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Groundwater discharge into the sea occurs along many coastlines around the world in different geological settings and constitutes an important component of global water and matter budget. Estimates of how much water flows into the sea worldwide vary widely and are largely based on onshore studies and hydrological or hydrogeological modeling. In this study, we propose an approach to quantify a deep submarine groundwater outflow from the seafloor by using autonomously measured ocean surface data, i.e., 222Rn as groundwater tracer, in combination with numerical modeling of plume transport. The model and field data suggest that groundwater outflows from a water depth of ∼100 m can reach the sea surface implying that several cubic meters per second of freshwater are discharged into the sea. We postulate an extreme rainfall event 6 months earlier as the likely trigger for the groundwater discharge. This study shows that measurements at the sea surface, which are much easier to conduct than discharge measurements at the seafloor, can be used not only to localize submarine groundwater discharges but, in combination with plume modeling, also to estimate the magnitude of the release flow rate.

The world has been suffering from Green House Gases (GHG) emissions for years in the past and for years to come. Governments have started to show their real commitment through Carbon Tax, Energy Transition plans and more renewables and cleaner energy sources to replace the carbon intensive operations [1-2]. Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) has pledge to have a Net Zero emissions by 2050 with an aspirational target to reduce 50% of the current emissions by 2030. Asset M has gone through a regress assessment and opportunity identification workshops to pinpoint the strategic directions moving forward to meet that aspiration. Asset M is the 2nd Largest asset in PDO in terms of Oil and Water production. Over 0.9 mln bbls of Water are recycled on daily basis with around 54 MWs of power consumed. In line with PDO aspiration towards NZE, Asset M has pledge to reduce its emissions from Scope 1 & 2 by 50% in 2030 and net zero by 2050. As of today, Asset M is the most energy efficient asset in PDO with a GHG intensity of 0.12 t/t. The objective of this paper is to shed light on some of the best practices followed to achieve reduction in Energy consumption and GHGE in general. In 2019, Asset M emissions were estimated around 0.55 mln_tCO2e, these are mainly linked to power consumptions (70%) and flaring (15%). Due to the large Growth planned in HCM, Asset M is expected to grow additional 0.25 mln_tCO2e by 2030. To align with PDO NZE by 2050, the team took the lead to build a sustainable GHG reduction road map. The work has been structured under the Strategic A3 approach with clear metrics and timelines. A simple approach was developed to focus on the top 4 main themes: Flaring, Power consumption, Portfolio assessment and EE Awareness. Well Reservoir & Facility Management (WRFM) in addition to Fail-Less initiative were key in reducing the energy consumption from Artificially Lifted wells by the means of Conversion to a more Energy efficient Artificial-Lift types such as PCP/Rotaflex systems, PMM motors and more. cEOR (Enhanced Oil Recovery) is another front that has proven successful improvement not only in increasing the oil production but also in reducing the GHGE. Field-A Polymer set a record emission intensity in PDO with average of 0.03 tCO2e/tHC. Asset M is leading the Polymer thematic study to accelerate cEOR across Multiple fields in South leading to further GHGE reduction. A black belt (6-Sigma as part of Lean projects) was initiated in 2021 to investigate the possibility of reducing the energy consumption of the DWD pumps which are contributing 30% to Asset M energy consumption. The project managed to slash the consumption of these pumps by 25% (4 MW). This approach has paved the way for additional scope across PDO with additional 10-15 MW reduction with zero Cost.

Controlling corrosion with naturally occurring corrosion scales is potentially a more environmentally sustainable alternative to current approaches, including dosing of organic corrosion inhibitors. We report

The genetic diversity of most global goat populations has been assessed in recent decades using nuclear markers but remains unstudied in the south Arabian Peninsula, particularly in the Sultanate of Oman, despite the importance of these animals for the local economy and food supply. Therefore, the present study provides a comparative analysis of the genetic diversity of five native Omani goat populations and evaluates possible admixture rates with the four most frequently imported goat populations from geographically proximal countries. A dataset based on 11 highly informative microsatellite locus genotypes from nine populations was used to estimate population genetic parameters. The summary statistics for the parameters depicted relatively highly diverse populations (Ho = 0.667, He = 0.663) with relatively low and mostly non-significant levels of inbreeding (FIS). Furthermore, population substructure estimators (AMOVA) and population differentiation coefficient (FST) indicated weak genetic differentiation among populations (P

316L samples were fabricated by selective laser melting (SLM) with different laser powers and scanning strategies/patterns. The porosity distribution and surface structures of the as-fabricated samples were characterized using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. This combined with a mathematical modeling of the SLM process aims to understand the formation mechanism of pores in a newly built layer and the role of remelting of previous layers on internal porosity development. It is shown that the surface structure and the formation of pores in a newly built layer are mainly associated with melt flow behavior, but the formation of pores within bulk samples, particularly those at interlayer interfaces, were largely dictated by the extent of remelting of previous layers during SLM. Laser melting of a powder layer tends to develop rough surfaces and open pores on the uppermost layer. With laser remelting of a newly built layer, the sample surfaces become much smoother and the pores within the uppermost layer can be completely eliminated. During SLM processing, sufficient remelting of previous layers leads to development of good bonding at the interlayer interfaces, whereas less extent of remelting of previous layers results in an increased number of pores at the interlayer interfaces. Laser power or energy density shows a much more dominant role than the laser scanning strategy in porosity development, which is attributed to the fact that laser power or energy density shows greater influence on the extent of remelting as compared with the latter. The mechanism on how remelting affects the evolution of pores is also demonstrated through modeling.

