Showing papers by "University of Jordan published in 2004"

Coral mucus functions as an energy carrier and particle trap in the reef ecosystem

Abstract: Zooxanthellae, endosymbiotic algae of reef-building corals, substantially contribute to the high gross primary production of coral reefs1, but corals exude up to half of the carbon assimilated by their zooxanthellae as mucus2,3 Here we show that released coral mucus efficiently traps organic matter from the water column and rapidly carries energy and nutrients to the reef lagoon sediment, which acts as a biocatalytic mineralizing filter In the Great Barrier Reef, the dominant genus of hard corals, Acropora, exudes up to 48 litres of mucus per square metre of reef area per day Between 56% and 80% of this mucus dissolves in the reef water, which is filtered through the lagoon sands Here, coral mucus is degraded at a turnover rate of at least 7% per hour Detached undissolved mucus traps suspended particles, increasing its initial organic carbon and nitrogen content by three orders of magnitude within 2 h Tidal currents concentrate these mucus aggregates into the lagoon, where they rapidly settle Coral mucus provides light energy harvested by the zooxanthellae and trapped particles to the heterotrophic reef community, thereby establishing a recycling loop that supports benthic life, while reducing loss of energy and nutrients from the reef ecosystem

Patterns and Universals of Adult Romantic Attachment Across 62 Cultural Regions Are Models of Self and of Other Pancultural Constructs

Abstract: As part of the International Sexuality Description Project, a total of 17,804 participants from 62 cultural regions completedthe RelationshipQuestionnaire(RQ), a self-reportmeasure of adult romanticattachment. Correlational analyses within each culture suggested that the Model of Self and the Model of Other scales of the RQ were psychometrically valid within most cultures. Contrary to expectations, the Model of Self and Model of Other dimensions of the RQ did not underlie the four-category model of attachment in the same way across all cultures. Analyses of specific attachment styles revealed that secure romantic attachment was normative in 79% of cultures and that preoccupied romantic attachment was particularly prevalent in East Asian cultures. Finally, the romantic attachment profiles of individual nations were correlated with sociocultural indicators in ways that supported evolutionary theories of romantic attachment and basic human mating strategies.

Increased seasonality in Middle East temperatures during the last interglacial period

Abstract: The last interglacial period (about 125,000 years ago) is thought to have been at least as warm as the present climate. Owing to changes in the Earth's orbit around the Sun, it is thought that insolation in the Northern Hemisphere varied more strongly than today on seasonal timescales, which would have led to corresponding changes in the seasonal temperature cycle. Here we present seasonally resolved proxy records using corals from the northernmost Red Sea, which record climate during the last interglacial period, the late Holocene epoch and the present. We find an increased seasonality in the temperature recorded in the last interglacial coral. Today, climate in the northern Red Sea is sensitive to the North Atlantic Oscillation, a climate oscillation that strongly influences winter temperatures and precipitation in the North Atlantic region. From our coral records and simulations with a coupled atmosphere-ocean circulation model, we conclude that a tendency towards the high-index state of the North Atlantic Oscillation during the last interglacial period, which is consistent with European proxy records, contributed to the larger amplitude of the seasonal cycle in the Middle East.

Study on the Organoleptic Intensity Scale for Measuring Oral Malodor

Abstract: The 0-5 organoleptic scale is used widely in breath research and in trials to measure the efficacy of anti-odor agents. However, the precise relationship between odor scores and gas concentrations of target odorants is unknown. The purpose of this study was to relate mean organoleptic scores from odor judges (n = 7) for pure odorants (n = 8) representative of those found in oral malodor. Judges used a common 0-5 scale to report the odor intensity of sample sets in random order of concentration. Regression analysis of data showed that odor score was proportional to the log concentration of odorant, and comparison of slopes showed H(2)S to be the most significant in terms of odor power. Detection thresholds (mol.dm(-3)) were: Skatole (7.2 x 10(-13)) < methylmercaptan (1.0 x 10(-11)) < trimethylamine (1.8 x 10(-11)) < isovalerate (1.8 x 10(-11)) < butyrate (2.3 x 10(-10)) < hydrogen sulphide (6.4 x 10(-10)) < putrescine (9.1 x 10(-10)) < dimethyl disulphide (5.9 x 10(-8)). The study demonstrates the exponential nature of the olfactory response and shows that any single compound's contribution to malodor depends on odor power and threshold in addition to concentration.

