Craniosynostosis: Epidemiology and Pattern at a Tertiary Referral Institute in Oman 2004 to 2023.

Objective: To date, there are no published studies From the Sultanate of Oman on the incidence or characteristics of craniosynostosis (CS). This is a population-based epidemiological study of the incidence of CS.

Methods: The prospective registry of the craniofacial surgery unit in Khoula Hospital was used to retrieve data on all individuals with CS treated between 2004 and 2023.

Comparing flow and pulmonary artery growth post-patent ductus arteriosus stenting in patients with ductal-dependent pulmonary flow using 4D magnetic resonance imaging.

Aims: The 4D magnetic resonance imaging (4D-flow MRI) provides a qualitative and quantitative assessment of cardiovascular structures and processes. 4D-flow MRI was used to study pulmonary flow in post-patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) stent insertion in duct-dependent pulmonary flow neonates at baseline (PDA stent insertion) and after 6 months, and also, to evaluate the effect of flow dynamics on the growth of pulmonary arteries (PAs).

Methods And Results: This prospective observational study included neonates with ductus arteriosus-dependent pulmonary circulation who underwent ductal stenting between June 2021 and November 2022.

Factors affect knowledge, attitudes, and practices in colorectal cancer screening: A systematic review.

Objectives: This review aimed to synthesize the available evidence on exploring various factors that affect knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening.

Methods: A systematic search across five databases was performed to identify factors influencing KAP scores towards CRC screening. The PRISMA guidelines were used to conduct the literature search, and the time spanned is from March to June 2023.

Cranioplasty in Oman: Retrospective review of cases from the National Craniofacial Center 2012-2022.

Objectives: Cranioplasty is a complex craniofacial and neurosurgical procedure that aims to reinstate the architecture of the cranial vault and elevate both its aesthetic and neurological function. Several reconstructive materials have been thoroughly explored in the search for the optimal solution for cranioplasty. This study aimed to evaluate different material used for cranial reconstruction in Oman.

Native Aortic Valve Infective Endocarditis Secondary to Community-Acquired Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Infective endocarditis (IE) refers to a microbial infection affecting either a heart valve or endocardium, resulting in tissue damage and the formation of vegetation. Native aortic valve endocarditis in children is rare and is associated with serious complications related to valvular insufficiency and systemic embolizations. As reports about community-acquired methicillin-resistant (MRSA) native aortic valve endocarditis in children are very scarce, we report this case along with a literature review about its complications and management.

Telephone-based telepsychiatry consultations: a qualitative exploration of psychiatrists' experiences in Oman.

Objectives: The utilisation of tele-mental health services has the potential to address challenges in mental health services within the Eastern Mediterranean Region. However, the adoption of tele-mental health in Oman remains limited. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the experiences of psychiatrists with telephone consultations, offering valuable insights to advance the field of telepsychiatry.

Device Closure of Superior Sinus Venosus Atrial Septal Defects: A single centre experience.

Sinus venosus atrial septal defects present a wide variety of anatomical features and are frequently associated with partial anomalous pulmonary venous drainage of one or more right pulmonary veins. Surgical correction used to be the standard treatment. In recent times, transcatheter correction of superior sinus venosus atrial septal defects has come into vogue.

Blalock-Taussig Shunt versus Ductal Stenting as Palliation for Duct-Dependent Pulmonary Circulation.

Objectives: There is limited data published from outside North America and Europe comparing the outcomes of a modified Blalock-Taussig shunt (MBTS) and ductal stenting as the first palliative procedure for infants with duct-dependent pulmonary circulation. This study reports the National Heart Center's, in Muscat, Oman, experience in comparing the outcomes of these 2 interventions.

Methods: This retrospective study included all infants with duct-dependent pulmonary circulation who received either a MBTS or ductal stenting from 2016-2019.

New-Onset Diabetes Mellitus in COVID-19: A Scoping Review.

Introduction: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic became superimposed on the pre-existing obesity and diabetes mellitus (DM) pandemics. Since COVID-19 infection alters the metabolic equilibrium, it may induce pathophysiologic mechanisms that potentiate new-onset DM, and we evaluated this issue.

Method: A systematic review of the literature published from the 1 January 2020 until the 20 July 2023 was performed (PROSPERO registration number CRD42022341638).

The evidence governance system in Oman.

Background: In addition to the general question about what works, policymakers consider whether health interventions will work in their context, and consider the social values such as affordability, acceptability, equity, equality, and human rights.

Aims: To highlight the importance of having and using an evidence governance system to inform health policymaking in Oman.

Methods: We reviewed the literature and analysed local documents on evidence governance systems in Oman.

Willingness and ability to pay for health insurance in Afghanistan.

The study assessed willingness to join and willingness to pay for health-insurance in Afghanistan and identified associated determinants. A household survey was conducted. Two health-insurance and two medicine-insurance packages were explained to respondents, who were then asked if they would be willing to join the packages and pay for them.

Telemedicine for diabetes management during COVID-19: what we have learnt, what and how to implement.

The past two decades have witnessed telemedicine becoming a crucial part of health care as a method to facilitate doctor-patient interaction. Due to technological developments and the incremental acquisition of experience in its use, telemedicine's advantages and cost-effectiveness has led to it being recognised as specifically relevant to diabetology. However, the pandemic created new challenges for healthcare systems and the rate of development of digital services started to grow exponentially.

Cause of profound hypoxemia following a bilateral bidirectional Glenn shunt: Clue suggested by agitated saline echo contrast.

Following a bilateral bidirectional Glenn shunt, a child had persistent hypoxemia. Agitated saline contrast injection into the jugular vein during transesophageal echocardiography displayed a rapid appearance of saline particles in the cardiac chambers suggesting the presence of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations. However, the clinical picture was not in agreement and an angiographic contrast injection during an immediate cardiac catheterization revealed the underlying pathology which was immediately corrected surgically.

Identifying Anomalies of Systemic Venous Drainage: Systemic Venous Anomalies; Atrial Morphology.

So as to produce totally anomalous systemic venous connection, all of the systemic venous tributaries, along with the coronary sinus, should be connected with the morphologically left atrium. Previous descriptions of this rare constellation of anomalous connections of the systemic venous tributaries of the heart have been compromised by the inclusion of individuals having isomeric atrial appendages. In these settings, most frequently, the totally, or almost totally, anomalous systemic venous connections are associated with a sinus venosus defect.

Glucometabolic Perturbations in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Coronavirus Disease 2019: Causes, Consequences, and How to Counter Them Using Novel Antidiabetic Drugs - The CAPISCO International Expert Panel.

The growing amount of evidence suggests the existence of a bidirectional relation between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), as these two conditions exacerbate each other, causing a significant healthcare and socioeconomic burden. The alterations in innate and adaptive cellular immunity, adipose tissue, alveolar and endothelial dysfunction, hypercoagulation, the propensity to an increased viral load, and chronic diabetic complications are all associated with glucometabolic perturbations of T2DM patients that predispose them to severe forms of COVID-19 and mortality. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection negatively impacts glucose homeostasis due to its effects on insulin sensitivity and β-cell function, further aggravating the preexisting glucometabolic perturbations in individuals with T2DM.