This research paper is part of an extensive study conducted by the researcher on parental treatment methods and its relationship to irrational thoughts and future anxiety among a sample of students with hearing impairment. Many of the hearing impaired suffer from some problems that hinder the process of their proper integration with society. As a result of irrational thoughts that cause anxiety in the future, pushing the owner into a state of confusion, pessimism, anticipation of disasters, loss of a sense of security, and fear of family, social and economic problems. Therefore, the study aimed: to diagnose the level of prevalence of future anxiety among students with hearing impairment, and to discuss the relationship between parenting methods as perceived by students with disabilities and the level of prevalence of future anxiety they have. The study adopted the relational descriptive approach. The study population consisted of (100) male and female students at Al-Amal School for grades (7-12), which was adopted as a sample for the study. The researcher built a measure of future anxiety from (21) statements distributed in three dimensions: the health personality, the social family, and the professional economic. The statistical methods that were used: Descriptive analysis, and Pearson correlation coefficient. The results showed: that the level of future anxiety among students with hearing impairment was low. The health personal dimension obtained the highest averages, the social, family dimension, and finally the professional economic dimension.

International audience; This paper discusses the results of a new geo-archaeological study on the nephrite (jade) axes discovered in southern Oman (Dhofar Governorate). The research presents a first account of the geological composition and the morphological structure of such tools and it outlines a preliminary distribution network of jade axe-heads across Southern Arabia. After the discovery of the first analysed sample at Shaqat Jadailah SQJ-3, in the Rub’ al-Khali Desert (Dhofar), four other archaeological axe-adze samples collected from southern Oman, were analysed using micro-Raman Spectroscopy and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (ED-XRF). We compared the analysed samples to other nephrite axes collected in the first pioneering exploration of Gertrude Caton-Thompson (Yemen) and Wilfred Thesiger (South Oman). These objects were then correlated with nephrite raw material from the basement exposures in Yemen. Available data show that the raw material originating in Yemen reached the Neolithic groups of Southern Rub’ al-Khali and coastal Dhofar most likely during the 6th-5th millennium BC, following a similar path to the obsidian route. The colour, texture and composition, together with the presence of other classes of lithic artefacts such as the trihedral projectile points, indicate that during this period Southern Oman was fully integrated into long-distance exchange networks. The analysis of the collected samples show that they are made exclusively from nephrite, and not from other general “green stones”. Considering the high hardness and toughness of the nephrite, this fact allows the hypothesis of a deliberate choice in the selection of raw material for its durability or prestige value. © 2021

Background The European Atherosclerosis Society Familial Hypercholesterolaemia Studies Collaboration (FHSC) global registry provides a platform for the global surveillance of familial hypercholesterolaemia through harmonisation and pooling of multinational data. In this study, we aimed to characterise the adult population with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia and described how it is detected and managed globally. Methods Using FHSC global registry data, we did a cross-sectional assessment of adults (aged 18 years or older) with a clinical or genetic diagnosis of probable or definite heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia at the time they were entered into the registries. Data were assessed overall and by WHO regions, sex, and index versus non-index cases. Findings Of the 61 612 individuals in the registry, 42 167 adults (21 999 [53.6%] women) from 56 countries were included in the study. Of these, 31 798 (75.4%) were diagnosed with the Dutch Lipid Clinic Network criteria, and 35 490 (84.2%) were from the WHO region of Europe. Median age of participants at entry in the registry was 46.2 years (IQR 34.3-58.0); median age at diagnosis of familial hypercholesterolaemia was 44.4 years (32.5-56.5), with 40.2% of participants younger than 40 years when diagnosed. Prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors increased progressively with age and varied by WHO region. Prevalence of coronary disease was 17.4% (2.1% for stroke and 5.2% for peripheral artery disease), increasing with concentrations of untreated LDL cholesterol, and was about two times lower in women than in men. Among patients receiving lipid-lowering medications, 16 803 (81.1%) were receiving statins and 3691 (21.2%) were on combination therapy, with greater use of more potent lipid-lowering medication in men than in women. Median LDL cholesterol was 5.43 mmol/L (IQR 4.32-6.72) among patients not taking lipid-lowering medications and 4.23 mmol/L (3.20-5.66) among those taking them. Among patients taking lipid-lowering medications, 2.7% had LDL cholesterol lower than 1.8 mmol/L; the use of combination therapy, particularly with three drugs and with proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 inhibitors, was associated with a higher proportion and greater odds of having LDL cholesterol lower than 1.8 mmol/L. Compared with index cases, patients who were non-index cases were younger, with lower LDL cholesterol and lower prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and cardiovascular diseases (all p, Pfizer Independent Grant for Learning Change [16157823]; Amgen; Merck Sharp Dohme; Sanofi-Aventis; Daiichi Sankyo; Regeneron; National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, UK; NIHR; Czech Ministry of Health [NU20-02-00261]; Canadian Institutes of Health Research; Austrian Heart Foundation; Tyrolean Regional Government; Gulf Heart Association, The EAS FHSC is an academic initiative that has received funding from a Pfizer Independent Grant for Learning & Change 2014 (16157823) and from investigator-initiated research grants to the European Atherosclerosis Society-Imperial College London from Amgen, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Sanofi-Aventis, Daiichi Sankyo, and Regeneron. KKR acknowledges support from the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, UK. KID acknowledges support from a PhD Studentship from NIHR under the Applied Health Research programme for Northwest London, UK (the views expressed in this publication are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the National Health Service, the NIHR, or the Department of Health). TF was supported by a grant from the Czech Ministry of Health (NU20-02-00261). JG receives support from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. The Austrian Familial Hypercholesterolaemia registry has been supported by funds from the Austrian Heart Foundation and the Tyrolean Regional Government. The Gulf Familial Hypercholesterolaemia registry was done under the auspices of the Gulf Heart Association.

This quantitative study discussed the level of students' professional awareness. The problem arises from the presence of many factors that affect the student's professional choice, including the student's knowledge of himself and his capabilities and his ability to make a sound professional decision, and his knowledge of rehabilitation institutions, university education and the world of professions. Including what has to do with the surrounding environment, including parents and their professional awareness. So the aim of the study is: To know the level of occupational awareness among the twelfth-grade students and their parents in the Al Batinah region south of the Sultanate of Oman. And reveal the statistically significant differences in occupational awareness between the twelfth-grade students and their parents. Study methodology; I followed the descriptive analytical research methodology. The study population consisted of all 12th graders in the region. They are (6125) male and female students, distributed among (37) schools in six states. The sample consisted of (312) students. The number of males (152) and females (160). These students meet their parents (312). A unified scale for occupational awareness for students and parents was designed, it included (47) items distributed in six areas: the field of vocational guidance activities, the direction towards work, professional inclinations and capabilities, professional decision-making, professional attention, and vocational planning. Statistical treatment: Descriptive analysis, (T) test, and ANOVA (One-Way test) were used. The results showed that the level of students ’professional awareness is higher than the educationally acceptable average, as well as for their parents, and that the levels of students’ professional awareness fields for parents are (6) All of them came above the educationally acceptable average, and the results also showed that there were statistically significant differences in occupational awareness between students and their parents in favor of students.

