Analysis of IDH and EGFR as biomarkers in glioblastoma multiforme: A case-control study.

Background: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a very aggressive primary central nervous system (CNS) tumor with limited therapeutic options and poor prognosis. This study aimed to analyze the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), including IDH1 rs121913500C > T, IDH2 rs11540478G > A, and EGFR rs1468727C > T, and their association on the risk and overall survival of GBM patients in Jordan. Methods: Using a case-control study design involving 63 GBM patients and 226 healthy controls was conducted at King Abdullah University Hospital in Jordan. DNA extraction was performed using formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue for GBM samples and blood samples for controls. SNPs analysis was performed using the Sequenom iPLEX assay sequencing technique. Survival outcomes were assessed using Cox models and hazard ratios (HR), and single-cell RNA (scRNA) analysis was performed from GSE70630. Results: The study showed a significant association between genotype frequency in GBM cases and controls for specific SNPs, including IDH1 rs121913500C > T, and EGFR rs1468727C > T. The G/G genotype of rs11540478 (IDH2) was associated with better prognostic outcomes in GBM patients. The scRNA analysis demonstrated the differential expression of IDH1, IDH2, and EGFR in GBM, with enrichment in central carbon metabolism in cancer. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that SNPs, particularly in IDH1 and IDH2 genes and EGFR, may serve as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for GBM. While the study underscores the clinical relevance of these genetic variants, further investigations with larger and more diverse populations are essential to validate and extend these associations.

Public Awareness, Knowledge of Presbyopia and Compliance to Eye Examination in Jordan.

Purpose: To assess public awareness and knowledge about presbyopia and their compliance to ocular examination in Jordan. Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was designed to interview people in different provinces of Jordan. Socio-demographic data such as age, gender and level of education and region was reported. The first part of the questionnaire assessed awareness of presbyopia in terms of the need for spectacles with age, age of onset, possible causes of presbyopia and methods of presbyopia management. The second part of the questionnaire evaluated compliance of the participants with ocular examination in terms of frequency and motive to do general eye check, intraocular pressure (IOP), fundus exam and visual acuity. Results: A total of 802 participants (232 males, 570 females) with an average age of 28 (±11.6) completed the questionnaire. Most participants (84.2%) knew that glasses are needed for near vision as age increases, and 62.8% estimated the age at which spectacles are required (40 years or older). Over half understood that presbyopia is correctable and progressive. Age significantly influenced knowledge about the need for near vision spectacles, and whether presbyopia is preventable and progressive (both p < 0.05). Females were more knowledgeable about these aspects. The frequency of eye examinations, particularly fundus exams and IOP tests, was significantly influenced by age but not by education. Gender only significantly affected the frequency of vision checks (p = 0.01), with females being more likely to adhere to them. Conclusion: This study demonstrated a good level of awareness and knowledge about presbyopia among Jordanians, especially those over 40 and females. Regular eye check-ups were more common among young participants and females. Addressing misconceptions about presbyopia's preventability and promoting regular eye exams are crucial for early diagnosis and management of presbyopia and other serious eye conditions.

The Effect of Whey Protein Supplements on Acne Vulgaris among Male Adolescents and Young Adults: A Case-Control Study from North of Jordan.

Background: Young people and athletes willing to gain muscle mass and strength are likely to consume whey protein supplements. The effect of milk as a dietary source of whey protein on acne is still controversial. At the same time, a few studies have suggested an acnegenic impact of whey protein supplements. Objectives: To examine the association of whey protein supplements on acne risk among male adolescents and young adults. Materials and Methods: 201 male teenagers and young adults attending fitness centers in Irbid/Jordan were involved in an observational case-control research; those with acne were deemed cases, and those without acne were considered controls. The primary outcome was a comparison of the proportion of participants in each group who consumed whey protein supplements within the previous three months. Results: 100 acne-afflicted participants were compared to 101 healthy controls with similar demographics, including age, body mass index, educational level, and smoking habits, as well as intake of vitamin B12, corticosteroids, and anabolic steroids. However, considerably more participants in the acne group (47%) were taking whey protein supplements than in the control group (27.7%) (p=0.0047). The significance of this difference was maintained after multivariate analysis. Conclusion: This case-control study provides evidence of a positive association between whey protein consumption and acne risk.

Clinical profile, prognosis and post COVID-19 syndrome among UNRWA staff in Jordan: A clinical case-series study.

