Showing papers by "University of Jordan published in 2009"

Mutations in PYCR1 cause cutis laxa with progeroid features

Abstract: Autosomal recessive cutis laxa (ARCL) describes a group of syndromal disorders that are often associated with a progeroid appearance, lax and wrinkled skin, osteopenia and mental retardation. Homozygosity mapping in several kindreds with ARCL identified a candidate region on chromosome 17q25. By high-throughput sequencing of the entire candidate region, we detected disease-causing mutations in the gene PYCR1. We found that the gene product, an enzyme involved in proline metabolism, localizes to mitochondria. Altered mitochondrial morphology, membrane potential and increased apoptosis rate upon oxidative stress were evident in fibroblasts from affected individuals. Knockdown of the orthologous genes in Xenopus and zebrafish led to epidermal hypoplasia and blistering that was accompanied by a massive increase of apoptosis. Our findings link mutations in PYCR1 to altered mitochondrial function and progeroid changes in connective tissues.

Pallido-pyramidal degeneration, supranuclear upgaze paresis and dementia: Kufor-Rakeb syndrome

Abstract: An unusual neurological syndrome in an Arab family with five affected siblings, is reported. Autosomal recessive inheritance is suggested by having multiple affected siblings born to phenotypically normal consanguineous parents. Similar to Davison's Pallido-pyramidal syndrome, they presented with the clinical signs and symptoms of severe parkinsonism as well as evidence of cortico-spinal tract disease. In addition, they had dementia and supranuclear upgaze paresis. MRI studies showed significant atrophy of the globus pallidus and the pyramids, as well as generalized brain atrophy in later stages. Therapy with levodopa resulted in significant improvement in the extrapyramidal dysfunction. We suggest that this probably represents a new syndrome which is closely related but not identical to the pallido-pyramidal syndrome.

Effect of dexmedetomidine added to spinal bupivacaine for urological procedures.

Abstract: OBJECTIVES To determine the effect of adding dexmedetomidine to bupivacaine for neuraxial anesthesia. METHODS Sixty-six patients were studied between April and May 2008 in the University of Jordan, Amman Jordan. They were randomly assigned into 3 groups, each receiving spinal bupivacaine 12.5mg combined with normal saline (group N) Dexmedetomidine 5 microg (group D5), or dexmedetomidine 10 microg (group D10). The onset times to reach T10 sensory and Bromage 3 motor block, and the regression times to reach S1 sensory level and Bromage 0 motor scale, were recorded. RESULTS The mean time of sensory block to reach the T10 dermatome was 4.7 +/- 2.0 minutes in D10 group, 6.3 +/- 2.7 minutes in D5, and 9.5 +/- 3.0 minutes in group N. The mean time to reach Bromage 3 scale was 10.4 +/- 3.4 minutes in group D10, 13.0+/-3.4 minutes in D5, and 18.0 +/- 3.3 minutes in group N. The regression time to reach S1 dermatome was 338.9 +/- 44.8 minutes in group D10, 277.1 +/- 23.2 minutes in D5, and 165.5 +/- 32.9 minutes in group N. The regression to Bromage 0 was 302.9 +/- 36.7 minutes in D10, 246.4 +/- 25.7 minutes in D5, and 140.1 +/- 32.3 minutes in group N. Onset and regression of sensory and motor block were highly significant (N vesus D5, N versus D10, and D5 versus D10, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Dexmedetomidine has a dose dependant effect on the onset and regression of sensory and motor block when used as an adjuvant to bupivacaine in spinal anesthesia.

Inhibition of dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP IV) is one of the mechanisms explaining the hypoglycemic effect of berberine

Abstract: Berberine was investigated as an inhibitor of human dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP IV) in an attempt to explain its anti-hyperglycemic activities. The investigation included simulated docking experiments to fit berberine within the binding pocket of DPP IV. Berberine was found to readily fit within the binding pocket of DPP IV in a low energy orientation characterized with optimal electrostatic attractive interactions bridging the isoquinolinium positively charged nitrogen atom (berberine) and the negatively charged acidic residue of glutamic acid-205 (GLU205) of DPP IV. Experimentally, berberine was found to inhibit human recombinant DPP IV in vitro with IC50 = 13.3 μM. Our findings suggest that DPP IV inhibition is, at least, one of the mechanisms that explain the anti-hyperglycemic activity of berberine. The fact that berberine was recently reported to potently inhibit the pro-diabetic target human protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (h-PTP 1B) discloses a novel dual natural h-PTP 1B/DPP IV inhibitor.