This quantitative study discussed the effect of individual variables among students and their parents on the level of occupational awareness. The problem emerges from the presence of many individual variables that affect the student's professional choice, including the student's knowledge of himself and his capabilities and his ability to make the right professional decision, in light of variables: gender, educational level of the father, family income level, age of the father. Therefore, the aim of the study was to discuss the effect of variables (gender, educational level of the father, level of family income, age of the father) in finding statistically significant differences in occupational awareness among twelfth grade students and their parents. I followed the descriptive analytical research methodology. The study population consisted of all 12th graders in the region. They are (6125) male and female students, distributed among (37) schools in six states. The sample consisted of (312) students. The number of males (152) and females (160). These students meet their parents (312). A unified scale for occupational awareness for students and parents was designed, it included (47) items distributed in six areas: the field of vocational guidance activities, the direction towards work, professional inclinations and capabilities, professional decision-making, professional attention, and vocational planning. Statistical treatment: Descriptive analysis, (T) test, and ANOVA (One-Way) test were used. The results showed that there were statistically significant differences in occupational awareness among twelfth grade students according to the gender variable and in favor of females. There are no statistically significant differences in Professional awareness among the twelfth grade students according to the variables (the educational level of the father, the level of the family's income, and the age of the father) There are no statistically significant differences in the professional awareness of the fathers of the twelfth grade students according to the variables (the educational level, the level of family income, and age).

BackgroundHereditary hearing loss is a heterogeneous group of complex disorders with an overall incidence of one in every 500 newborns presented as syndromic and non-syndromic forms. Cadherin-related 23 (CDH23) is one of the listed deafness causative genes. It is found to be expressed in the stereocilia of hair cells and in the retina photoreceptor cells. Defective CDH23 have been associated mostly with prelingual severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in either syndromic (USH1D) or non-syndromic SNHL (DFNB12) deafness. The purpose of this study was to identify causative mutations in an Omani family diagnosed with severe-profound sensorineural hearing loss by whole exome sequencing technique and analyzing the detected variant in silico for pathogenicity using several in silico mutation prediction software.ResultsA novel homozygous missense variant, c.A7436C (p. D2479A), in exon 53 of CDH23 was detected in the family while the control samples were all negative for the detected variant. In silico mutation prediction analysis showed the novel substituted D2479A to be deleterious and protein destabilizing mutation at a conserved site on CDH23 protein.ConclusionIn silico mutation prediction analysis might be used as a useful molecular diagnostic tool benefiting both genetic counseling and mutation verification. The aspartic acid 2479 alanine missense substitution might be the main disease-causing mutation that damages CDH23 function and could be used as a genetic hearing loss marker for this particular Omani family.

International audience; Maitan is a small desert village located to the north of the city of Al-Mazyunah, in the Sultanate of Oman. The village is close to the triple-border junction between Oman, Yemen, and Saudi Arabia, in the area of Shaqat Jadailah and Shaq Shuayt. During January 2019, a team of geologists and archaeologists undertook a systematic survey of the area to understand its geoarchaeological setting, following the recent discovery of grinding and tethering stones by local people. The survey revealed the presence of Late Palaeolithic, Middle and Late Neolithic sites, and new extraordinary information about the Middle Holocene peopling of this region. Comparisons with known sites in the Rub’ al-Khali Desert, scattered along its southern margins in Oman and Yemen as well as in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, show a high-density peopling of this area which today seems so inhospitable. The presence of abundant lithic artefacts together with millstones, grindstones, pestles and mortars, along with fossilized animal bones and ornaments, indicates a long occupation of the area during prehistoric times. The sediments in theregion show the prevalence of largely arid and hyper-arid conditions, with brief intervals of relatively humid conditions, during which humans and their livestock probably inhabited the region.

Made available in DSpace on 2022-04-28T19:41:32Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2020-10-22 Individuals with orofacial asymmetry due to mucosal overgrowths, ipsilateral bone and dental aberrations with perineurial hyperplasia and/or perineuriomatous pseudo-onion bulb proliferations, comprise a recognizable clinical entity. In this article, we describe three individuals with this clinical entity and mosaic PIK3CA variants c.3140A>G (p. His1047Arg), c.328_330delGAA (p. Glu110del), and c.1353_1364del (p.Glu453_Leu456del). We conclude that the identification of these mosaic variants in individuals with orofacial asymmetry presenting histopathologically perineurial hyperplasia and/or intraneural pseudo-onion bulb perineurial cell proliferations supports the inclusion of this clinical entity in the PIK3CA-related overgrowth spectrum. Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology University of Minnesota São Paulo State University (Unesp) Institute of Science and Technology, São José dos Campos King Saud University Medical Genomics and Metabolic Genetics Branch National Human Genome Research Institute Genetic Diagnostic Laboratory University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine São Paulo State University (Unesp) Institute of Science and Technology, São José dos Campos