Protective effects of selected medicinal plants against protein degradation, lipid peroxidation and deformability loss of oxidatively stressed human erythrocytes.

Abstract: The effects of seven medicinal plants including Artemisia herba-alba, Ferula hermonis, Hibiscus sabdariffa, Nigella sativa, Teucrium polium, Trigonella foenum-graecum, and Allium sativum on protein degradation, lipid peroxidation, erythrocyte deformability and osmotic fragility of erythrocytes exposed in vitro to 10 mM H2O2 for 60 min at 37 °C have been examined. Preincubation of erythrocytes with Nigella sativa and Allium sativum protected erythrocytes against protein degradation, loss of deformability and increased osmotic fragility caused by H2O2, while the other plants failed to protect erythrocytes against these damages. Artemisia herba-alba did not protect erythrocytes against lipid peroxidation, while Trigonella foenum-graecum unexpectedly increased lipid peroxidation of erythrocytes exposed to H2O2. Ferula hermonis, Hibiscus sabdariffa, Nigella sativa, Teucrium polium and Allium sativum protected erythrocytes against lipid peroxidation. The results indicate the importance of oxidatively damaged cellular proteins in compromising the rheologic behaviour of the erythrocytes, and that the medicinal plants which have anti-protein-oxidant activity (e.g. Nigella sativa and Allium sativum) could be rheologically useful, particularly in pathological conditions related to free radicals. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The relationship between patient, parent and clinician perceived need and normative orthodontic treatment need.

Abstract: The aim of the present study was to compare patient, parent and clinician perceived need for orthodontic treatment in relation to normative orthodontic treatment need as measured by the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN). A prospective cross-sectional study was designed to address this aim. The sample comprised 103 patients attending the 'new' patient clinic at the Jordan University Hospital. The patients' mean age was 15.3 years (standard deviation 3.8 years); 33 per cent were males and 67 per cent females. One clinician scored the patients' normative orthodontic treatment need using the IOTN, then determined perceived need using a 10 cm visual analogue scale (VAS). The subjects then assessed their own perceived need and aesthetic component (AC) score and the parents carried out similar assessments for their children. All scoring was carried out blind. The parents had the highest average perceived need scores, followed by patient and clinician scores (6.6, 6.1 and 5.4 cm, respectively). A significant difference was found between the parents and the clinician (P 0.05). The present study has shown that perceptions of orthodontic treatment need are multifactorial and influenced by elements other than health measures of normative orthodontic treatment need and perceptions of aesthetics.

Cleft lip and palate in Jordan: birth prevalence rate.

Abstract: Objective and Design: A retrospective investigation was conducted to determine the prevalence rate of Jordanian children born with oral clefts from 1991 to 2001. Setting: Hospital surgical records from two main sources were used to identify all children born with orofacial clefting. Information about date of birth, sex, cleft types, and associated major anomalies and syndromes were recorded. Results: The overall prevalence rate for live births with cleft lip, cleft palate, or both was 1.39 per 1000 live births. Thirty percent of the clefts identified affected the lip, 22 percent affected the palate, and 48 percent involved the clefts of the lip and palate. In general, higher prevalence rates were found for boys than girls (55% boys versus 45% girls). There was a statistically significant sex difference between the cleft types. Clefts of the isolated palate, however, were more common in girls. Eighteen percent of patients with cleft were associated with major anomalies or syndromes. Conclusions: T...

Nicotine content in tobacco used in hubble-bubble smoking.