BACKGROUND: The clinical manifestations of Corona Virus Disease of 2019 (COVID-19) varied from patient to patient with evidence of multi-organ involvement. Many patients continue to have a wide range of symptoms for variable periods of time. The long-term effects of COVID-19 infection (post COVID-19 illness or syndrome) are not yet fully explored. This study aims to shed light on the clinical manifestations of the acute COVID-19 infection as well as post COVID-19 syndrome among the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugee (UNRWA) staff in Jordan. METHODS: A clinical case-series was conducted on a sample of COVID-19 positive employees of the UNRWA staff in Jordan. A structured questionnaire based mainly on World Health Organization (WHO) Case Report Form (CRF) verified tool for post COVID-19 was used. A sample of 366 out of a total of 1322 confirmed cases was systemically selected and included in the present study. Data were collected from UNRWA medical records and phone interviews. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software. RESULTS: The calculated Case Fatality Ratio was 0.7%. The incidence of COVID-19 among UNRWA staff in Jordan during the period of our study was 20.1%. A total of 366 respondents, 220 (60.1%) females and 146 (39.9%) males were included in the study. The mean (SD) age was 44.2 (8.0) years. Most of the infected (97.8%) developed acute COVID-19 symptoms. Fatigue, fever, joint pain, loss of smell and taste, and cough were the most common symptoms. According to WHO clinical classification of acute illness severity, 65.0% had mild illness. Only 28.7% of all subjects fully recovered from the infection, while most of them (71.3%) continued to suffer from many symptoms. Persistent fatigue (39.7%), shortness of breath (SOB) with activity (18.8%), anxiety (17.4%), forgetfulness (16.9%), trouble in concentrating (16.7%), and depressed mood (15.8%) were the most frequently reported. CONCLUSION: Post COVID-19 illness was very common (71.3%) calling for UNRWA to continue assessment of post COVID-19 syndrome and the medical and psychological needs of affected staff. Despite vaccination, only 2.2% of the infected were asymptomatic. Reinfection was unusually high (24%).

Depression Among University Students in Jordan After the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: University students encounter stressors that make them more susceptible to depression than the general population. Depression negatively impacts mental and physical health. Our study assessed the prevalence of depression among university students in Jordan and its associated predictors after the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: We conducted this cross-sectional online survey study in the first quarter of 2022 by sending an online questionnaire to university students aged 18 years and older. This study assessed the symptoms of depression using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify associated predictors of depression. Results: A total of 535 university students participated in this study. The mean depression score for the study participants was 13.9 (SD: 7.1) out of 27, representing a moderate level of depression. Among the participants, 26.2% had moderate, 19.3% had moderately severe, and 25.8% had severe depression. Students who drink three or more cups of coffee per day, have had an evaluation of their psychological state by specialists before, and have been diagnosed with any mental illness were more likely to have a higher depression score compared to others (p<0.05). On the other hand, students who were aged 24 years and older and those who practiced regular exercise were less likely to have a higher depression score compared to others (p<0.05). Conclusion: We found a high prevalence of depression among university students in Jordan. This result is vital for decision-makers to implement a plan to prevent and manage this mental health issue.

Awareness and knowledge of physicians and residents on the non-sexual routes of human papilloma virus (HPV) infection and their perspectives on anti-HPV vaccination in Jordan.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Although penetrative sex is the most common route of HPV infection, there is strong evidence of non-sexual modes of transmission. As the first of its kind, this study aimed to investigate the knowledge and awareness of Jordanian physicians on such routes. METHODS: A questionnaire was conducted among a national Jordanian sample of physicians from Jordanian health sectors. The survey included questions assessing participants' knowledge on HPV, non-sexual routes of infection and HPV vaccines. Physicians' attitudes towards HPV screening and vaccination were covered. Statistical analysis was carried out using SAS 9.4, ANOVA, post-hoc Tukey-Honest test and Kruskal-Wallis test. All significant differences were set at α = 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 412 participants completed the survey. Physicians showed a huge deficit in knowledge on nonsexual routes of HPV transmission. They agreed that the most and least common routes of non-sexual transmission are skin to mucosa (64%) and contaminated water (15%), respectively. Females showed significantly better knowledge in all aspects of HPV transmission and vaccination (p<0.0001) and more positive attitudes towards HPV screening and vaccination compared to males (p = 0.03). Age group ≤ 25 and academic physicians demonstrated higher knowledge on HPV vaccines compared to their counterparts in non-academic places (p = 0.002). Specialty and experience seemed to have no impact on knowledge or attitudes of participants. Higher knowledge physicians had more positive attitude towards vaccination and screening compared to lower knowledge fellows (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The noteworthy findings of this study is the extremely low level of knowledge on non-sexual routes of HPV infection among Jordanian physicians. Increasing the level of awareness of physicians and healthcare workers on these routes and their association with cervical and other cancers through university curricula and other reliable sources is strongly recommended.