The economy has been beset by a crisis that has left no one untouched, but the hardest hit has been the low-income class in the society. Islam has spread a social safety net by its economic system, which includes waqf, by which an asset is made inalienable while the usufruct is designated for a charitable purpose. It is a means by which economic amenities are made widely available to individuals in the society, particularly the feeble and the poor. Many people have undertaken this type of donation, seeking reward [from Allah], to the point that the aggregate value of waqf properties is running neck and neck with that of private property. Due to the importance mentioned, and in order to induce a revival of the national economy, Al-Rawaj decided -seeking the help of Allah- to conduct research on the investment of waqf assets in Oman to determine its effectiveness and the efficiency of the institution(s) conducting it. The circumstances dictate that the topic be divided into two sections; the first undertakes to determine the [Shariah] conditions for waqf-related investment. The conclusions reached in this section are then applied to the actual practice of waqf-related investment that is the subject of the study to determine how close or distant it is from them. In case it is close, such efforts should be multiplied. In case it is far removed from achieving the desired results, the institution conducting the administration and investment needs to be reexamined. The research revealed two things: first, the Shariah conditions for waqf-related investment, and [the second,] the actual practice in Oman. As for the conditions for waqf-related investment, the research concluded that they are six: first: the investment must be in Shariah-compliant activities; second: the investment should not transfer the ownership of the waqf asset; third: it should not contradict the stipulations of the waqf donor; fourth: the investment activity should not be high-risk; rather, the probability of profitability should be predominant; fifth: the investment activity should not cause loss to the waqf by giving it a return less than the going market rate for similar use of similar assets; sixth: the activity in which the waqf assets are invested should be consistent with the overall national economic plan. Regarding the practical reality, the research found a vast difference between these conditions and the practice of investment in Oman. Many waqf assets lie dormant, untouched by investment. Moreover, many waqf assets are being leased at below-market rates. This causes a loss to the society of wealth that could reduce the intensity of the present crisis. It also imposes many additional demands on the state budget in order to mitigate the shortfall.

The 2017 field survey of the Ashawq Formation, Dhofar, Oman, resulted in the collection of large mammal remains, most of which belong to Afrotheria, but with one artiodactyl lineage indicating the possibility of dispersal links with Eurasia. The new fossil remains increase our knowledge about the dental anatomy of the endemic lophodont proboscidean genus Omanitherium, revealing, in particular, that it possessed two pairs of lower incisors. For the first time, a palaeomastodont is recorded from the Arabian Peninsula. Additional remains of Arsinoitherium, a hyracoid and an anthracothere from the formation are described.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the route to digitize the customized mandible implants consisting of image acquisition, processing, implant design, fitting rehearsal and fabrication using fused deposition modeling and electron beam melting methodologies. Design/methodology/approach Recent advances in the field of rapid prototyping, reverse engineering, medical imaging and image processing have led to new heights in the medical applications of additive manufacturing (AM). AM has gained a lot of attention and interest during recent years because of its high potential in medical fields. Findings Produced mandible implants using casting, milling and machining are of standard sizes and shapes. As each person’s physique and anatomical bone structure are unique, these commercially produced standard implants are manually bent before surgery using trial and error methodology to custom fit the patient’s jaw. Any mismatch between the actual bone and the implant results in implant failure and psychological stress and pain to the patient. Originality/value The novelty in this paper is the construction of the customized mandibular implant from the computed tomography (CT) scan which includes surface reconstruction, implant design with validation and simulation of the mechanical behavior of the design implant using finite element analysis (FEA). There has been few research studies on the design and customization of the implants before surgery, but there had been hardly any study related to customized design implant and evaluating the biomechanical response on the newly designed implant using FEA. Though few studies are related to FEA on the reconstruction plates, but their paper lacks the implant design model and the reconstruction model. In this research study, an integrated framework is developed for the implant design, right from the CT scan of the patient including the softwares involved through out in the study and then performing the biomechanical study on the customized design implant to prove that the designed implant can withstand the biting and loading conditions. The proposed research methodology which includes the interactions between medical practitioners and the implant design engineers can be incorporated to any other reconstruction bone surgeries.

Despite intensive study over many years, the chemistry and physicsof the atomic level mechanisms that govern corrosion are not fully understood. In particular, the occurrence and severity of highly localized metal degradation cannot currently be predicted and often cannot be rationalized in failure analysis. We report a first-principles model of the nature of protective iron carbonate films coupled with a detailed chemical and physical characterization of such a film in a carefully controlled environment. The fundamental building blocks of the protective film, siderite (FeCO3) crystallites, are found to be very sensitive to the growth environment. In iron-rich conditions, cylindrical crystallites form that are highly likely to be more susceptible to chemical attack and dissolution than the rhombohedral crystallites formed in iron-poor conditions. This suggests that local degradation of metal surfaces is influenced by structures that form during early growth and provides new avenues for the prevention, detection, and mitigation of carbon steel corrosion.

Objectives: To identify genetic defects in an Omani family diagnosed with deafness. Methods: A cross-sectional association study was conducted at the Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Al-Khoud, Oman and the Centre of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium between August 2010 and September 2014. Microsatellites markers for nine non-syndromic genes were used to genotype the defective locus using the extracted DNA from family members. Sanger sequencing method was used to identify the disease causative mutation. Eazy linkage 5.05 was used to calculate the logarithm of odds score. Lasergene suite was used to detect the mutation position, and Phyre2, SMART, Rasmol, and GOR IV were used to predict the effects of the defect on protein structure and function. Results: The disease was linked to markers located on chromosome-2 and covering the OTOF (DFNB9) gene. A novel missense mutation that changed nucleotide C to G at position c.1469 and consequently the amino acid Proline to Arginine (P490R) on exon 15 was detected. Protein modeling analysis revealed the impact of the mutation on protein structure and the relevant C2C domain. The mutation seems to create a new protein isoform homologous to the complement component C1q. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the mutation found in C2C domain of the OTOF gene is likely to cause deafness in the studied family reflecting the importance of C2 domains of otoferlin in hearing loss. Saudi Med J 2016; Vol. 37 (10): 1068-1075 doi: 10.15537/smj.2016.10.14967 How to cite this article: Al-Wardy NM, Al-Kindi MN, Al-Khabouri MJ, Tamimi Y, Van Camp G. A novel missense mutation in the C2C domain of otoferlin causes profound hearing impairment in an Omani family with auditory neuropathy. Saudi Med J . 2016 Oct;37(10):1068-75. doi: 10.15537/smj.2016.10.14967.

