The Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Health and Sleep Function of Hospital Staff Working With COVID-19 Patients: A Cross-Sectional Nationwide Study.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has presented a globally challenging situation for human physical and mental health. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are affected by increased levels of anxiety, stress, and insomnia. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of COVID-19 on HCWs anxiety, stress, and insomnia levels. This cross-sectional study employed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Perceived Stress Scale 10, and Insomnia Severity Index to assess anxiety, stress, and insomnia among HCWs at 10 COVID-19 isolation and treatment hospitals/centers after the first COVID-19 wave in Jordan. A web-based survey was used to collect data from 183 participants. Statistical analysis of factors affecting the mean scores of anxiety, stress, and insomnia was carried using student t-test or ANOVA while factors associated with differences in anxiety, stress, and insomnia frequencies were tested using Chi-square/Fisher exact test. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine the independent risk factors. Among participants, 97.3% reported moderate to severe levels of stress, 68% reported borderline to high abnormal levels of anxiety, and 32% had moderate to severe insomnia. The mean of anxiety total score was 9.8 ± 4.8, stress total score was 22.7 ± 4.5, and insomnia total score was 11.0 ± 7.1. Significant positive correlations were noted between anxiety, stress, and insomnia (P < .005). Female gender, migraine, less working years, increased time spent with patients, lower workforce, clinical insomnia and high stress were significant independent factors associated with anxiety (P < .05). Younger age, being single or divorced, heart disease, smoking, occupation (nurses), lower workforce, vaccination dose, and anxiety were significant independent factors associated with insomnia (P < .05). Increased time spent with patients, lower workforce, lower spouse and colleagues support, sadness due to isolation and anxiety were significant independent factors associated with stress. HCWs at COVID-19 centers had high levels of stress, anxiety, and insomnia. Appropriate interventions to maintain HCWs mental health are recommended.

Critical appraisal of how COVID-19 infection and imposed lockdowns have impacted gastroesophageal reflux: A review.

Previous literature has demonstrated that COronaVIrus Disease of 2019 (COVID-19) impacts an individual gastrointestinal tract (GIT), causing symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus RNA has been discovered in the stool of infected individuals in earlier research. It was discovered that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus was significantly expressed in the GIT, indicating that the virus can also infect the digestive system. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 functions as the viral receptor. The chronic illness known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is typified by frequent reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus. By triggering the sensitized esophageal-bronchial neuronal circuit or aspirating into the airways (microaspiration), GER exacerbates respiratory diseases. Aspiration is a well-known risk to be considered when treating patients in intensive care units. Strong genetic correlations have been identified between COVID-19 infection and GERD susceptibility, suggesting a shared genetic basis for both conditions. Nonetheless, even though GERD, extraesophageal reflex, and COVID-19 have a number of significant risk factors and exhibit similar symptoms, the relationship between these illnesses has not yet been examined in depth. This review is the first of its kind to critically examine the association between the COVID-19 epidemic and GER and its associated diseases. The key objective of this work is to promote the creation of prevention plans, treatment plans, and guidelines while also enhancing and optimizing our understanding of the relationship between COVID-19 and GERs.

Common and Potential Emerging Foodborne Viruses: A Comprehensive Review.

Human viruses and viruses from animals can cause illnesses in humans after the consumption of contaminated food or water. Contamination may occur during preparation by infected food handlers, during food production because of unsuitably controlled working conditions, or following the consumption of animal-based foods contaminated by a zoonotic virus. This review discussed the recent information available on the general and clinical characteristics of viruses, viral foodborne outbreaks and control strategies to prevent the viral contamination of food products and water. Viruses are responsible for the greatest number of illnesses from outbreaks caused by food, and risk assessment experts regard them as a high food safety priority. This concern is well founded, since a significant increase in viral foodborne outbreaks has occurred over the past 20 years. Norovirus, hepatitis A and E viruses, rotavirus, astrovirus, adenovirus, and sapovirus are the major common viruses associated with water or foodborne illness outbreaks. It is also suspected that many human viruses including Aichi virus, Nipah virus, tick-borne encephalitis virus, H5N1 avian influenza viruses, and coronaviruses (SARS-CoV-1, SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV) also have the potential to be transmitted via food products. It is evident that the adoption of strict hygienic food processing measures from farm to table is required to prevent viruses from contaminating our food.

Anti-Bacterial Activity of Green Synthesised Silver and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles against Propionibacterium acnes.

