The Impact of a Breast Cancer Diagnosis on the Social Interaction Patterns of Young Omani Women: A Qualitative Study Approach.

Background And Aim: Young women diagnosed with breast cancer (BC) face considerable psychological and emotional distress, impacting their interactions with themselves, their families, and the wider community. This study sought to explore the interaction patterns of young Omani BC survivors following their diagnosis and during treatment.

Materials And Methods: Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with 11 Omani women diagnosed with BC, recruited from the Sultan Qaboos Comprehensive Cancer Care and Research Centre in Muscat, Oman.

Investigating the Determinants of Dengue Outbreak in Oman: A Study in Seeb.

Objective: This study investigates the key factors contributing to the dengue outbreak in Oman.

Methods: Data on climate (e.g.

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.

Introduction of Cancer Education Program in Secondary School Curriculum: Perceptions of Education Teachers and Policymakers in Oman.

The prevalence of cancer is expected to increase worldwide for reasons related to a lack of awareness of cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Implementing cancer education programs in schools in the developing countries with similar demographic, economic, and health transition to that of Oman is crucial for enhancing students' cancer knowledge and promoting healthy behavior. This study aims to explore the perceptions of education, policymakers, and teachers regarding the inclusion of cancer education in secondary school curriculum.

Prevalence of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder among Omani children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer: a prospective cross-sectional study.

Background: Children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer often experience psychological distress, encompassing anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of these conditions among Omani children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer, alongside identifying contributing factors.

Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2021 to June 2023 among a cohort of Omani children and adolescents (6-18 years old) diagnosed with cancer at three primary cancer referral centres in Oman.

Prevalence of psychological distress and associated factors among Omani women diagnosed with breast cancer: a single-centre, cross-sectional study.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of psychological distress (ie, anxiety and depressive symptoms) among Omani women diagnosed with breast cancer (BC) and to investigate associations with socio-demographic factors.

Design: A cross-sectional, self-administered survey was conducted between September 2021 and June 2022.

Setting: Sultan Qaboos Comprehensive Cancer Care and Research Centre (Muscat, Oman).

The Impact of Sociodemographic, Macroeconomic, and Health Status and Resources on Infant Mortality Rates in Oman: Evidence from 1980 to 2022.

Background: The infant mortality rate (IMR) is an important reflection of the well-being of infants and the overall health of the population. This study aims to examine the macroeconomic (ME), sociodemographic (SD), and health status and resources (HSR) effects on IMR, as well as how they may interact with each other.

Methods: A retrospective time-series study using yearly data for Oman from 1980 to 2022.

Effectiveness of an Educational Program on Awareness of Breast Cancer Risk Factors, Symptoms, and Barriers to Seeking Medical Help among Adolescent Omani School Students-An Interventional Study.

Background And Aim: Women in Oman and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are usually diagnosed with BC at a younger age and more advanced stage, with poor five-year survival. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of breast cancer (BC) related educational programs among female Omani adolescents.

Materials And Methods: Six female-only public schools were randomly selected from three governorates of Oman and assigned to the control or interventional group.

A Comparative Study of the Properties of Gelatin (Porcine and Bovine)-Based Edible Films Loaded with Spearmint Essential Oil.

Gelatin (bovine/porcine)-based edible films are considered as an excellent carrier for essential oils (EOs) to preserve food quality and extend their shelf life. Spearmint essential oil (SEO) is known for its potential antioxidant and antimicrobial effects; nevertheless, its food applications are limited due to the volatile nature of its active components. Thus, edible films loaded with essential oil can be an alternative to synthetic preservatives to improve their food applications.

The Effect of Sage () Essential Oil on the Physiochemical and Antioxidant Properties of Sodium Alginate and Casein-Based Composite Edible Films.

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of Sage () essential oil (SEO) on the physiochemical and antioxidant properties of sodium alginate (SA) and casein (CA) based films. Thermal, mechanical, optical, structural, chemical, crystalline, and barrier properties were examined using TGA, texture analyzer, colorimeter, SEM, FTIR, and XRD. Chemical compounds of the SEO were identified via GC-MS, the most important of which were linalyl acetate (43.

Physicochemical Characterization and Antioxidant Properties of Chitosan and Sodium Alginate Based Films Incorporated with Ficus Extract.

Aqueous extract of fruit obtained from enriched with phenolic components was used for the first time to fabricate chitosan (CS) and sodium alginate (SA)-based edible films. The edible films supplemented with Ficus fruit aqueous extract (FFE) were characterized physiochemically (using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Texture analyser (TA), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and colourimeter) and biologically (using antioxidant assays). CS-SA-FFA films showed high thermal stability and high antioxidant properties.

Combined Effect of Drying Temperature and Varied Gelatin Concentration on Physicochemical and Antioxidant Properties of Ginger Oil Incorporated Chitosan Based Edible Films.

In the present work, ginger essential oil (GEO) loaded chitosan (CS) based films incorporated with varying concentrations of gelatin (GE) were fabricated and dried at different conditions (25 °C and 45 °C). The physio-chemical, mechanical and antioxidant potential of the films were determined. Films dried at 45 °C showed better physical attributes and less thickness, swelling degree (SD), moisture content, water vapor permeability (WVP), more transparency, and better mechanical characteristics.