Background Moderate to severe facial esthetic problems challenge the surgeons to discover alternate ways, to rehabilitate the patients using customized porous designs. Porous metal implants are available for over 30 years, but the pore architecture, is constantly changing to improve the stability and longevity of the implant. Objective To evaluate a customized porous implant produced from electron beam melting and to restore the zygomatic functionality. Methods Two customized zygomatic reconstruction implants-bulk and porous, are designed based on the bone contours and manufactured using state of art-electron beam melting technology. The two designed implants are evaluated based on strength, weight and porosity for the better osseointegration and rehabilitation of the patient. Results Porous structures due to their light weight, low volume and high surface area provided better specific strength and young's modulus closer to the bone. Microscopic and CT scanning confirmed that the EBM produced porous structures are highly regular and interconnected without any major internal defects. Conclusions The customized porous implants satisfies the need of lighter implants with an adequate mechanical strength, restoring better functionality and esthetic outcomes for the patients.

HOXB13, a member of the homeobox proteins family, is a key regulator of the epithelial differentiation in the prostate gland. HOXB13 is overexpressed during malignant progression of the prostatic tissue and suspected to contribute in the pathogenesis of the prostate gland. In androgen deprived conditions, HOXB13 is thought to act through inhibition of the tumour suppressor protein p21. Since HOXB13 has a multifaceted role in ventral prostate development, its critical partners in the cascade need to be elucidated for a further understanding of its role in prostate malignancy. In this report, we review the functions attributed to HOXB13, by highlighting the most recent findings supporting the hypothesis that HOXB13 might serve as a novel biomarker for the prognosis of prostate cancer.

In vivo microcomputed tomography (μCT) enables real-time assessment of bone regeneration. The aim of this μCT and histologic experiment was to assess guided bone regeneration (GBR) around standardized calvarial defects in rats using particulate graft material (Bio-Oss) with and without collagen membranes (CMs). Eighteen female Sprague-Dawley rats aged 6 weeks and weighing 300 g were used. With the rats under general anesthesia, calvaria were exposed and a full-thickness standardized defect was created on the parietal bone. For treatment, rats were randomly assigned to the following three groups: (1) CM group; (2) Bio-Oss group; and (3) Bio-Oss + CM group. Bone volume and bone mineral density (BMD) of newly formed bone (NFB) and remnant bone particles were measured at baseline and 2, 4, 6, and 10 weeks after the operations using real-time in vivo μCT. At 10 weeks, all animals were sacrificed and calvarial tissues were assessed histologically. In the CM group, a significant increase in mean ± standard deviation (SD) BMD of NFB was observed at 6 weeks (0.32 ± 0.02 g/mm(3)) (P.01) compared with baseline. In the Bio-Oss group, mean ± SD volume (3.03 ± 0.14 mm(3)) (P.05) and BMD (0.14 ± 0.01 g/mm(3)) of NFB significantly increased at 6 weeks compared with baseline (P.01). In the Bio-Oss + CM group, mean ± SD volume (0.98 ± 0.19 mm(3)) and BMD (0.13 ± 0.01 g/mm(3)) of NFB significantly increased at 4 weeks compared with baseline (P.01). In th Bio-Oss + CM group, mean ± SD volume (3.5 ± 0.7 mm(3)) and BMD (0.44 ± 0.03 g/mm(3)) of remnant bone particles were significantly reduced at 10 weeks compared with baseline values (5.8 ± 0.96 mm(3) and 1.3 ± 0.02 g/mm(3)) (P.05). Although histologic analysis revealed NFB in all the study groups, the Bio-Oss + CM group exhibited the most. The results of this study revealed that, in real time, new bone formation starts as early as 4 weeks in standardized calvarial defects undergoing GBR with Bio-Oss + CM, compared with new bone formation at 6 weeks in defects undergoing GBR with Bio-Oss alone.

This work describes two early Cambrian folding events within Cryogenian to earliest Cambrian rocks of the western Jabal Akhdar Dome (NE Oman). This sequence is truncated at an angular unconformity and overlain by a Permo-Mesozoic succession that is folded into a wide, gentle anticline, that differs in style and intensity of deformation from that below the unconformity. An older Paleozoic deformation (D1) have been identified within limestone of the Hajir Formation, in which F1 metric folds reflect ductile deformation affecting Neoproterozoic-Cambrian rocks with low dip-angle axial planes. A younger event (D2) has refolded the F1 folds with open to close F2 folds with sub-vertical to steep axial planes dipping towards NNW and fold axes plunging either ENE-wards with ~50°, or SW-wards with ~30°, at the northern and southern flanks of the Jabal Akhdar Dome, respectively. The F2 folds have been discussed by previous authors as possibly Hercynian in age, while the F1 folds are here firstly presented, revealing a uniform NE-vergence of F1 folds after restoration at pre-D2 geodynamic conditions. First structural evidence of a tectonic event in eastern Arabia dates between ~542 and 525 ± 5 Ma (D1), due to the convergence between Arabia and microcontinents and/or oceanic subduction of the Proto-Tethys Ocean. D1 and D2 are related to NE-SW and ~NW-SE main compressional directions, respectively. Based on geometric and time considerations D1 correlates with the Cadomian and D2 with the Angudan orogenies. Our evidences directly question former discussions of the presence of the “Hercynian Orogen” in eastern Arabia.