Propionibacterium acnes plays a critical role in the development of acne vulgaris. There has been a rise in the number of patients carrying P. acnes strains that are resistant to antibiotics. Thus, alternative anti-microbial agents are required. Zinc oxide (ZnO-NPs) and silver (Ag-NPs) nanoparticles can be used against several antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The impact of Ag-NPs and ZnO-NPs against two clinical strains of P. acnes, P1 and P2, and a reference strain, NCTC747, were investigated in this research. A chemical approach for the green synthesis of Ag-NPs and ZnO-NPs from Peganum harmala was employed. The microtiter plate method was used to examine the effects of NPs on bacterial growth, biofilm development, and biofilm eradication. A broth microdilution process was performed in order to determine minimal inhibitory (MIC) concentrations. Ag-NPs and ZnO-NPs had a spherical shape and average dimensions of 10 and 50 nm, respectively. MIC values for all P. acnes strains for Ag-NPs and ZnO-NPs were 125 µg/mL and 250 µg/mL, respectively. Ag-NP and ZnO-NP concentrations of 3.9- 62.5 µg/mL and 15-62.5 µg/mL significantly inhibited the growth and biofilm formation of all P. acnes strains, respectively. ZnO-NP concentrations of 15-62.5 µg/mL significantly inhibited the growth of NCTC747 and P2 strains. The growth of P1 was impacted by concentrations of 31.25 µg/mL and 62.5 µg/mL. Biofilm formation in the NCTC747 strain was diminished by a ZnO-NP concentration of 15 µg/mL. The clinical strains of P. acnes were only affected by ZnO-NP titres of more than 31.25 µg/mL. Established P. acne biofilm biomass was significantly reduced in all strains at a Ag-NP and ZnO-NP concentration of 62.5 µg/mL. The findings demonstrated that Ag-NPs and ZnO-NPs exert an anti-bacterial effect against P. acnes. Further research is required to determine their potential utility as a treatment option for acne.

Evaluating cognitive and affective abilities among medical students: behavioural and medicolegal perspectives.

Medical students attending university for the first time experience a new environment, full of significant social, cultural, and intellectual challenges. Moreover, drug abuse and bullying among university students are major global concerns. The aim of the current study was to assess the impact of medicolegal issues on undergraduate and postgraduate students. It is a cross-sectional survey-based study, with each set of questions investigating cognitive functions, aggression, personality, and exposure to medicolegal issues. Males and those with a chronic disease have been significantly exposed to medicolegal issues; exposed students were significantly older than nonexposed ones. The scores of aggression were significantly higher among exposed and male students. The cognitive scores were higher for the students from rural areas than in urban areas, and females were more neurotic than males. The current study recommends conducting campaigns to educate university students on the importance of formally disclosing unethical behaviors and listening to the victims to facilitate overcoming their negative feelings. As many victims feel comfortable disclosing victimization to their friends, we recommend conducting peer educational programs to help friends support their colleagues regarding unethical misconduct.

Cross-sectional insights into exercise physiology knowledge among medical students in Jordan.

Objectives: Exercise physiology is a branch of physiology that studies how physical activity and exercise alter the structure and function of living organisms. Knowledge of exercise physiology is crucial to improve athletic performance, improve people's ability to cope with extreme circumstances and approach chronic diseases. This research aimed to evaluate the knowledge of future healthcare professionals, namely, the medical students in Jordan regarding exercise physiology. Methods: Responses were collected from 524 undergraduate medical students enrolled in clinical clerkship. An online survey that evaluated participants' basic understanding of various physiological concepts related to physical exercises, such as respiratory exchange ratio, physical fitness, V̇O2 max and exercise at high altitudes was employed in the study. Results: 63.2% of participants had a poor level of exercise physiology knowledge. Misconceptions regarding V̇O2 max definition (93.3%), application (46.4%), significance (35.6%) and related physiological factors (48.7%) were observed. Students had misconceptions about physical fitness evaluation questions (52.5%, 39%, and 41.8%, respectively). Student proportions of 37%, 41%, 80.3% and 73.1% showed misconceptions about muscle groups and energy systems during training, training prescription variables, respiratory exchange ratio, and high-altitude performance, respectively. Significant differences in knowledge levels were found based on respondent characteristics (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Knowledge of exercise physiology is more than desirable for medical professionals. Therefore, efforts must be made to increase awareness and improve knowledge about basic physiological fundamentals related to exercise physiology among medical students in Jordan, as they represent the backbone of healthcare professionals of the future who will deal with medical conditions related to physical activity and exercise.