Abstract: OBJECTIVES To determine the nicotine content of commonly used tobacco in hubble-bubble (HB) and compare it with that found in cigarettes. METHODS Analysis of nicotine content of 13 commercial brands of HB tobacco was carried out using gas chromatography over an 8 month period; November 2002 through to June 2003 at the Toxicology Laboratory, University of Jordan. RESULTS A wide variation in nicotine content in all brands was noticed with an average of 8.32 mg/g tobacco, range (1.8-41.3 mg/g). The average nicotine content in each HB head (20 gm) of unflavored tobacco was (713 mg/head) and flavored tobacco has (67 mg/head). One head of unflavored tobacco has nicotine equivalent to 70 regular cigarettes. The addition of adulterations; honey, glycerin and other flavors in the process of preparing the flavored (Muasel) tobacco contributes to lowering the nicotine content in each gram of flavored tobacco. Smoking one head of flavored (Mua'sel) tobacco which contains on average one third of nicotine presented in 20 cigarettes (204 mg/pack) usually resulted in a higher plasma nicotine level by 20%. CONCLUSIONS Hubble-bubble smokers are not at a lesser risk from smoking than cigarette smokers in relation to nicotine dependence. The inability of water to trap significant amounts of chemical substances present in tobacco (especially nicotine) and the danger which might result from the combustion of additives like; glycerin, honey and other flavors could be a very important factor to extrapolate the damage resulting from HB smoking.

Metabolic alterations as a result of Ramadan fasting in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus patients in relation to food intake.

Abstract: OBJECTIVES Diabetes is known to be associated with alterations in metabolic parameters. The aim of this study is to investigate whether Ramadan fasting can affect these metabolic parameters in non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) patients. METHODS This study was conducted in the outpatient Clinic of Jordan University Hospital, Amman, Jordan in February of 1415 Hijra year (1995 Gregorian). Forty-four NIDDM male patients volunteered for this study. Patients fasted the month of Ramadan and few metabolic parameters were recorded. Body weight, fasting blood sugar (FBS), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) were measured, before, at mid- and at the end- of Ramadan. Detailed energy intakes were also recorded. RESULTS Patients mean age were 52+/-9 years (range 35-75). Patients showed a statistically significant reduction in their body weight, FBS, HbA1c, and TG levels by the end of Ramadan (1.57 kg, 31 mg/dl, 0.85%, and 35 mg/dl). Other parameters such as TC, LDL-C, HDL-C were not affected by Ramadan fasting. The total daily energy intake remained unchanged including the qualitative components of nutrients. CONCLUSIONS Muslim NIDDM patients showed a trend towards better glycemic control following Ramadan fasting. However, the pre-Ramadan existed dyslipidemia was sustained or even worsened following Ramadan fasting.

A generating equation for mixing rules and two new mixing rules for interatomic potential energy parameters

Abstract: A generating equation for the mixing rules of interatomic potential energy parameters is proposed. It is demonstrated that this equation can, indeed, reproduce many popular mixing rules. A weighting matrix is used with the generating equation. This weighting matrix approach is superior to the present status of mixing rule development. A systematic framework is given for devising new mixing rules and/or comparing them. Two new mixing rules, which are more accurate than the available rules in the literature, are proposed. These rules are capable of reproducing the collision diameter and well-depth parameters for the binary values of noble gases to within their experimental uncertainties.

Antioxidant activity of water and alcohol extracts of chamomile flowers, anise seeds and dill seeds

Abstract: The antioxidant activities of water and alcohol extracts of the flowers of chamomile (Matricaria aurea Schultz) and the seeds of anise (Pimpinella anisum L) and dill (Anethum graveolens L) were investigated. The extracts showed marked antioxidant activity in both linoleic acid and liposome model systems. This indicates that the extracts could be used as antioxidants in fat-containing foods. The water extracts of chamomile flowers and dill seeds showed higher antioxidant activity than butylated hydroxyanisole, whereas the antioxidant activities of the alcohol extracts of all three plants were lower. The water extracts showed higher antioxidant activity than the corresponding alcohol extracts. The antioxidant activity of both water and alcohol extracts decreased in the order chamomile flowers > gtill seeds > gtnise seeds. The extracts also showed good free radical-scavenging activity, indicating that they act as hydrogen donors. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry

Diabetic heel ulcers: a major risk factor for lower extremity amputation.