In the central area of the Sultanate of Oman, gas and condensate from five different fields are processed through one gas production station which has been in operation for over 10 years. Despite the highly consolidated nature of these deep sandstone reservoirs, sand was observed in the inlet separators. This work will: Illustrate the methods used to identify the source of sand (field, well, and formation).Establish short, medium, and long term solutions. A strategy was created to investigate the source of sand and the extent of damage inflicted on the facility. Mitigation measures in the form of short to long term solutions were also implemented, addressing issues arising both in the surface and subsurface. Monitoring included clamp-on sand detectors and Sonic MPLT with camera with mitigation work including modification of the inlet separator and desander installation upstream the inlet separator Two fields were identified to be the potential source of sand, based on the clamp on sand detection campaign. One field has commingled production from three reservoirs and was later confirmed to be the true source of sand; the second field was identified to be producing frac proppant only. Different techniques were used to narrow down the sand producing reservoir by comparative study of the minerology of existing core and produced sand samples, sonic MPLT with camera, modeling of formation stress mechanics, and other means of WRM interventions. Results concluded that sand production was not limited to a single reservoir yet the deepest is the major contributer. To maintain the integrity of the facility, both surface and subsurface mitigation measures were assesed. Due to limitations in the existing well completions, surface solutions were preferred.. By evaluating the facility, it was decided to modify the design of the inlet separator to trap the sand and clean it out periodically. In addition, well flow rates were constrained to below the erosion critical velocity to avoid any loss of containment. Finally, an integrity test was conducted to the flowline and equipment (from wellhead to export line), to create a surveillance and maintenance strategy to prevent facility damage. In summary: Modern technologies including Sonic MPLT with Camera proved capable of identifying the formation responsible for sand production under the conditions of fluid clarity and flow condition (Turbulent.Deep, well consolidated sandstone reservoirs are capable of sand production due to depletion and or water production.The facility downstream was protected by means of a simple modification to the inlet separator, demonstrating a simple and unconventional solution.Sand management system usage enabled sand removal from the inlet separator water stream during production, preventing loss of production.

Hearing loss is a debilitating disorder that impairs language acquisition, resulting in disability in children and potential isolation in adulthood. Its onset can have a genetic basis, though environmental factors, which are often preventable, can also cause the condition. The genetic forms are highly heterogeneous, and early detection is necessary to arrange appropriate patient support. Here we report the molecular basis of hereditary hearing loss in a consanguineous family with multiple affected members from Oman. Combining homozygosity mapping with whole exome sequencing identified a novel homozygous nucleotide substitution c.575T > C in the lipoma HMGIC fusion partner-like 5 gene (LHFPL5), that converted the 192nd amino acid residue in the protein from a leucine to a proline, p.(Leu192Pro). Sanger sequencing confirmed segregation with the disease phenotype as expected for a recessive condition and the variant was absent in 123,490 subjects from various disease-specific and population genetic studies as well as 150 unrelated individuals and 35 deaf patients of Omani ethnicity. This study, which describes a novel LHFPL5 mutation in a family of Omani origin with hereditary hearing loss, supports previous clinical descriptions of the condition and contributes to the genetic spectrum of mutations in this form of deafness.

A study was carried out to investigate the effects of feeding low quality non-conventional feeds (NCF) containing phenols and condensed tannins on health and performance characteristics in Omani sheep. Twelve Omani sheep were fed one of two base roughages, urea-treated palm frond (UTPF) or Rhodesgrass hay, (RGH) plus a commercial concentrate for 63 days. Haematological, serum biochemical and urine analyses were used to assess sheep health. Serum protein fractions were measured using electrophoresis. Urea-treated palm frond contained higher levels of polyphenols and condensed tannins and fiber than Rhodesgrass hay or concentrate feed. Animals fed UTPF had lower feed intake (P

316L stainless steel samples have been prepared by selective laser melting (SLM) using a pulsed laser mode and different laser powers and scanning patterns. The as-fabricated samples were found to be dominated by clusters of nano-sized γ needles or cells. TEM imaging shows that these needles contain a high population of dislocations while TEM-EDX analysis reveals high chemical homogeneity throughout the as-fabricated samples as evidenced by the fact that there is even no micro-/nano-segregation at interfaces between neighbouring γ needles. The good chemical homogeneity is attributed to the extremely high cooling rate after SLM (>106 °C/s) and the formation of Si- and Mn-oxides that distribute randomly in the current samples. The laser-processed samples show both superior strength and ductility as compared with conventionally manufactured counterparts. TEM examination on the deformed specimens reveals a significantly high density of dislocations and a great number of twinning within nano-needles, suggesting that the plastic deformation has been governed by both gliding of dislocations and twinning deformation, which is believed to be responsible for the simultaneous acquisition of superior strength and ductility. Finally, laser power shows a much more dominant role than laser scanning pattern in porosity and grain size development for the SLM-processed 316L stainless steel samples.

Foam-assisted lift (FAL) is a well-established gas well deliquification technique to prolonge stable production from depleting, liquid loading gas wells. Field tests were carried out to delineate the operating envelope of FAL in PDO liquid loading gas wells. The field tests in five different wells consisted of step-down tests with and without continuous downhole injection of liquid foamer, to establish the associated reduction of the minimum stable gas rate. At the same time, the produced fluids were sampled and analyzed to diagnose potential impact on surface processing. The step-down tests were carried out using five different foamers that passed screening based on laboratory testing. FAL reduced the minimum stable rate by more than 40% independent of water cut i.e. for BS&W ranging between 14% and 96%. The step-down procedure required a surface choke which resulted in a significant reduction of the minimum stable gas rate, independent of the application of FAL.

The subsurface structural styles vary across Oman. Understanding this diversity has a strong impact on optimizing hydrocarbon exploration and production. This work is an attempt to summarize the main structural features that characterize the reservoir types in different tectonic domains in Oman in order to provide structural constraints on the interpretation of subsurface data, particularly in areas of poor data coverage or quality. In the South Oman Salt Basin, salt halokinesis dominated the deformation style and the orientation of local stresses. This has resulted in a tortuous framework of faults and folds. During the Palaeozoic, simultaneous differential loading of overlying sediments and salt dissolution were the main deformation mechanisms. The regional stresses are more defined in north Oman. Two structural orientations are observed within the Fahud and Ghaba Salt Basins: NW–SE and NE–SW. The first was formed during Late Cretaceous time, whereas the second developed during the Late Cenozoic. Pre-existing faults were reactivated in both tectonic episodes. The deformation within the north Oman salt basins is localized above pre-existing faults. Outside the salt basins, in the Lekhwair and Makarem highs, the faults mainly trend NW–SE. These tend to be uniformly distributed throughout the basins and have uniform orientation, throw and vertical continuity.