Comparing MitoQ10 and heat therapy: Evaluating mechanisms and therapeutic potential for polycystic ovary syndrome induced by circadian rhythm disruption.

Environmental factors, such as sleep restriction, contribute to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) by causing hyperinsulinemia, hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, and oligo- or anovulation. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of circadian rhythm disruption on reproductive and metabolic functions and investigate the potential therapeutic benefits of MitoQ10 and hot tub therapy (HTT). Sixty female rats were divided into six groups: control, MitoQ10, HTT, and three groups with PCOS induced by continuous light exposure(L/L). The reproductive, endocrine, and structural manifestations ofL/L-induced PCOS were confirmed by serum biochemical measurements, ultrasound evaluation of ovarian size, and vaginal smear examination at week 14. Subsequently, the rats were divided into the L/L (untreated), L/L+MitoQ10-treated, andL/L+HTT-treated groups. At the end of week 22, all rats were sacrificed. Treatmentwith MitoQ10 or HTT partially reversed the reproductive, endocrine, and structural features of PCOS, leading to a decreased amplitude of isolated uterine contractions, ovarian cystic changes and size, and endometrial thickness. Furthermore, both interventions improved the elevated serum levels of anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), kisspeptin, Fibulin-1, A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 19 (ADAMTS-19), lipid profile, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), oxidative stress markers, androgen receptors (AR) and their transcription target genes, FKBP52 immunostaining in ovarian tissues, and uterine estrogen receptor alpha (ER-α) and PRimmunostaining. In conclusion, MitoQ10 supplementation and HTT demonstrated the potential for ameliorating metabolic, reproductive, and structural perturbations associated with PCOS induced by circadian rhythm disruption. These findings suggest a potential therapeutic role for these interventions in managing PCOS in women.

The Role of Communication and Commitment in COVID-19 Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors Among University Students in Jordan: Interaction and Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Several fields, such as public health, economy, and science, have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The objectives of the present study were to investigate knowledge, attitudes, communication, commitment, and behavioral practices of Jordan university students; and using structural equation modelling (SEM) to investigate the relationship among COVID-19 knowledge, attitude, communication, commitment and behavioral practices of students. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, the primary data were collected from 1,095 students comprising 298 males (27.21%) and 797 females (72.79%) from three major universities in Jordan using an online-based questionnaire. RESULTS: It was found that scores of knowledge, attitudes, communication, commitment, and behavioral practices of students about COVID-19 were 81.4, 79.3, 70.0, 72.6, and 67.4%, respectively. The results also showed that significant association the variables of knowledge and attitudes as well as the commitment and communication are partial mediators in this relationship. Further, a clear positive relationship was observed between the communication, commitment, and behavioral practices of students. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms the importance of communication and commitment to generate proactive behavioral practices.

Prevalence of gastro-intestinal symptoms among COVID-19 patients and the association with disease clinical outcomes.

Aim: This study examined the various manifestations of COVID-19 in people's gastro-intestinal system and how gastro-intestinal involvement relates to the progression and outcome of the disease. Methodology: A questionnaire survey was used to collect data from 561 COVID-19 patients between February 6 and 6 April 2022. Laboratory data and clinical outcomes were obtained from the patients' medical records. Results: 39.9% of patients presented gastro-intestinal symptoms, mainly loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Gastro-intestinal symptoms were not linked to poorer outcomes such as mortality, ICU admission or length of hospital stays. Conclusion: gastro-intestinal symptoms were common among patients and may manifest with respiratory symptoms. We recommended clinicians to watch out for gastro-intestinal symptoms as related to COVID-19 infection.

COVID-19 mainly affects the respiratory system. However, it has been previously reported that the disease can impact other organ systems, particularly the gastro-intestinal system. A prospective descriptive study design which involved 561 COVID-19 patients was performed to identify the various manifestations of COVID-19 in people's gastro-intestinal system and how gastro-intestinal involvement influenced the progression and outcome of the disease. Almost 40% of patients presented with gastro-intestinal symptoms, mainly loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. However, the presence of gastro-intestinal symptoms was not linked to poorer outcomes such as mortality, ICU admission, length of hospital stays and increased mechanical intubation of COVID-19 patients.