Abstract: Of all the ulcers seen in patients with diabetes, heel ulcers are the most serious and often lead to below-the-knee amputation. Management of heel ulcers requires a thorough knowledge of the major risk factors for ulceration in the heel area and a standardized program of local ulcer care, metabolic control, early control of infection, and improvement of blood supply to the foot. The most common risk factors for ulceration in the heel region include immobility of the lower limbs, diabetic neuropathy, structural deformity, and peripheral arterial occlusive disease. Patient education regarding foot hygiene, skin care, and proper footwear is crucial to reducing the risk of an injury that can lead to heel ulceration. A careful foot examination that tests for neuropathy and arterial insufficiency can identify patients at risk for heel ulcers and appropriately classify patients with ulcers into different grades to design proper therapeutic plans for management. Team management programs that focus on education, prevention, regular foot examinations, aggressive intervention, and proper use of therapeutic measures can significantly reduce the risk of lower-extremity amputations from heel ulcers.

Predictors of patients' experiences of nursing care in medical-surgical wards.

Abstract: The purposes of this study were to explore patients' opinions of nursing care and to identify predictors of patients' experiences of nursing care in medical-surgical wards. The sample of the study was 225 adult patients in medical-surgical wards in a major teaching hospital in Jordan. The experiences of nursing care total score in this study was relatively high. The findings showed that the majority of the participants had positive experiences regarding the time nurses spent with them as well as the respect nurses provided to patients' relatives and friends. Although the amount of information nurses provided to patients was found to be a significant predictor of patients' experiences, the provided information was perceived by the majority of the patients as inadequate. Identifying factors that enhance patients' experiences of nursing care is crucial as it assists nurses to provide better care.

Pain relief using continuous bupivacaine infusion in the paravertebral space after loin incision.

Abstract: OBJECTIVES Continuous bupivacaine paravertebral nerve block after thoracotomy has been shown to reduce postoperative pain. This study was designed to determine whether paravertebral nerve block using bupivacaine infused through a catheter placed intraoperatively, can reduce postoperative pain, and analgesia requirements after loin incision. METHODS Thirty-four patients undergoing renal surgery through loin incision at Jordan University Hospital, Amman, Jordan, from October 2001 to March 2003, were randomized either to receive bupivacaine 0.5% or normal saline through a catheter positioned intraoperatively against the costovertebral joints in the paravertebral space. The infusions were continued until the evening of the third postoperative day. Patients had access on request to intramuscular Morphine sulphate 5-15 mg, or Diclofenac sodium 50-100 mg, or both depending on body weight. Pain after operation was assessed at rest using linear visual analogue scale. Patient scores were recorded in the recovery room, at 4 hours, 8 hours, and at 9 am, and 5 pm. RESULTS The analgesia requirements for each patient were recorded. Pain scores in the recovery room were significantly lower in the bupivacaine group (mean 4.5 versus 8.0, p=0.001). At 4 hours, the pain score was lower in the bupivacaine group though not significant (mean 3.5 versus 4.37, p=0.393). Thereafter, the pain scores were significantly lower in the bupivacaine group. Mean morphine requirement in the bupivacaine group was 13.3 mg (ranges 0-50), while in the saline group 40.13 mg (range 10-112.5), p<0.001. Morphine requirements in the first and second postoperative days were significantly less in the bupivacaine group (p=0.015 and p=0.03). CONCLUSIONS Paravertebral blockade using bupivacaine is an effective and safe method for pain relief following renal surgery through loin incision.

Antibiotic prophylaxis for orthognathic surgery: a prospective, randomised clinical trial.