Objectives: Mutations/deletions affecting the TP53 gene are considered an independent marker predicting a poor prognosis for patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). A cohort within a genetically isolated population was investigated for p53 mutation/deletion status. Methods: Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) samples were extracted from 23 paraffin-embedded blocks obtained from DLBCL patients, and subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and sequencing of exons 4–9 of the p53 gene. Results: While 35% of patients analysed displayed allelic deletions ( P

Objective: To determine the molecular basis of familial ichthyosis in three Omani families. Subjects and Methods: Nine patients from three consanguineous families, A, B, and C, were born with typical features of lamellar ichthyosis subtype including collodion membrane and maintained ectropion, and epidermal scaling through their childhood. The 4 patients from family B had more severe symptoms requiring neonatal critical care and subsequent regular treatment with emollients, eye lubricants, and low-dose acitretin. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood by standard methods. The samples were initially genotyped to screen known loci linked to recessive ichthyosis on chromosomes 2q33-32 (ABCA12), 14q11 (TGM1), and 19p12-q12 using commercially supplied polymorphic fluorescent microsatellite markers. TGM1 was analyzed by direct sequencing for disease-associated mutations. Results: Two known pathogenic mutations in TGM1 were detected: p.Gly278Arg in families A and B and p.Arg396His in family C. These two mutations were segregating in an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. Conclusion: Two known pathogenic TGM1 mutations were detected in three large consanguineous Omani families with lamellar ichthyosis. This study confirmed the geographic distribution of known mutations to an apparently unrelated population.

BACKGROUND: The customized mandible reconstruction has been a challenging task in maxillofacial surgery. Designing an implant taking into considering the surrounding bone contours is really critical. Various computer aided design techniques have been used in the designing the customized reconstruction implants, but nevertheless study on the comparison between these techniques is rarely used. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to compare the mirroring and anatomical reconstruction design techniques used in the maxillofacial surgery and select the best design technique. METHODS: The three mandible bone defects-small (< 20 mm), medium (20 to 40 mm) and large (41 to 53 mm) tumors are reconstructed using the two reconstruction design techniques and compared to their accuracy, using a 3 dimensional (3D) implant design evaluation and part to Computer aided design (CAD) comparison using a Co-ordinate measuring machine (CMM). RESULTS: The analysis results indicate that the mirroring technique provides higher accuracy for the implant design as compared to the anatomical technique for the medium and large tumors at maxillofacial regions. In case of implant design in small tumors, the anatomical design provides perfect implant fitting. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results, it is recommended to select the anatomy design technique only for small tumor regions and mirroring technique for medium and large tumors.

Summary Among all livestock species, cattle have a prominent status as they have contributed greatly to the economy, nutrition and culture from the beginning of farming societies until the present time. The origins and diversity of local cattle breeds have been widely assessed. However, there are still some regions for which very little of their local genetic resources is known. The present work aimed to estimate the genetic diversity and the origins of Omani cattle. Located in the south-eastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula, close to the Near East, East Africa and the Indian subcontinent, the Sultanate of Oman occupies a key position, which may enable understanding cattle dispersal around the Indian Ocean. To disclose the origin of this cattle population, we used a set of 11 polymorphic microsatellites and 113 samples representing the European, African and Indian ancestry to compare with cattle from Oman. This study found a very heterogenic population with a markedly Bos indicus ancestry and with some degree of admixture with Bos taurus of African and Near East origin.

Apolipoprotein E (APOE) polymorphism is a predictor of interindividual variability in plasma levels of lipids and lipoproteins and a predictor of risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). We studied the relationship between APOE polymorphism and lipid profiles and risk of CAD in Omani dyslipidemic patients. This retrospective study included 244 dyslipidemic patients, of whom 67 had CAD. Fasting blood glucose, lipids, and plasma lipoprotein levels were measured using standard methods, and APOE genotypes were detected by PCR-RFLP. The dyslipidemic patients had the following APOE allele frequencies: APOE*2, 0.030; APOE*3, 0.894; and APOE*4, 0.076. APOE allele frequencies between patients with and without CAD showed no significant differences. Compared to APOE*3/*3 homozygotes, APOE*4 allele patients had higher mean levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (p = 0.014), apoB (p = 0.031), lower mean levels of apoA1 (p = 0.043), and a trend of higher mean level of total cholesterol (p = 0.084). Thirty-one percent of patients with CAD had the APOE*4 allele compared to 26% with the APOE*3 allele, but this difference was not significant. Compared with APOE*3/*3 homozygotes, patients with the APOE*4 allele had 1.3 times higher risk for CAD after ignoring dyslipidemia, but this risk was modified after adjusting for dyslipidemia. In conclusion, among dyslipidemic patients, carriers of APOE*4 compared to homozygous carriers of APOE*3 had significantly higher levels of LDL cholesterol and apoB, but no relationship with CAD was found.

Mandible defects and its deformities are serious complications and its precise reconstruction is one of the most challenging tasks in oral maxillofacial surgery. The commercially available standard mandible implants are manually bended before surgery to custom fit the patient’s jaw. A slight mismatch in the plate and bone alignment may result in the implant failure. However, with the integration of computer-aided design, rapid prototyping, and advanced imaging systems (computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging), it is possible to produce a customized mandible implant that can precisely fit the patient’s jaw. The aim of this article is to compare a new design of customized mandible implant (sinewave plate) and compare it with the commonly used straight implant design. The finite element–simulated results reveal that the commonly used straight reconstruction plates are more prone to loosening of the screws due to its higher strain concentration on the screw hole when compared to newly designed sinewave reconstruction plate. Moreover, the straight plate is more sensitive to the chewing load variations and develops almost 20% increase in the stresses when compared to sinewave plate. The study reveals that the sinewave reconstruction plate can significantly enhance the stability and safety of the mandible implant.