The Emerging Role of Heat Shock Factor 1 (HSF1) and Heat Shock Proteins (HSPs) in Ferroptosis.

Cells employ a well-preserved physiological stress response mechanism, termed the heat shock response, to activate a certain type of molecular chaperone called heat shock proteins (HSPs). HSPs are activated by transcriptional activators of heat shock genes known as heat shock factors (HSFs). These molecular chaperones are categorized as the HSP70 superfamily, which includes HSPA (HSP70) and HSPH (HSP110) families; the DNAJ (HSP40) family; the HSPB family (small heat shock proteins (sHSPs)); chaperonins and chaperonin-like proteins; and other heat-inducible protein families. HSPs play a critical role in sustaining proteostasis and protecting cells against stressful stimuli. HSPs participate in folding newly synthesized proteins, holding folded proteins in their native conformation, preventing protein misfolding and accumulation, and degrading denatured proteins. Ferroptosis is a recently identified type of oxidative iron-dependent cell demise. It was coined recently in 2012 by Stockwell Lab members, who described a special kind of cell death induced by erastin or RSL3. Ferroptosis is characterized by alterations in oxidative status resulting from iron accumulation, increased oxidative stress, and lipid peroxidation, which are mediated by enzymatic and non-enzymatic pathways. The process of ferroptotic cell death is regulated at multiple, and it is involved in several pathophysiological conditions. Much research has emerged in recent years demonstrating the involvement of HSPs and their regulator heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) in ferroptosis regulation. Understanding the machinery controlling HSF1 and HSPs in ferroptosis can be employed in developing therapeutic interventions for ferroptosis occurrence in a number of pathological conditions. Therefore, this review comprehensively summarized the basic characteristics of ferroptosis and the regulatory functions of HSF1 and HSPs in ferroptosis.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Female Sexual Function in Jordan: Cross-sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Sexual function is a complex physiological process controlled by neurovascular and endocrine mechanisms that are affected by stressful events. The sexual response cycle consists of four main phases, which are sexual desire or libido, arousal or excitement, orgasm, and resolution. The COVID-19 outbreak is one of the most stressful events historically, causing several unpleasant consequences, including major physical and mental disorders, and sexual dysfunction and alteration in sexual behavior are possible anticipated consequences of the pandemic. Moreover, there are social taboos related to sexual behavior in Jordan, and the current knowledge on changes in Jordanian female sexual function during COVID-19 pandemic is limited. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on women's sexual function during the early COVID-19 pandemic in Jordan. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study that employed a web-based survey to follow 200 female individuals from the general population in Jordan. The survey evaluated sexual function both during COVID-19 and 6 months prior to the pandemic. The primary outcomes investigated in this study were the changes in sexual intercourse frequency and sexual function aspects, including desire, arousal, satisfaction, orgasm, lubrication, and pain during sexual activity. Data were analyzed using paired t test, McNemar test, Pearson correlations, and multiple linear regression using SPSS 25. RESULTS: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the participants' sexual intercourse frequency increased while their sexual satisfaction was significantly changed. The proportion of participants who had 0-2 times per week of sexual intercourse was decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic compared with that before the pandemic (n=90, 45% vs n=103, 51.5%; P=.02). Conversely, the number of female individuals with 3-7 times per week of sexual intercourse increased after the pandemic compared with the prepandemic state (n=103, 51.5% vs n=91, 45.5%; P=.04). Female sexual satisfaction was significantly reduced after the COVID-19 pandemic compared with that before the pandemic (3.39 vs 3.30; P=.049). The other categories of sexual function, including desire, arousal, satisfaction, orgasm, lubrication, and dyspareunia showed no significant changes during the COVID-19 pandemic compared with the previous 6 months. There were no significant differences between the total sexual function mean scores during COVID-19 (15.73) compared with the prepandemic scores (15.85; P=.41). The total score of female sexual function during the pandemic was negatively associated with the participants' age and education level. Correlations between various demographics and sexual function categories during the COVID-19 pandemic were identified. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study exploring female sexual function during the COVID-19 outbreak in Jordan. The results suggest that COVID-19-associated stress is influencing women's sexual function, necessitating the provision of adequate emotional and physiological well-being support for women during similar crises.