Abstract: A prospective, randomised, placebo-controlled double-blind clinical trial, compared short-term (1 day) and long-term (5 days) antibiotic prophylaxis after orthognathic surgery. Thirty four patients had single jaw or bimaxillary osteotomies and were given two perioperative doses of amoxycillin. Patients were then randomised to receive either placebo or amoxycillin for 5 days in a double-blind manner. Postoperatively the patients were monitored for infection by scoring a series of validated measurements of infection. In the postoperative period four patients required additional antibiotics in the short-term group and two in the long-term group (P = 0.67). Morbidity scores were higher in the short-term group, at 406 to 264 (P = 0.04), and when individual variables were compared there was a significant difference in the degree of swelling (P = 0.04). Although a 5-day regimen of antibiotic prophylaxis in orthognathic surgery did not decrease the incidence of postoperative infection significantly, it may decrease the morbidity of the operation.

NDVI response to rainfall in different ecological zones in Jordan

Abstract: The response of NDVI to rainfall was analyzed using NOAA/AVHRR satellite imagery acquired over a time period of ten growing seasons (1981 to 1992) and rainfall data from 16 weather stations in four ecological zones in Jordan. Results of linear regression analysis showed better response of NDVI to cumulative rainfall than to 10-day rainfall with best correlation in the Mediterranean zone. Significant relationships were found between seasonal rainfall and NDVI range (ΔNDVI) with better correlations for logarithmic and power relationships than for linear relationship. A strong linear relationship occurred between the annual rainfall and end-of-season NDVI in the Mediterranean zone and weak or no correlation in other zones. The correlations were improved when the rainfall data were averaged, summed and correlated with the average NDVI. More agreement, however, was observed between the maximum NDVI image and rainfall than for the average NDVI image and rainfall. Results also showed that stratification of the d...

Abutment Screw Loosening and Bending Resistance of External Hexagon Implant System after Lateral Cyclic Loading

Abstract: Background: Rigorous efforts to reduce the recurrence of abutment screw loosening in single-tooth implant restorations have recently been made. However, the behavior of the implant/abutment joint components with respect to critical bending force is still unclear. Purpose: This study investigated the effect of different cyclic loading periods on abutment screw loosening and bending resistance of a single-tooth external hexagon implant system. Material and Methods: Fifteen Branemark implant assemblies were divided equally into groups A, B, and C. Each assembly consisted of a Branemark System® Mk IV 4 × 10 mm implant (Nobel Biocare AB, Gothenburg, Sweden) mounted in a brass block, a CeraOne® 3 mm abutment (Nobel Biocare AB), and an experimental cement-retained superstructure. For groups A and B a cyclic load of 50 N was applied centrally and perpendicular to the long axis of the implant. Targets of 1.0 × 106 cycles (40 months of simulated function) and 0.5 × 106 cycles (20 months of simulated function) were defined for groups A and B, respectively. Group C (control) was left unloaded for the same loading time period as was group B. Reverse torque was recorded before and after loading, and the difference was calculated. After cyclic loading, specimens were mounted in a testing machine, and the yielding and bending strengths were measured. The data were analyzed with one-way analysis of variance and were compared by means of the Tukey test (p < .05). Results: There were statistically significant differences (p .050). Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, long-term fatigue significantly affected the reverse torque values under centric lateral load (p <.001) whereas it had no significant effect on the resistance of the implant/abutment joint to static bending.

Chemical analysis and identification of pollen grains from different jordanian honey samples

Abstract: Summary Studies on eight samples of Jordanian honey of known origin included chemical, physical, trace element and heavy metals analysis as well as pollen identification. Results indicated that the quality of Jordanian honey was different depending on processing conditions; the composition of the different types of active compounds that they contain is dependant on the pollen grains that are present. Pollen composition was directly related to the plants on which the honeybees fed. Identification of pollen grains suggested that there were differences in the plants and therefore differences in the composition of the active compounds. Measurements of some trace elements also indicated differences that would affect the quality of the honey samples. Testing the honey samples for the presence of lead and cadmium was used as evidence of pollution. The results reaffirm the presence of heavy metals, giving a warning of pollution in the areas from where pollen is collected.