The Impact of Absenteeism in Banking Sector in Oman

This work represents an attempt to identify the factors influencing absenteeism in banking sector in Oman. Primary quantitative data has been obtained via a structured closed-ended questionnaire, submitted to 150 employees of both genders and a variety of job responsibilities employed in the National Bank of Oman (NBO). This is based on current perceptions of likely causes as identified in the literature. Subsequent analyses have been carried out using the Pearson coefficient of correlation and Chi-square testing. The findings indicate that the workload and work pressure are the main contributing factors to employees' absenteeism. Other factors examined played a lesser role. Suggestions have been offered as to how to tackle absenteeism and its principal causes. Keywords: Absenteeism, Workload, Motivation, NBO, Oman JEL Classifications: M10, M50, M54 DOI: https://doi.org/10.32479/irmm.1124

Mucolipidosis Type IV in Omani Families with a Novel MCOLN1 Mutation: Search for Evidence of Founder Effect

Mucolipidosis Type IV (MLIV) is caused by a deficiency of the mucolipin cation channel encoded by Mucolipin TRP Cation Channel 1 gene (MCOLN1). It is a slowly progressive neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorder causing severe psychomotor developmental delay and progressive visual impairment, which is often misdiagnosed as cerebral palsy. We describe six patients with MLIV from two Omani families with a novel c.237+5G>A mutation in the MCOLN1 gene predicted to affect mRNA splicing. Mutation screening with a high-resolution melting (HRM) assay in a large population sample did not detect this mutation in control subjects. This report highlights the importance of considering MLIV in the differential diagnosis of patients in a pediatric age group with cerebral palsy-like presentation. Although the same rare mutation was seen in two apparently unrelated families, this was not seen in the sample screened from the general population. The HRM assay provides a cost-effective assay for population screening for the c.237+5G>A mutation

Cytotoxicity, Mutagenicity and Genotoxicity of Electronic Cigarettes Emission Aerosols Compared to Cigarette Smoke: the REPLICA project

In this work the REPLICA Team replicated part of the work published by Rudd and colleagues in 2020, which aims to establish the aerosol-induced cytotoxicity, mutagenesis and genotoxicity of a pod system e-cigarette aerosol compared to tobacco cigarette smoke. As in the original paper, we performed Neutral Red Test (NRU) for the evaluation of cytotoxicity, AMES test for the evaluation of mutagenesis and In Vitro Micronuclei (IVM) assay for the evaluation of genotoxicity on cells treated with cigarette smoke or e-cigarette aerosol. The results obtained showed high cytotoxicity, mutagenicity and genotoxicity induced by cigarette smoke, but slight or no cytotoxic, mutagenic and genotoxic effects induced by the e-cigarette aerosol. The data obtained support those previously presented by Rudd and colleagues, although we have highlighted some methodological flaws of their work. Overall, we can affirm that the results obtained by Rudd and colleagues have been established and our data also confirm the idea that e-cigarette aerosol is much safer and less harmful than e-cigarette smoking, making it a useful device in smoking harm reductionThis investigator-initiated study was sponsored by ECLAT srl, a spin-off of the University of Catania, through a grant from the Foundation for a Smoke-Free World Inc., a US nonprofit 501(c)(3) private foundation with a mission to end smoking in this generation. The contents, selection, and presentation of facts, as well as any opinions expressed herein are the sole responsibility of the authors and under no circumstances shall be regarded as reflecting the positions of the Foundation for a Smoke-Free World, Inc. ECLAT srl. is a research-based company that delivers solutions to global health problems with special emphasis on harm minimization and technological innovation

Regional variations in antimicrobial susceptibility of community-acquired uropathogenic Escherichia coli in India: findings of a multicentric study highlighting the importance of local antibiograms

Background: Evidence-based prescribing is essential to optimise patient outcomes in cystitis. This requires knowledge of local antibiotic resistance rates. DASH to Protect Antibiotics (https://dashuti.com/) is a multicentric mentorship programme guiding centres in preparing, analysing and disseminating local antibiograms to promote antimicrobial stewardship in community UTI. Here we map the susceptibility profile of Escherichia coli from 22 Indian centres. Methods: These centres spanned 10 Indian States and three Union Territories. Antibiograms for urinary E. coli from the outpatient departments were collated. Standardisation was achieved by regional online training; anomalies were resolved via consultation with study experts. Data were collated and analysed. Findings: Nationally, fosfomycin, with 94% susceptibility (inter-centre range 83-97%), and nitrofurantoin with 85% susceptibility (61-97%) retained widest activity. Susceptibility rates were lower for co-trimoxazole (49%), fluoroquinolones (31%) and oral cephalosporins (26%). Rates for third- and fourth- generation cephalosporins were 46% and 52%, respectively, with 54% (33-58%) ESBL prevalence. Piperacillin-tazobactam (81%) amikacin (88%), meropenem (88%) retained better activity, but one centre in Delhi recorded only 42% meropenem susceptibility. Susceptibility rates were mostly higher in South, West and Northeast India; centres in the heavily-populated Gangetic plains, across North and Northwest India, had greater resistance. These findings highlight the importance of local antibiograms in guiding appropriate antimicrobial choices. Interpretation: Fosfomycin and nitrofurantoin are the preferred oral empirical choices for uncomplicated E. coli cystitis in India, though elevated resistance in some areas is concerning. Empiric use of fluoroquinolones and third generation cephalosporins is discouraged whereas piperacillin/tazobactam and aminoglycosides remain carbapenem-sparing parenteral agents