COVID-19-associated mental health impact on menstruation physiology: A survey study among medical students in Jordan.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has been an extraordinarily stressful situation in recent years. Stress is a physiological reaction to negative stimuli that is regulated by different neuroendocrine pathways. The female reproductive function is maintained by the menstrual cycle, which is negatively affected by hyperstimulation of stress signals. OBJECTIVES: This study evaluates the effect of the coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak on menstrual function and mental health, exploring the relationship between them. DESIGN: The current study uses a cross-sectional, survey-based design. METHODS: During this cross-sectional study, an online self-completion questionnaire was conducted among a sample of 385 Jordanian female medical students during the pandemic. The survey compared menstrual characteristics, depression, anxiety, and stress 10 months after the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic with 10 months prior. Paired t-test, McNemar's test, Pearson's correlation, and multiple linear regression model were employed to analyze data using SPSS software. RESULTS: The mean age of female medical student respondents was 19.89 years. Data showed that the menstrual cycle length significantly increased during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic compared with 10 months prior (32.23 days versus 30.02 days, p = 0.019). The average number of heavy bleeding days also increased during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic (2.82 days versus 2.42 days, p = 0.002). The proportion of females with heavy bleeding amount was more than doubled during the pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 compared with before (27.3% versus 10.4%, p = 0.000). Unpleasant menstrual signs such as nausea and/or vomiting, breast pain, and urinary urgency were significantly increased during the pandemic (p = 0.000, p = 0.008, and p = 0.024, respectively). During coronavirus disease 2019, a positive association between total Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 Questionnaire score and heavy bleeding was identified (p < 0.05). The findings also indicated that mental disorders and the incidence of amenorrhea, nausea and/or vomiting, and urinary urgency were positively correlated during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. The multiple regression analysis revealed associations between several menstrual characteristics such as amenorrhea and severity of bleeding with coronavirus disease 2019-related depression, anxiety, and stress. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that the stress related to the pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 could affect the female menstrual cycle and hence the quality of women's life. Therefore, this study could serve as a baseline for planning and introducing stress mitigation interventions in crisis situations to improve the physiological and mental well-being of females and improve their quality of life.

COVID-19-Associated Mental Health Impact on Menstrual Function Aspects: Dysmenorrhea and Premenstrual Syndrome, and Genitourinary Tract Health: A Cross Sectional Study among Jordanian Medical Students.

The physiology of reproduction is affected by psychological distress through neuroendocrine pathways. Historically, COVID-19 is one of the most stressful events with devastating consequences. This research aims to investigate the relationship between dysmenorrhea, PMS, and reproductive tract health on one hand, and COVID-19-related anxiety, depression, and stress on the other among medical students in Jordan. Medical students were invited through teaching platforms and social media to complete an online survey. SPSS software was used to analyze data. A total of 385 medical students participated in this research. Hence, 49.9% of the study population reported severe dysmenorrhea during COVID-19 compared to 36.9% before COVID-19 (p = 0.000). Dysmenorrhea was significantly associated with disruptions of sport and daily activities during COVID-19 (p = 0.015 and p = 0.002, respectively). The prevalence of PMS components, e.g., mastalgia, fatigue, headache, palpitation, and emotional and sleep disturbances, was raised during COVID-19 compared with before (p < 0.05). Symptoms of genitourinary tract infections, such as lower abdominal pain, vaginal discharge, genitalia rash/ulcers and itching, and urgency, were significantly increased after COVID-19 (p < 0.05). Positive Pearson correlations between COVID-19-associated mental health disorders and dysmenorrhea severity, PMS, and genital tract health abnormalities were observed (p < 0.05). The multiple linear regression model revealed that dysmenorrhea severity, PMS symptoms like palpitation, and genitourinary symptoms like lower abdominal pain and urgency were associated with worsening of depression, while dysuria was associated with a protective effect against depression. Moreover, it was observed that dysmenorrhea severity, PMS symptoms, such as headache and palpitation, and urinary urgency were associated with aggravation of anxiety. However, food craving and dysuria were protective against anxiety. Finally, dysmenorrhea severity, PMS symptoms of headache and palpitation, lower abdominal pain, and urgency were related to worsening of stress, whereas the premenstrual symptom of breast pain was a protective factor against stress. This work showed that COVID-19 pandemic-related psychological distress and menstrual, premenstrual, and genitourinary symptoms are closely related. Further future work is required to evaluate the long lasting-effects of the pandemic on mental health and the physiology of reproduction.

A Cross-Sectional Study on University Students' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Toward COVID-19 in the United Arab Emirates.