Effectiveness of an Educational Program on Awareness of Cancer Risk Factors, Symptoms, and Barriers to Medical Help-Seeking Among Adolescent Omani Students: an Interventional Study.

Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide, with attributable mortality expected to continue increasing over time. High school students are often targeted to enhance awareness of cancer risk factors and symptoms and promote early medical help-seeking behaviors. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a cancer education program among Omani adolescents.

The Unmet Supportive Care Needs of Omani Women Diagnosed with Breast Cancer.

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the unmet supportive care needs of Omani women with breast cancer (BC).

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2020 to February 2021 among 250 adult Omani women diagnosed with BC at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman. An Arabic version of the 34-item Supportive Care Needs Survey-Short Form tool was used to determine perceived unmet supportive care needs across five domains.

Exploring causes of delays in help-seeking behaviours among symptomatic Omani women diagnosed with late-stage breast cancer - A qualitative study.

Purpose: Breast cancer (BC) is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Oman; however, the majority of women are diagnosed at a relatively young age and late stage. Delays in BC diagnosis may be attributable to patient-related barriers to medical help-seeking, such as embarrassment arising from breast examinations or negative perceptions of cancer or a cancer diagnosis. Identifying and addressing patients-related barriers to medical help-seeking may help early BC detection, increase the survival rate, and improve prognosis.

Gallic Acid Crosslinked Gelatin and Casein Based Composite Films for Food Packaging Applications.

In the current work, we fabricated gelatin-casein-based edible films (GC-EFs) crosslinked with gallic acid (GA). We analyzed the physiochemical characteristics, crystallinity, thermal stability, and surface properties of the EFs using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was found that the edible films possessed a semi-crystalline structure.

Health-Related Quality of Life, Functioning, and Physical Symptoms of Adult Omani Colorectal Cancer Survivors.

Background: Colorectal (CRC) survivors often experience physical and psychological symptoms affecting their health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This study aimed to identify factors impacting HRQoL-related functioning and physical symptoms among adult Omani CRC survivors.

Methods: A cross-sectional study of 124 adult CRC survivors was conducted at the two main oncology referral hospitals in Oman.

Preparation and Physiochemical Characterization of Bitter Orange Oil Loaded Sodium Alginate and Casein Based Edible Films.

Biopolymers-based composite edible films are gaining interest in the food packaging industry due to their sustainable nature and diverse biological activities. In the current study, we used sodium alginate (SA) and casein (CA) for the fabrication of composite film using the casting method. We also added orange oil to the edible film and assessed its impact on the biological, chemical, physical, and barrier properties of the films.

Effect of Drying Temperature on Physical, Chemical, and Antioxidant Properties of Ginger Oil Loaded Gelatin-Sodium Alginate Edible Films.

The drying temperature is one of the crucial parameters that impacts the physical, chemical, and biological properties of edible films (EFs). This parameter determines the degree of crystallinity, which can further impact the film's mechanical, barrier, and optical properties. The present work is designed to investigate the effect of different drying temperature conditions (25 °C and 45 °C) on ginger essential oil (GEO) loaded Gelatin-sodium alginate composite films over their physical, chemical, and antioxidant properties.

Effect of Psycho-Educational Intervention to Reduce Anxiety and Depression at Postintervention and Follow-Up in Women with Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objectives: To examine the effectiveness of the psycho-educational intervention in reducing anxiety and depressive symptoms for women with breast cancer in post- and follow-up status.

Data Sources: A systematic search of 16 electronic databases to identify all randomized controlled trial studies that examine the effects of psycho-education on anxiety and depression among women with breast cancer. The standardized mean differences (SMDs) between groups in depression and anxiety levels for postintervention and follow-up were computed for each study.

Correction: Al-Harrasi et al. Development and Characterization of Chitosan and Porphyran Based Composite Edible Films Containing Ginger Essential Oil. 2022, , 1782.

In the original publication [...

A cluster analysis to explore the burden of primary caregivers of children with cancer in Oman.

Purpose: Few studies have sought to evaluate the risk burden of primary caregivers, particularly in Oman. This study aimed to explore whether different risk patterns of caregiver burden exist among the primary caregivers of Omani children with leukemia.

Design And Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between May and November 2020.

Prevalence of Anxiety, Depression, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder among Children and Adolescents with Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Assessment of psychological and emotional disorders is an important indicator of well-being among children and adolescents with cancer. This review aimed to determine the prevalence rates of three major psychological disorders in this population, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed.

Development and Characterization of Chitosan and Porphyran Based Composite Edible Films Containing Ginger Essential Oil.

Recent research shows the growing interest in the development of composite edible films (EFs) by using multiple biopolymers for the substantial improvement in the shelf life and quality of food products, via preventing oxidation among other benefits. In the present work, EFs based on chitosan (CS) and porphyran (POR) loaded with ginger essential oil (GEO) have been developed to study the effect of GEO, glycerol (Gly), and POR on the film structure as well as physical and antioxidant properties. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) results showed the level of crystallinity and electrostatic interactions between CS, POR, Gly, and GEO.