Impact of Glutathione S-Transferase Polymorphisms on Busulfan Pharmacokinetics and Outcomes of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation.

Background: Busulfan (Bu) is an alkylating drug used in many preparative regimens before hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). It is conjugated in the liver mainly by glutathione S-transferase isoenzyme A1-1 ( GSTA1 ). Genetic polymorphisms in these isoenzymes may affect the pharmacokinetics of Bu and the clinical outcomes of HSCT.

α-Globin Genotypes Associated with Hb H Disease: A Report from Oman and a Review of the Literature from the Eastern Mediterranean Region.

α-Thalassemia (α-thal) is the most common autosomal recessive hemoglobinopathy. There is a vast diversity and geographical variability in underlying genotypes in Hb H (β4) patients. Herein, we describe the genotypes found in the largest report of Omani Hb H patients.

Inferior lead discordance in ventricular arrhythmias: A specific marker for certain arrhythmia locations.

Background: Most idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) originate from the outflow tracts and are characterized by an inferior axis on the 12-lead ECG. A group of patients will exhibit inferior lead discordance (ILD), demonstrating a positive QRS in lead II with negative QRS in III or the opposite finding.

Methods And Results: We identified patients undergoing ablation of idiopathic premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) or ventricular tachycardia (VT) between 2013 and 2015.