Estimating the Jordanian population dietary exposure to pesticides residues: An exploratory deterministic approach.

The Jordanian population's exposure to pesticides may have never been estimated. This study uses a deterministic approach as a screening method to determine the population's likelihood of daily dietary exposure to pesticide residues and identify pesticides that require further investigation. We investigated the data from surveillance programs to assess pesticide contamination in food. We also obtained data about the population's estimated consumption of different food items. The daily exposure to pesticide residues through food was estimated with two scenarios (Lu et al., 2006): the lower bound (LB) scenario and (Luo and Zhang, 2009) the upper bound (UB) scenario. The data provided the concentration of pesticides in 8085 food samples. In 15.7% of the samples, 134 pesticides were identified. The levels of quantified pesticides exceeded MRL in 41.7% of the samples. Under the LB, mean estimated daily exposures were higher than the acceptable daily intakes (ADIs) for 27 investigated residues. Using the UB scenario, which tends to overestimate exposure, the mean estimated daily exposures were above the ADIs for 111 residues. The study concludes that the population's dietary exposure to pesticide residues is noteworthy and provides a list of pesticides that could be consumed at levels higher than the relevant ADI value and thus require further assessment.

The impact of IDH and NAT2 gene polymorphisms in acute myeloid leukemia risk and overall survival in an Arab population: A case-control study.

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a malignancy of the myeloid cells due to the clonal and malignant proliferation of blast cells. The etiology of AML is complex and involves environmental and genetic factors. Such genetic aberrations include FLT3, DNMT3, IDH1, IDH2, NAT2, and WT. In this study, we analyzed the relationship between five, not previously studied in any Arab population, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and the risk and overall survival of AML in Jordanian patients. The SNPs are NAT2 (rs1799930 and rs1799931), IDH1 (rs121913500), and IDH2 (rs121913502 and rs1057519736). A total number of 30 AML patients and 225 healthy controls were included in this study. Females comprised 50% (n = 15) and 65.3% (n = 147) of patients and controls, respectively. For AML patients (case group) Genomic DNA was extracted from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues and from peripheral blood samples for the control subjects group. Genotyping of the genetic polymorphisms was conducted using a sequencing protocol. Our study indicates that NAT2 rs1799930 SNP had a statistically significant difference in genotype frequency between cases and controls (p = 0.023) while IDH mutations did not correlate with the risk and survival of AML in the Jordanian population. These results were also similar in the TCGA-LAML cohorts with the notable exception of the rare NAT2 mutation. A larger cohort study is needed to further investigate our results.

Screening for phthalates biomarkers and its potential role in infertility outcomes in Jordan.

BACKGROUND: Phthalates are endocrine disrupting chemicals that are used in plastic and personal care products. Phthalate exposure has been linked to reproductive and fertility outcomes. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the phthalate exposures using both urinary level of two DEHP metabolites in females and questionnaires. It also aimed to investigate the association between phthalate levels and reproductive and fertility outcomes. METHODS: 325 females with and without fertility problems at gynaecology clinics filled out a questionnaire and provided a urine sample. Urine samples were analyzed for two DEHP metabolites: MEHHP, mono (2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate; MEOHP, mono (2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate, using an HPLC/MS/MS analytical method. RESULTS: We observed a significant difference between cases and controls in terms of heating plastic in the microwave and use of skin and eye make-up, sunscreen, and nail polish. Our findings showed that MEOHP exposure is significantly associated with infertility among Jordanian women (Adjusted OR = 1.66, 95% CI: 1.14, 2.40, p-value = 0.002). SIGNIFICANCE: To the best of our knowledge, our study is the first of its kind done in Jordan to screen for phthalate exposure and investigate its association with infertility. Our study demonstrated high exposure of the Jordanian population to DEHP. It confirms the association between DEHP exposure and infertility. IMPACT STATEMENT: We measured phthalates in infertile and fertile women, in a community unaware of phthalate sources or its impacts, and with no regulation limits set. We aimed to increase awareness to environmental exposure to phthalates, emphasize the importance of implementation of public health interventions to control and minimize the effects of phthalate exposure and provide a base for further studies and future research to aid in the formation of policies and guidelines for the manufacturing and use of phthalates.

Association of TLR9-1237T>C; rs5743836 polymorphism with increased risk of Hodgkin's lymphoma: A case-control study.

