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.

Diagnostic markers for neonatal sepsis: comparing C-reactive protein, interleukin-6 and immunoglobulin M.

Abstract: This clinical study was conducted to evaluate the diagnostic value of C-reactive protein (CRP), interlekin-6 (IL-6) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) in the early diagnosis of neonatal sepsis. The diagnostic values of each marker separately or in combinations were evaluated. The optimal cut-off values of each marker in the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis were defined. Between December 2004 and March 2005, a total of 78 neonates at different ages with different diagnoses in a neonatal intensive care unit in North Jordan were enrolled. Patients were classified into 'sepsis' group, 'probable sepsis' group and 'no sepsis' group. Blood samples were collected for CRP, IL-6 and IgM determination. A CRP value of 5 mg/l was the best among the three parameters with 95% sensitivity and 98% negative predictive value. Combination between parameters was helpful in enhancing the ability to diagnose sepsis. The best combination was CRP > or = 5 mg/l and/or IgM of > or =20 mg/dl. We conclude that CRP, IL-6 and IgM are helpful in the early diagnosis of Gram-negative neonatal sepsis. However, CRP continues to be the best single test. The use of both CRP and IgM in combination was the most helpful in predicting Gram-negative neonatal sepsis. We speculate a significant role of this combination in making decisions regarding antibiotics treatment and upgrading the level of medical care and observation in a setting where Gram-negative micro-organisms are causing the majority of neonatal infections.

Compliance with infection control programs in private dental clinics in Jordan.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to assess the compliance of general dental practitioners (GDPs) in the private sector in North Jordan with infection control measures. A pilot-tested questionnaire about infection control measures was distributed in March 2004 to 120 private practices. The response rate was 91.66 percent. About 77 percent of dentists usually ask their patients about medical history, 36 percent were vaccinated against hepatitis B, 81.8 percent wear and change gloves during treatment and between patients, and 54.5 percent wear and change masks during treatment and between patients. Most dental practitioners (95.4 percent) reported that they changed extraction instruments and burs between patients. All dental practitioners reported that they changed saliva ejectors between patients, but only 41.8 percent changed handpieces between patients. Approximately 63 percent (69/110) used autoclaves for sterilization, 47.3 percent (52/110) used plastic bags to wrap sterilized instruments, and only 18 percent (20/110) disinfected impressions before sending them to dental labs. Fourteen percent used rubber dams in their clinics, and only 31.8 percent had special containers for sharps disposal. Based on these responses, approximately 14 percent of general dentists in this sample were considered to be compliant with an inventory of recommended infection control measures. In Jordan, there is a great need to provide formal and obligatory infection control courses and guidelines for private dentists by the Ministry of Health and the dental association in addition to distribution of standard infection control manuals that incorporate current infection control recommendations.