The unprecedented coronavirus pandemic is hitting the whole world, including the United Arab Emirates. Public awareness and adherence to the recommendations play a major role in managing a crisis of this magnitude which is largely affected by knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP). Hence, the aim of this study was to assess COVID-19-related KAP of the University of Sharjah (UOS) students and compare between health-related (HR) and non-HR (NHR) majors. A cross-sectional study was conducted in May 2020 in which 1,012 (481 health-related and 531 NHR) students participated via an online KAP questionnaire. The students' sociodemographic characteristics and sources of information were also recorded, and data were analyzed. Students were aged 20-25 years, with an overall knowledge score of 72.4%, and the main source of their information was the Internet and social media (85.2%). Those in HR majors had a higher knowledge score (76%) than those in NHR students (69%). Regarding attitudes, both HR and NHR students demonstrated comparable and positive attitudes to curb the spread. With respect to practices, more NHR students used masks (92.3%), almost all the time than HR students (88.4%). HR students (99.4%) avoided crowded places and practiced social distancing more than NHR students (99.4% versus 97.4% and 97.7% versus 93.2%, respectively). In conclusion, UOS students demonstrated adequate knowledge, and possessed good attitudes and low-risk practices toward prevention of COVID-19. It is recommended that universities including UOS continue to use digital university communication platforms to regularly disseminate vital information in such emergencies.

A Cross-Sectional Study of the Impact of COVID-19 on Domestic Violence, Menstruation, Genital Tract Health, and Contraception Use among Women in Jordan.

The COVID-19 pandemic is a major global concern for public health where high numbers of COVID-19-infected cases and deaths have been recorded. This study assessed the COVID-19 pandemic impact on domestic violence, genital tract health, menstruation, and contraception use among 200 women in Jordan using a self-validated survey questionnaire. The questionnaire was structured to compare frequencies of domestic violence, reproductive tract infections, menstrual irregularities, and contraception use, type, source, and replacement during or after total curfew in Jordan with 6-months before the pandemic; 20.5% of women suffered from increased domestic abuse during the COVID-19 pandemic. Incidence of menstrual problems and genital tract infections was significantly reduced during total curfew compared with 6 months prior (10.5% versus 17.5%; P = 0.016 and 19% versus 25.5%; P = 0.041, respectively). Pre-pandemic state of menstrual problems and genital tract infections was resumed after total curfew. During total curfew, phone consultations were significantly increased (17.5% versus 8.5%; P = 0.01), whereas visiting clinics was significantly reduced (23% versus 5.5%; P = 0.000) to manage menstruation or birth canal infections. Contraception use during total curfew significantly decreased compared with prior (59.5% versus 65.5%; P = 0.017). Using contraception for family planning was reduced significantly during the pandemic than before (P = 0.007). Maternity and childhood centers were more common sources for contraception before than after (14.8% versus 7% or 9.5%; P = 0.001 or P = 0.022). This study is important to evaluate preparedness of Jordanian healthcare systems in facing pandemic situations concerning reproductive health services.

The potential application of probiotics and prebiotics for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19.

COVID-19 is a pandemic disease caused by the novel coronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This new viral infection was first identified in China in December 2019, and it has subsequently spread globally. The lack of a vaccine or curative treatment for COVID-19 necessitates a focus on other strategies to prevent and treat the infection. Probiotics consist of single or mixed cultures of live microorganisms that can beneficially affect the host by maintaining the intestinal or lung microbiota that play a major role in human health. At present, good scientific evidence exists to support the ability of probiotics to boost human immunity, thereby preventing colonization by pathogens and reducing the incidence and severity of infections. Herein, we present clinical studies of the use of probiotic supplementation to prevent or treat respiratory tract infections. These data lead to promising benefits of probiotics in reducing the risk of COVID-19. Further studies should be conducted to assess the ability of probiotics to combat COVID-19.