Mature B-cell neoplasms are typically divided into Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas. Hodgkin Lymphoma is characterized by the neoplastic Reed-Sternberg cells, usually harbored in an inflammatory background, with a frequent clinical presentation of mediastinal lymphadenopathy. Many studies link between autoimmunity and lymphomagenesis, a large proportion of these studies evidently trace the pathogenesis back to the misdirected detection of self-derived nucleic acids by Toll-Like Receptors (TLRs), especially those of the intracellular type. In this study, we analyzed the relationship between a selected SNP in TLR9 (TLR9-1237T>C; rs5743836) and the risk and overall survival of HL patients in a Jordanian Arab population. A total of 374 subjects; 136 cases of Hodgkin lymphoma and 238 matched healthy controls were incorporated in this study. Genomic DNA was extracted from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues. Genotyping of the genetic polymorphisms was conducted using a sequencing protocol. The results show a statistically significant higher distribution of the rs5743836 (TLR9-1237T>C) allele among the case population, with a p-value of 0.031 (<0.05). This distribution proved significant when studied in the codominant (only significant in the T/C genotype, p-value = 0.030), dominant (p-value = 0.025), and overdominant (p-value = 0.035) models. None of the models showed any statistically significant difference in survival associated with the rs5743836 (TLR9-1237T>C) SNP.

Family and case-control genetic study of MSX1 polymorphisms in peg-shaped teeth Jordanian population.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the genetic association of specific Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) within the muscle segment homeobox gene 1 (MSX1) with susceptibility to the peg-shaped teeth in 36 Jordanian Arab families and case-control samples in the Jordanian Arab population. METHODS: This cohort involved 108 individuals (36 trios families), which were used for family-based genetic study. Additionally, 56 patients and 57 controls were used for case-control study. Genomic DNA samples from both families and case-control were extracted according to distinguished processes. Then, polymerase chain reaction technique (PCR) was conducted using specific primers for the axons of the MSX1. Moreover, DNA sequencing genotyping method analysis of SNPs was used to detect specified SNPs in the MSX1 linked with peg-shaped teeth. Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium and Chi-square were used to evaluate the data quality and the presence of any genotypic error. In addition, Transmission Disequilibrium Test (TDT) was used identify family-based association in which trios of parents and proband are used. RESULTS: The results of this study showed fourteen polymorphic sites in this gene, eight of them (rs121913129, rs104893852, rs104893853, rs121913130, rs104893850, rs1095, rs3775261, and rs1042484) were none-polymorphic. Meanwhile, the minor allele frequencies of the rest of the SNPs were polymorphic (rs8670, rs12532, rs3821949, rs4464513, rs1907998, and rs6446693). However, none of these SNPs were associated with peg-shaped teeth. Moreover, the haplotype genetic analysis revealed that there was no genetic association with peg-shaped teeth disorder susceptibility (P > 0.05) in the Jordanian families of Arab descent. CONCLUSIONS: The present findings can be used in estimation of prevalence of peg-shaped teeth in the Jordanian population. However, our findings revealed that there is no evidence that the MSX1 polymorphisms had a crucial role in the peg-shaped teeth phenomenon, emphasizing that other genes might have this role. These findings are beneficial for clinicians to comprehensively understand the molecular aspects of teeth abnormalities.

Impact of exogenous nicotine on the morphological, physio-biochemical, and anatomical characteristics in Capsicum annuum.

Nicotine is an alkaloid which only highly exists in tobacco plants. It accounts for 95% of its total alkaloid content. Nicotine is synthesized in the roots and transported via the xylem to the shoot. This study aimed to investigate the morphological, physio-biochemical, structural, and ultrastructural impacts of different nicotine concentrations in bell pepper. Capsicum annuum seedlings were grown hydroponically in a growth chamber with different nicotine concentrations (0, 100, 400, 700, 1,000, 3,000, and 5,000 µM). Nicotine-treated leaves (3,000 and 5,000 µM) exhibited severe chlorosis and necrosis. Moreover, nicotine-treated seedlings (1,000, 3,000, and 5,000 µM) exhibited severe reduction in leaf area (p < 0.0001) and photosynthetic efficiency (p < 0.0001), which significantly reduce the photosynthetic rate (p < 0.0001). Also, the drop in the photosynthetic rate was associated with significant drop in stomatal conductance (p < 0.0001). The electron transmission micrographs revealed that nicotine-treated seedlings (3,000 and 5,000 µM) exhibited deformed chloroplasts with numerous plastoglobules reducing the photosynthetic rates.

This is one of few studies that deal with the impact of exogenous nicotine on plants. However, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first hydroponic study that used liquid pure nicotine implied to the plants. The morphological, physio-biochemical, and anatomical characteristics were investigated using Capsicum annuum as a model plant, a plant that synthesizes little endogenous nicotine. This study will shed more light about nicotine toxicity in plants.

