Original Articles
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Prevalence of Tobacco Use and Secondhand Smoking Among Omani Male Adolescents and the Sociodemographic Correlates: A Cross-sectional Study
Gowda P. Prashanth, Fida Al Ghailani, Maryam Al Maqbali, Maather Al Saidi, Sachin Jose, Tamadhir Al-Mahrouqi
Objectives: We sought to assess the prevalence of tobacco use among adolescent males in Oman and identify sociodemographic factors influencing usage and attitudes towards tobacco products. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between January and March 2024 among male adolescents in public schools (grades 9–12) in Sohar, Oman. A two-stage cluster sampling approach was employed: six schools were randomly selected proportional to enrollment size, followed by random selection of classrooms within each school. Data were collected using a validated Arabic version of the Global Youth Tobacco Survey, administered in-person. Results: All participants completed the survey in classroom settings (100% response rate; n = 227). Forty participants (17.6%) reported having tried tobacco, with the age at initiation largely between 14 and 15 years. Current smoking prevalence was 7.5% (n = 17), and exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) was reported by over 40% of participants, both in enclosed and open spaces. Awareness of the harmful effects of tobacco was high, with 61.7% (n = 140) acknowledging the health risks associated with tobacco use. However, misconceptions concerning tobacco use remained prevalent, notably regarding the risks of SHS, perceived prevalence of peer smoking, and social desirability associated with smoking. Conclusions: Despite relatively high awareness of harmful effects, tobacco use among adolescents in Sohar remains an important public health concern, particularly regarding SHS exposure and social influences. Appropriate intervention strategies should target persistent misconceptions and address social influences. Strengthening public health initiatives and enforcing smoking bans in public spaces are recommended to limit tobacco exposure among Omani youth.
Keywords: Cross-sectional Studies; Adolescents; Smoking; Tobacco Use; Oman.
Case Reports
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Papillary Carcinoma of Lateral Thyroglossal Duct Cyst with De Novo Papillary Carcinoma of Thyroid: A Rare Case Report
Tushar Kambale, Saurabh Shyamsunder Patil, Saloni Bhardwaj, Sirish Chandanwale
Thyroglossal duct cysts are commonly seen in the midline of the neck, accounting for 7% of cases presenting with midline swelling. Carcinoma within a thyroglossal duct cyst is extremely rare, occurring in fewer than 1% of cases, and lateral occurrences are particularly uncommon. This case describes a 25-year-old female with papillary carcinoma identified in the left lateral thyroglossal duct cyst, along with de novo papillary carcinoma in the right thyroid lobe.
Keywords:Thyroglossal Duct Cyst; Thyroid Gland; Carcinoma, Papillary.
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Leiomyomatosis Peritonealis Disseminata and Meningioma: A Rare Association
Jyothi Susan Thomas, Vidya Kishore, Reena Mani, Abdul Rahman Al Farsi
A 39-year-old multiparous woman underwent emergency cesarean section after pathological findings in her cardiotocograph. A biopsy taken from the peritoneal mass confirmed the diagnosis of disseminated peritoneal leiomyomatosis. Postoperatively, the patient developed status epilepticus. Computed tomography image of the brain with angiography revealed a right frontal meningioma. With increasing ascites, excision of the tumor and total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingectomy were performed.
Keywords: Leiomyomatosis; Meningioma; Seizure; Status Epilepticus; Oman.
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Morning Sickness to Morning Blues: A Case of Wernicke Encephalopathy
Maureen P. Tigga, Suma Kanankapura Basavarajaiah, Shrunga Rayashettypura Puttalingegowda, Salu Thampi Olickal
A 24-year-old primigravida at 12 weeks of gestation, with a history of hyperemesis gravidarum, presented on an early morning with mental confusion and weakness. She was diagnosed with Wernicke encephalopathy and successfully treated with thiamine. After a full-term pregnancy, she gave birth to a healthy baby.
Keywords: Wernicke Encephalopathy; Hyperemesis Gravidarum; Thiamine; India.
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Adult-onset Seizures as the First Manifestation of Anti-dsDNA Negative Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Oladotun Victor Olalusi, Joseph Yaria, Ibukun Dedeke, Ikechukwu Chukwuocha
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a quintessential autoimmune disease once thought to be rare among Africans. Neuropsychiatric manifestations of SLE range from headaches, mood/behavioral disorders, to seizures. There are documented reports of seizures accompanying the diagnosis of SLE, with varying prevalence according to specific regions. However, seizures rarely precede the diagnosis of SLE. We present a case report of a 19-year-old African woman with adult-onset seizures preceding an overt diagnosis of negative anti-dsDNA SLE. A preceding short course of anti-malarial and carbamazepine prompted early consideration of drug-induced lupus erythematosus. However, the clinical features of SLE progressed and persisted despite their discontinuation. Among high-risk groups, it is important to recognize SLE as a potential cause of adult-onset seizures. In the absence of clear offending agents, metabolic or structural disease, baseline antinuclear antibody may be imperative in the diagnostic workup of such patients.
Keywords: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus; Neuropsychiatry; Autoimmune Disease; Nigeria.
Clinical Notes
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Experiences From Two Cases of Crusted Scabies
Thien Nguyen, Phuoc Nghia Tran, Anh Phuong Dang, Linh Tran, Tuan Anh Vu
Clinical Quiz
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Facial Abnormality in a Neonate: What is Your Diagnosis?
Avantika Gupta, Roshan Chanchlani, Satish Choudhury, Chetan Khare
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Gum Lesions in Newborn Infant
Ashish Jain, Chetan Khare, Avantika Gupta
Letter to the Editor
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The Silent Pandemic: Preventing Non-communicable Diseases from Taking Over the Arabian Gulf