Fragmentary post-cranial remains (femora, tibia, vertebrae) of ornithischian dinosaurs from the Late Cretaceous of the Sultanate of Oman are described and referred to hadrosauroids. The specimens come from the Al-Khod Conglomerate, of latest Campanian to Maastrichtian age, in the north-eastern part of the country. Although the fragmentary condition of the fossils precludes a precise identification, various characters, including the shape of the fourth trochanter of the femur and the morphology of its distal end, support an attribution to hadrosauroids. With the possible exception of a possible phalanx from Angola, this group of ornithopod dinosaurs, which apparently originated in Laurasia, was hitherto unreported from the Afro-Arabian plate. From a paleobiogeographical point of view, the presence of hadrosauroids in Oman in all likelihood is a result of trans-Tethys dispersal from Asia or Europe, probably by way of islands in the Tethys shown on all recent paleogeographical maps of that area. Whether hadrosauroids were widespread on the Afro-Arabian landmass in the latest Cretaceous, or where restricted to the «Oman island»shown on some paleogeographical maps, remains to be determined

Objective: To estimate the apolipoprotein E (apo E) allele distribution in the Omani population and to compare them with those of other populations. Subjects and Methods: One hundred and sixty-two healthy Omanis of Arab Bedouin origin were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism. Results: The apo E allele frequencies were: ε2, 0.052; ε3, 0.886; ε4, 0.062. This pattern of distribution, characterized by the lowest ε4 and among the highest ε3 allele frequencies in the world, was very similar to that of Arabs, Southern Europeans of the Mediterranean basin, Indians, and Japanese populations. Conclusion: The results indicate that the allelic distribution of apo E in healthy Omanis is characterized by low Apo ε4 and high ε3 allele frequencies similar to those of other Arab, Southern European, Japanese and Indian populations. The homogeneous distribution of apo E alleles in this group of populations might have been influenced by diet and/or genetic admixture.

Hyperekplexia is characterized by neonatal hypertonia and exaggerated startle reflex in response to loud noise or tactile stimuli. Mutations in patients with hyperekplexia were evident in several genes encoding proteins involved in glycinergic neurotransmission, i.e., glycine receptor α and β subunits, collybistin, gephyrin, and glycine transporter 2. We clinically and genetically characterized two large, unrelated consanguineous families with hyperekplexia. Affected members of the two families manifested hyperekplexia with mild mental retardation. Patients exhibited a novel homozygote c.593G>C missense mutation in GLRA1, resulting in amino acid substitution p.W170S in the corresponding mature glycine receptor α1 subunit. This mutation was absent in 400 randomly selected chromosomes in the same population. In conclusion, a novel p.W170S mutation in the extracellular ligand binding domain of glycine receptor α1 subunit was detected in patients with hyperekplexia and mild mental retardation.

AIM: To investigate the associations between CDH1 gene polymorphisms and gastric cancer (GC) risk predisposition. METHODS: We analyzed four CDH1 polymorphisms (+54 T>C, -160 C>A, -616 G>C, -3159 T>C) in an Omani population, by extraction of genomic DNA from the peripheral blood of 192 patients with GC and 170 control participants and performed CDH1 genotyping using DNA sequencing. RESULTS: CDH1 -160 -AA genotype was associated with an increased risk of GC (OR = 3.6, 95% CI: 1.1-11.8) (P = 0.03). There was no significant association between the other polymorphisms and GC risk. The haplotype analysis of +54 T>C, -160 C>A, -616 G>C, -3159 T>C genotypes revealed that the OR of CCGC and CAGC haplotypes was 1.5 (95% CI: 0.7-3.5) and 1.5 (95% CI: 0.2-3.0), but did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSION: The current study suggests that the -160 AA genotype was associated with an increased risk of GC in Oman.

Lipoprotein(a) is an independent risk factor for Ischaemic Heart Disease (IHD) in the general population. There are conflicting reports in the extent of its association with IHD among subjects with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The aim was to determine the concentration of Lp(a) and its relationship with other lipids parameters among Omani T2DM subjects with and without IHD. An over-night fasting blood sample from 221 T2DM subjects (86 females and 135 males) and 156 non-diabetics (69 females and 87 males) aged 30–70 years (as control) was taken for lipid profile studies. Results Lp(a) was significantly lower (p = 0.012) among T2DM subjects 0.123(1.12) g/L compared to non-diabetics 0.246 (1.18)g/L, irrespective of gender. A significant correlation (Spearman correlation, P = 0.047) was revealed between Lp(a) and IHD among Omani T2DM subjects. The proportions of T2DM subjects with IHD and an Lp(a) >0.3 g/L was higher compared to T2DM without IHD irrespective of gender, for women 42% vs. 27% and for men 17.5 vs. 8%, respectively. A significant negative correlation existed between Lp(a) and triglycerides (r = 0.41, P = 0.002) among T2DM subjects. In contrast, a significant positive correlation existed between Lp(a) and LDL-chol among the non-diabetic subjects. Women had significantly higher Lp(a) concentration compared to men ( 0.30 Vs. 0.16 g/L, P < 0.0001) irrespective of the diabetic status. Conclusion Lp(a) is an independent risk factor for IHD among Omani T2DM subjects. Lp(a) concentration was significantly lower and negatively correlated with triglycerides among Omani diabetic compared to non-diabetic subjects.

The metabolic syndrome, as defined by the International Diabetes Federation, was investigated in five large, extended, highly consanguineous, healthy Omani Arab families of a total of 1277 individuals. Heritability (h2) of the phenotypic abnormalities that make up the syndrome and other related traits was estimated by variance decomposition method using SOLAR software. The overall prevalence of the syndrome was 23%. The prevalence of abnormalities making the syndrome in a descending order were: obligatory waist circumference, hypertension, raised fasting blood glucose, low serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and raised serum triglycerides (TGs). Highly significant, but widely spread, h2 values were obtained for: height (0.68), weight (0.68), BMI (0.68), serum HDL (0.63), serum leptin (0.55), percentage body fat (0.53), total serum cholesterol (0.53), fasting serum insulin (0.51), homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance index (0.48), serum TG (0.43), waist circumference (0.40), diastolic blood pressure (0.38), and 2-hour glucose level (0.17), whereas for the metabolic syndrome itself, h2 was 0.38. The wide spread of h2 results (0.07 to 0.68) indicates that some determinants, such as weight, BMI, and HDL level, are under significant genetic influence among the Omani Arabs. Other determinants such as insulin resistance, abdominal obesity, diastolic blood pressure, and TG levels seem to be more environmentally driven.