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.

Molecular blood group screening in Omani blood donors.

Background And Objectives: Blood group genotyping has been used in different populations. This study aims at evaluating the genotypes of common blood group antigens in the Omani blood donors and to assess the concordance rate with obtained phenotypes.

Material And Methods: Blood samples from 180 Omani donors were evaluated.

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.

Vitamin D Status in Pregnant Omanis: A disturbingly high proportion of patients with low vitamin D stores.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the vitamin D status of pregnant Omanis by measurement of their circulating 25 hydroxy vitamin D levels.

Methods: Blood samples were obtained from a cohort of 103 consecutive healthy pregnant Omanis at the Armed Forces Hospital, Muscat, on their first antenatal visit. The study took place in May, June and July 2010.