Attitudes, Anxiety, and Behavioral Practices Regarding COVID-19 among University Students in Jordan: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The COVID-19 pandemic represents a major public health, economic, political, and scientific concern in most countries around the globe where COVID-19 cases and deaths have been confirmed. This study assessed the attitudes, anxiety, and behavioral practices of university students in Jordan regarding COVID-19 during the early period of the infection (March 19-21, 2020) using a validated, self-administered survey questionnaire. Positive attitudes or low-risk practices were given 1 point, whereas negative attitudes or high-risk practices were scored 0. Percentages of the total score were used for categorizing data into negative attitudes or high-risk practices (≤ 60%), moderate attitudes or moderate-risk practices (60.01-80%), and positive attitudes or low-risk practices (> 80%). Generally, the university students displayed positive attitudes and low-risk practices toward preventing COVID-19, with an average score of 81.1% and 84.3%, respectively. Approximately two-thirds (69.1%) of the students showed a positive attitude toward COVID-19 seriousness, concern of contracting the virus, and the appropriate prevention measures, and low-risk practices (67.6%) toward preventing COVID-19 including implementation of social distancing and good hygiene. Female, older, medical, or postgraduate students practiced significantly more (P ≤ 0.05) appropriate hygiene and social distancing behaviors toward COVID-19 than their counterparts of each group. More than two-thirds (69.2%) of the students were anxious that they might become infected with COVID-19. These results are important for health authorities to develop appropriate educational programs and protective health measures including good respiratory etiquette and handwashing practices, to enhance safer lifestyles and prevent COVID-19 transmission.

Knowledge and Information Sources About COVID-19 Among University Students in Jordan: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has rapidly spread worldwide, and it was officially declared to be a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) on March 11, 2020. Most countries over the entire globe have reported some COVID-19 cases. The current study aimed to assess student knowledge about COVID-19 at different Jordanian universities and determine where they sourced their information. Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted among 2,083 undergraduate or postgraduate students from different governmental and private universities during the initial stage of the disease in Jordan (March 19-21, 2020) using a validated, structured, self-administered, online questionnaire. The survey was structured to assess their knowledge about viral sources, incubation period, mortality rate, transmission, symptoms and complications as well as the source of information about COVID-19. Results:Overall, 56.5% of the respondents showed good knowledge and almost 40.5% showed moderate knowledge. On the other hand, 3.0% of the participants showed poor knowledge about COVID-19. The average knowledge score of students was 80.1%, which is considered to be within the scale of good knowledge. Both the college of study and educational level significantly (P < 0.05) associated with student knowledge. Students who majored in medical sciences showed the highest mean score of 82.8%, with 69.0% displaying a good knowledge level. Postgraduate students had significantly higher knowledge scores compared to undergraduate students. The majority of students used the internet, social media and mass media as sources of information about COVID-19. Scientific websites and articles were used more commonly by medical and postgraduate students. Conclusions:The COVID-19 pandemic is a major challenge to the health of the world population; therefore, these results assessing students' knowledge provide an important baseline for planning required educational interventions such as contact tracing and self-quarantine. These results may also help public health authorities by engaging communities in implementation of protective health measures, including positive hygienic practices such as hand washing to reduce the risk of COVID-19.

Chemerin acts via CMKLR1 and GPR1 to stimulate migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells: putative role of decreased TIMP-1 and TIMP-2.

The chemokine-like peptide, chemerin, stimulates chemotaxis in several cell types. In this study we examined the expression of putative chemerin receptors in gastric cancer and the action of chemerin on cancer cell migration and invasion. Immunohistochemical studies of gastric tumors identified expression of two putative receptors, chemokine-like receptor-1 (CMKLR1) and G-protein coupled receptor 1(GPR1), in cancer cells; there was also some expression in stromal myofibroblasts although generally at a lower intensity. The expression of both receptors was detected in a gastric cancer cell line, AGS; chemerin itself was expressed in cultured gastric cancer myofibroblasts but not AGS cells. Chemerin stimulated (a) morphological transformation of AGS cells characterized by extension of processes and cell scattering, (b) migration in scratch wound assays and (c) both migration and invasion in Boyden chamber chemotaxis assays. These responses were inhibited by two putative receptor antagonists CCX832 and α-NETA. Inhibition of receptor expression by siRNA selectively reduced CMKLR1 or GPR1 and inhibited the action of chemerin indicating that both receptors contributed to the functional response. Using a proteomic approach employing stable isotope dynamic labeling of secretomes (SIDLS) to selectively label secreted proteins, we identified down regulation of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinease (TIMP)1 and TIMP2 in media in response to chemerin. When cells were treated with chemerin and TIMP1 or TIMP2 the migration response to chemerin was reduced. The data suggest a role for chemerin in promoting the invasion of gastric cancer cells via CMKLR1 and GPR1at least partly by reducing TIMP1 and TIMP2 expression. Chemerin receptor antagonists have potential in inhibiting gastric cancer progression.