IFN-γ-Inducible Irga6 Mediates Host Resistance against Chlamydia trachomatis via Autophagy

Abstract: Chlamydial infection of the host cell induces Gamma interferon (IFNγ), a central immunoprotector for humans and mice. The primary defense against Chlamydia infection in the mouse involves the IFNγ-inducible family of IRG proteins; however, the precise mechanisms mediating the pathogen's elimination are unknown. In this study, we identify Irga6 as an important resistance factor against C. trachomatis, but not C. muridarum, infection in IFNγ-stimulated mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). We show that Irga6, Irgd, Irgm2 and Irgm3 accumulate at bacterial inclusions in MEFs upon stimulation with IFNγ, whereas Irgb6 colocalized in the presence or absence of the cytokine. This accumulation triggers a rerouting of bacterial inclusions to autophagosomes that subsequently fuse to lysosomes for elimination. Autophagy-deficient Atg5−/− MEFs and lysosomal acidification impaired cells surrender to infection. Irgm2, Irgm3 and Irgd still localize to inclusions in IFNγ-induced Atg5−/− cells, but Irga6 localization is disrupted indicating its pivotal role in pathogen resistance. Irga6-deficient (Irga6−/−) MEFs, in which chlamydial growth is enhanced, do not respond to IFNγ even though Irgb6, Irgd, Irgm2 and Irgm3 still localize to inclusions. Taken together, we identify Irga6 as a necessary factor in conferring host resistance by remodelling a classically nonfusogenic intracellular pathogen to stimulate fusion with autophagosomes, thereby rerouting the intruder to the lysosomal compartment for destruction.

Assessment of standard force field models against high-quality ab initio potential curves for prototypes of pi-pi, CH/pi, and SH/pi interactions.

Abstract: Several popular force fields, namely, CHARMM, AMBER, OPLS-AA, and MM3, have been tested for their ability to reproduce highly accurate quantum mechanical potential energy curves for noncovalent interactions in the benzene dimer, the benzene-CH(4) complex, and the benzene-H(2)S complex. All of the force fields are semi-quantitatively correct, but none of them is consistently reliable quantitatively. Re-optimization of Lennard-Jones parameters and symmetry-adapted perturbation theory analysis for the benzene dimer suggests that better agreement cannot be expected unless more flexible functional forms (particularly for the electrostatic contributions) are employed for the empirical force fields.

Assessment of Self-Medication of Antibiotics in a Jordanian Population

Abstract: Objective: To assess the extent of self-medication with antibiotics (SMA) in a Jordanian population, and to evaluate the sociodemographic factors affecting this behaviour.

Microbial Growth and Quorum Sensing Antagonist Activities of Herbal Plants Extracts

Abstract: Antimicrobial and antiquorum sensing (AQS) activities of fourteen ethanolic extracts of different parts of eight plants were screened against four Gram-positive, five Gram-negative bacteria and four fungi. Depending on the plant part extract used and the test microorganism, variable activities were recorded at 3 mg per disc. Among the Grampositive bacteria tested, for example, activities of Laurus nobilis bark extract ranged between a 9.5 mm inhibition zone against Bacillus subtilis up to a 25 mm one against methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Staphylococcus aureus and Aspergillus fumigatus were the most susceptible among bacteria and fungi tested towards other plant parts. Of interest is the tangible antifungal activity of a Tecoma capensis flower extract, which is reported for the first time. However, minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC's) for both bacteria and fungi were relatively high (0.5-3.0 mg). As for antiquorum sensing activity against Chromobacterium violaceum, superior activity (>17 mm QS inhibition) was associated with Sonchus oleraceus and Laurus nobilis extracts and weak to good activity (8-17 mm) was recorded for other plants. In conclusion, results indicate the potential of these plant extracts in treating microbial infections through cell growth inhibition or quorum sensing antagonism, which is reported for the first time, thus validating their medicinal use.

Perceptions, experiences, and expectations of physicians in hospital settings in Jordan regarding the role of the pharmacist.

