Jordan University of Science and Technology

About: Jordan University of Science and Technology is a education organization based out in Irbid, Irbid, Jordan. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Medicine. The organization has 7582 authors who have published 13166 publications receiving 298158 citations. The organization is also known as: JUST.

Multiple sclerosis in Jordan: a clinical and epidemiological study

Abstract: To characterize the clinical, demographic and epidemiological features of multiple sclerosis (MS) in Jordan. Data for consecutive Jordanian patients, fulfilling the McDonald criteria for clinically definite and clinically probable MS, during the time period 2004–2005 were collected and analyzed in the three major referral centers for MS in Jordan. We identified a total of 224 patients (165 females, 87%; 59 males, 13%). The mean (±SD) age of onset was 29.3 (±9.6) years, and mean (±SD) duration of illness was 3.9 (±9.3) years. The prevalence of MS in the city of Amman was 39/100,000. The prevalence of MS in Irbid, north Jordan, was 38/100,000. The most frequent presentation was weakness (30.8%), followed by optic neuritis (20.1%), sensory impairment (19.6%), and ataxia (14.3%). A relapsing remitting pattern was identified in 90.2% of patients, the rest being primary and secondary progressive, and one patient had a progressive relapsing course. Family history of MS was found in 9.4% of the cases. About 60% of the patients were using interferon beta. The degree of physical disability was determined using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). Younger age of onset, shorter duration of illness, a relapsing remitting pattern, and use of interferon were identified as statistically significant predictors of less disability. Jordan is a medium-high risk country for MS, with prevalence higher than what has previously been reported, possibly representing an increase in incidence. Clinical and demographic characteristics are similar to most reports worldwide.

Evidence of an epidemic of Blastocystis hominis infections in preschool children in northern Jordan.

Abstract: Blastocystis hominis is now gaining acceptance as an agent of human intestinal disease. A case-control study of the cause of gastroenteritis in children less than 6 years old was conducted. A total of 500 stool specimens were examined by wet mount preparation, formalin-ether concentration, Sheather9s sugar flotation technique, and permanent stains when necessary. B. hominis was found in 63 (25%) of 250 stool specimens of the cases examined; 38 (15%) of these specimens contained this parasite alone. The appearance of severe symptoms was associated with increased numbers of the parasite in the diarrheic specimens (more than five parasites per field at a magnification of x 400). The most common symptoms were abdominal pain, recurrent diarrhea, cramps, anorexia, and fatigue. Contaminated water was suspected to be the major source of infection, since several cases were associated with Giardia infection. These findings support the concept of B. hominis pathogenicity in children with gastroenteritis.

Metabolic profiles in goat does in late pregnancy with and without subclinical pregnancy toxemia.

Abstract: Methods: Serum samples were obtained from 153 clinically healthy goats in the last trimester of pregnancy from 14 herds in central and northern Jordan. Serum was analyzed for the following constituents: 3-hydroxybutyrate (3-HB), glucose, total protein, albumin, urea, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, cholesterol, triglycerides, cortisol, T3, T4, total calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, using commercially available kits. Goats were classified as having subclinical pregnancy toxemia or as controls on the basis of 3-HB results. Biochemical results were compared between the 2 groups using nonparametric statistical tests. Results: Fifty-three does had subclinical pregnancy toxemia (3HB40.86mmol/L) and 100 were pregnant control does (3-HB 0.86 mmol/L). Does with subclinical pregnancy toxemia had significantly lower glucose concentrations (Po.001) and significantly higher urea (P=.042) and total protein (P=.048) concentrations compared with pregnant control does. 3-HB concentration was significantly correlated with glucose (r=0.290, P=.035), phosphorus (r=0.351, P=.01), and cortisol (r=0.394, P=.004) concentrations in goats with subclinical toxemia. Conclusions: Results of this study indicate that the biochemical profile of does with subclinical pregnancy toxemia differs from that of other pregnant goats. 3-HB should be measured in pregnant does in late stages of gestation with hypoglycemia or with elevated urea and total protein concentrations.

Acute exposure to waterpipe tobacco smoke induces changes in the oxidative and inflammatory markers in mouse lung.

Abstract: Context: Tobacco smoking represents a global public health threat, claiming approximately 5 million lives a year. Waterpipe tobacco use has become popular particularly among youth in the past decade, buttressed by the perception that the waterpipe “filters” the smoke, rendering it less harmful than cigarette smoke.Objective: In this study, we examined the acute exposure of waterpipe smoking on lung inflammation and oxidative stress in mice, and compared that to cigarette smoking.Materials and methods: Mice were divided into three groups; fresh air control, cigarette and waterpipe. Animals were exposed to fresh air, cigarette, or waterpipe smoke using whole body exposure system one hour daily for 7 days.Results: Both cigarette and waterpipe smoke exposure resulted in elevation of total white blood cell count, as well as absolute count of neutrophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes (P < 0.01). Both exposures also elevated proinflammatory markers such as TNF-α and IL-6 in BALF (P < 0.05), and oxidative stress ...