Abstract: Background To initiate a collaborative working relationship (CWR) between physicians and pharmacists, current physicians' perceptions, expectations, and experiences with pharmacists should be determined. Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate physicians' perceptions, expectations, and their actual experiences with pharmacists in hospital settings in Jordan. Methods A self-administered questionnaire was delivered to 284 physicians selected randomly from 4 main hospitals in northern Jordan. The questionnaire was composed of 4 parts investigating physicians' expectations, experiences, and perceptions of the pharmacists. Results Two hundred and forty-five questionnaires were completed (response rate, 86.3%). More than half of the physicians were comfortable with pharmacists providing patient education. Similarly, just fewer than half (48.2%) were uncomfortable with pharmacists suggesting the use of prescription medications to patients. Most physicians (62.5%) expect the pharmacist to educate their patients about safe and appropriate use of drugs; however, approximately one third (33.9%) of them do not expect the pharmacist to be available for consultation during rounds. Approximately, 54% of the physicians agreed that pharmacists were always a reliable source of information. Nevertheless, only 28.2% agreed that pharmacists frequently inform them that their patients have experienced some problem with their medications. Conclusions Physicians in hospitals in Jordan were more likely to accept or recognize traditional pharmacy services than newer clinical services. Increasing physician awareness of these clinical pharmacy skills will be an important step in developing CWRs.

Ocrelizumab: a step forward in the evolution of B-cell therapy.

Abstract: Recent advances in our understanding of B-cell dysregulation and its important link to autoimmunity have brought about a radical change in the management of autoimmune diseases. Over the past few years, encouraging data from several clinical trials of rituximab, a chimeric anti-CD20 antibody, have led to its approval for use in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). These data, regarding clinical efficacy, safety, improved patient-reported outcomes and cost-effectiveness with the use of rituximab in patients with RA, have led to the exploration of other agents targeting B-cell functions. Ocrelizumab, a novel humanized anti-CD20 antibody, has shown clinical efficacy and safety in a recently reported trial in patients with RA. Future clinical trials will help evaluate further the role of ocrelizumab in RA and its potential use in other autoimmune diseases. This review describes current understanding of B-cell therapy, the role of rituximab in the treatment of RA and the evolving role of ocrelizumab as a B-cell-targeted...

The assessment of the antibacterial and antifungal activities of aspirin, EDTA and aspirin-EDTA combination and their effectiveness as antibiofilm agents.

Abstract: Aims: To evaluate the antimicrobial activities of aspirin, EDTA and an aspirin-EDTA (A-EDTA) combination against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans in planktonic and biofilm cultures. Methods and Results: Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimal biocidal concentrations (MBC) were determined using twofold broth microdilution and viable counting methods, respectively. Aspirin’s recorded MIC values ranged from 1·2 to 2·7 mg ml−1. Checkerboard assay demonstrated a synergism in antimicrobial activity upon combination. Aspirin’s minimal biofilm eradication concentration values (MBEC) against the established biofilms ranged between 1·35 and 3·83 mg ml−1. A complete eradication of bacterial biofilms was achieved after a 4-h treatment with the A-EDTA combination. Conclusion: Both aspirin and EDTA possess broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity for both planktonic and biofilm cultures. Aspirin used at the MBEC for 24 h was successful in eradicating P. aeruginosa, E. coli and C. albicans biofilms established on abiotic surfaces. Moreover, the exposure to the A-EDTA combination (4 h) effected complete bacterial biofilm eradication. Significance and Impact of the Study: There is a continuous need for the discovery of new antimicrobial agents. Aspirin and EDTA are ‘nonantibiotic drugs’, the combination of which can be used successfully to treat and eradicate biofilms established on abiotic surfaces.

Effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy on depressive symptomatology, stress and coping strategies among Jordanian university students.

Abstract: The study examined the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with university students suffering from moderate to severe depressive symptoms in Jordan. Eighty-four university students were recruited and assigned randomly to control and intervention groups. Intervention impact was assessed on measures of depressive symptoms, perceived stress, and coping strategies at three time points; baseline, postintervention, and 3-months postintervention. The interventional model used was the Modified Teaching Kids to Cope (MTKC), and the control group received no treatment. Overall, using CBT showed a significant improvement in the outcome measures. At postintervention, students had lower scores on perceived stress, lower depressive symptoms, less use of avoidance coping strategies, and more use of approach coping strategies. The findings are discussed in terms of treatment implications and recommendations for use at academic and health care settings.

Inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase by curcumin: Investigation by simulated molecular docking and subsequent in vitro/in vivo evaluation.

Abstract: Curcumin was investigated as an inhibitor of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) in an attempt to explain some of its interesting multiple pharmacological effects, such as its anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-malarial and anti-alzheimer's properties. The investigation included simulated docking experiments to fit curcumin within the binding pocket of GSK-3β followed by experimental in vitro and in vivo validations. Curcumin was found to optimally fit within the binding pocket of GSK-3β via several attractive interactions with key amino acids. Experimentally, curcumin was found to potently inhibit GSK-3β (IC50 = 66.3 nM). Furthermore, our in vivo experiments illustrated that curcumin significantly increases liver glycogen in fasting Balb/c mice. Our findings strongly suggest that the diverse pharmacological activities of curcumin are at least partially mediated by inhibition of GSK-3β.

Effects of Thermal Annealing on Structural and Magnetic Properties of Lithium Ferrite Nanoparticles

Abstract: Pure, crystalline, ∼10 nm lithium ferrite phase (Li0.5Fe2.5O4), was successfully synthesized at very low temperature using a modified combustion method. The crystal structure and microstructure evolution of this system upon annealing were monitored by a careful investigation of X-ray diffractograms collected on a synchrotron source. Comparative analysis of the results obtained from the full profile Rietveld method (in reciprocal space) and the pair distribution function method (in direct space) was carried out. Nanocrystalline samples exhibit similar crystal structure, on average, with a partial ordering of Li+ and Fe3+ ions between octahedral 4b and 12d sites on the spinel crystal lattice (space group P4332). After annealing at 973 K, cation distribution changes to a completely ordered, resembling that which is seen in the bulk lithium ferrite. The PDF analysis reveals abnormally high values of oxygen atomic displacement parameters in tetrahedral 8c sites (O1) indicating a significant disordering of the ...

Intravenous dexmedetomidine prolongs bupivacaine spinal analgesia.

Abstract: BACKGROUND The prolongation of spinal anesthesia by using clonidine through the oral, intravenous and spinal route has been known. The new alpha 2 agonist, dexmedetomidine has been proved to prolong the spinal anesthesia through the intrathecal route. We hypothesized that dexmedetomidine when administered intravenously following spinal block, also prolongs spinal analgesia. METHODS 48 patients were randomly allocated into two equal groups following receiving spinal isobaric bupivacaine 12.5 mg. Patients in group D received intravenously a loading dose of 1 microg/kg dexmedetomidine over 10 min and a maintenance dose of 0.5 microg/kg/hr. Patients in group C (the control group) received normal saline. The regression times to reach S1 sensory level and Bromage 0 motor scale, hemodynamic changes and the level of sedation were recorded. RESULTS The duration of sensory block was longer in intravenous dexmedetomidine group compared with control group (261.5 +/- 34.8 min versus 165.2 +/- 31.5 min, P < 0.05). The duration of motor block was longer in dexmedetomidine group than control group (199 +/- 42.8 min versus 138.4 +/- 31.3 min, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Intravenous dexmedetomidine administration prolonged the sensory and motor blocks of bupivacaine spinal analgesia with good sedation effect and hemodynamic stability.

Residential past and future energy consumption: Potential savings and environmental impact

Abstract: In order to identify main drivers behind changes in electricity and fuel consumptions in the household sector in Jordan, two empirical models are developed based on multivariate linear regression analysis. In addition, this paper analyzes and evaluates impacts of introducing some efficient measures, such as high efficiency lightings and solar water heating systems, in the housing stock, on the future fuel and electricity demands and associated reduction in GHG emissions. It was found that fuel unit price, income level, and population are the most important variables that affect demand on electrical power, while population is the most important variable in the case of fuel consumption. Obtained results proved that the multivariate linear regression models can be used adequately to simulate residential electricity and fuel consumptions with very high coefficient of determination. Without employing most effective energy conservation measures, electricity and fuel demands are expected to rise by approximately 100% and 23%, respectively within 10 years time. Consequently, associated GHG emissions resulting from activities within the residential sector are predicted to rise by 59% for the same period. However, if recommended energy management measures are implemented on a gradual basis, electricity and fuel consumptions as well as GHG emissions are forecasted to increase at a lower rate.

E-government in Jordan

Abstract: E-governments facilitate the use of information systems in government strategic and operations. This paper reviews the e-government concepts in information society and specially focuses on the government project in Jordan, views some of strategic and technical challenges and risk factors affected the development of electronic government and give some suggestions to overwhelm consequences of these difficulties. Where some of these factors must be identified correctly and as a result should be looked at the risk factors as they are control the success or failure of the project of the e- government.

Maternal periodontal status and preterm low birth weight delivery: a case-control study

Abstract: Objectives To assess the association between severity and extent of maternal periodontal disease and preterm birth/low birth weight (PLBW) among women in the north of Jordan.

The validity and reliability of the Arabic version of the EQ-5D: a study from Jordan.

Abstract: BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: EQ-5D is a generic measure that permits comparisons in quality of life across disease states, and which may provide useful data for health policy and resource allocation ...

Pharmacological profile of essential oils derived from Lavandula angustifolia and Melissa officinalis with anti-agitation properties : focus on ligand-gated channels

Abstract: Both Melissa officinalis (Mo) and Lavandula angustifolia (La) essential oils have putative anti-agitation properties in humans, indicating common components with a depressant action in the central nervous system. A dual radioligand binding and electrophysiological study, focusing on a range of ligand-gated ion channels, was performed with a chemically validated essential oil derived from La, which has shown clinical benefit in treating agitation. La inhibited [35S] TBPS binding to the rat forebrain gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA)(A) receptor channel (apparent IC50 = 0.040 +/- 0.001 mg mL(-1)), but had no effect on N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) or nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. A 50:50 mixture of Mo and La essential oils inhibited [3H] flunitrazepam binding, whereas the individual oils had no significant effect. Electrophysiological analyses with rat cortical primary cultures demonstrated that La reversibly inhibited GABA-induced currents in a concentration-dependent manner (0.01-1 mg mL(-1)), whereas no inhibition of NMDA- or AMPA-induced currents was noted. La elicited a significant dose-dependent reduction in both inhibitory and excitatory transmission, with a net depressant effect on neurotransmission (in contrast to the classic GABA(A) antagonist picrotoxin which evoked profound epileptiform burst firing in these cells). These properties are similar to those recently reported for Mo. The anti-agitation effects in patients and the depressant effects of La we report in neural membranes in-vitro are unlikely to reflect a sedative interaction with any of the ionotropic receptors examined here. These data suggest that components common to the two oils are worthy of focus to identify the actives underlying the neuronal depressant and anti-agitation activities reported.

A balanced anesthesia with dexmedetomidine decreases postoperative nausea and vomiting after laparoscopic surgery.

Abstract: OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effect of adding dexmedetomidine to a balanced anesthetic technique on postoperative nausea and vomiting after laparoscopic gynecological surgeries. METHODS A prospective double-blind randomized study was designed at Jordan University Hospital, Amman, Jordan between December 2008 and February 2009. Eighty-one female patients in their child-bearing age (17-48 years); American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) clinical status I, who were scheduled for elective diagnostic laparoscopic surgeries under general anesthesia were divided into 2 groups. Group D (n=42) received dexmedetomidine infusion, while group P (n=39) received 0.9% sodium chloride infusion along with the balanced anesthesia. The incidence of early (up to 24 hours) postoperative nausea, vomiting, nausea and vomiting, and the need for postoperative rescue anti-emetic medications were recorded. RESULTS The total incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting decreased significantly in group D; 13 out of 42 patients (31%), compared to group P; 23 out of 39 patients (59%), vomiting alone did not significantly change, the incidence of postoperative nausea, and the use of rescue anti-emetic medications were significantly different. A significant drop in overall consumption of fentanyl and sevoflurane was also noted in group D. CONCLUSIONS Combining dexmedetomidine to other anesthetic agents, results in more balanced anesthesia and a significant drop in the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting after laparoscopic gynecological surgeries.