Redundant Nerve Roots of the Cauda Equina, MRI Findings and Postoperative Clinical Outcome: Emphasizing an Overlooked Entity.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. OBJECTIVE: To describe the MRI findings of RNRs in patients with low back pain, and observe the imaging findings and the clinical outcome post decompression surgery. METHODS: The lumbar spine MRI of 202 patients (122 females) with proven RNRs were retrospectively reviewed. The morphology and the location of the RNRs in relation to the level of stenosis were described. The level(s), grade and cause of lumbar canal stenosis were recorded. The persistence of symptoms and the imaging findings on follow up post decompression surgery were recorded. The imaging findings were correlated among each other and with patients' demographics. RESULTS: Two distinctive morphological appearance of the RNRs were noted: loop (56.4%), and serpentine-shaped. In the majority of the cases the RNRs were located above the level of stenosis (79.7%). Eighteen patients underwent decompression surgery, only 4 patients remained symptomatic post decompression surgery. The RNRs changed in shape and location after decompression surgery. Age was a strong predictor value in the location of the RNRs. There was no correlation between the shape and location of the RNRs, or with the gender of the patients. CONCLUSION: RNRs is not an uncommon finding on lumbar spine MRI with lumbar canal stenosis. Its importance remains a controversy. A common language between the radiologists and the clinicians is mandatory to aid in the management planning.

Maternal and fetal serum leptin levels and their association with maternal and fetal variables and labor: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Leptin is a polypeptide hormone that may be implicated in the pathogenesis of various disorders during pregnancy. We sought to determine serum leptin levels among pregnant women and their fetuses and to investigate their association with fetal and maternal variables. METHOD: 452 pregnant women who attended to labor ward between January 2020 and August 2020 were included in the study. Serum leptin concentrations were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman's correlation test were used for statistical analysis. A multivariate linear regression analysis was then performed. Significance level was considered at alpha <0.05. RESULTS: The median maternal and fetal serum leptin levels were 6.42 [4.16-8.51] ng/mL and 2.9 [1.03-5.36] ng/mL respectively. There was no significant correlation between maternal and fetal serum leptin levels (p = 0.064). Maternal serum leptin levels correlated positively with maternal body mass index (BMI) (r = 0.117, p = 0.005). Besides, maternal serum leptin levels were significantly higher in nulliparous women (7.57 [4.45-9.30] ng/mL vs. 6.22 [4.02-8.30] ng/mL, p = 0.037) and in women who were in active labor (6.83 [4.39-8.92] ng/mL vs. 6.25 [4.04-8.30] ng/mL, p = 0.047). Fetal serum leptin levels were significantly higher in large for gestational age (LGA) fetuses (4.81 [2.13-7.22] ng/mL vs. 2.80 [0.96-5.16] ng/mL, p = 0.003) and in fetuses with preterm premature ruptures of membranes (PPROM) (5.23 [2.42-8.07] ng/mL vs. 2.86 [1.00-5.23] ng/mL, p = 0.021). CONCLUSION: Maternal serum leptin levels were influenced by maternal BMI, parity and labor. Fetal serum leptin levels were higher among LGA fetuses and in fetuses with PPROM.

Survival of patients with urinary bladder cancer in Jordan, 2005-2014.

BACKGROUND: Urinary bladder cancer is the fourth most common cancer in Jordan. No research on survival from bladder cancer at the national level has been conducted before. AIMS: This study aimed to estimate the probability of survival in patients with bladder cancer in Jordan and identify factors associated with survival. METHODS: Data were obtained from the database of the Jordan cancer registry. All cases of urinary bladder cancer in Jordanians registered during 2005-2014 were included in the study (n = 2139). Data collected for each case included: age, sex, date of diagnosis, and stage and grade at diagnosis. Actuarial life table survival analysis was used to determine the overall survival probabilities. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to identify independent factors associated with survival. RESULTS: The overall 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year survival probabilities for urinary bladder cancer were 85%, 73%, 69% and 59%, respectively (standard error = 0.01 for each). No significant difference in survival probabilities was found between males and females (P = 0.642). The overall survival probabilities decreased significantly as age at diagnosis increased (P < 0.005). Better survival was observed in patients with early stage and well differentiated tumours at diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: The survival of patients with bladder cancer in Jordan is comparable to that reported from developed countries. A high percentage of data was missing and the reporting of some variables was inconsistent. To improve the quality of cancer data, regular training is needed for hospital focal points on recording complete data.

Effect of Fe3O4 nanoparticles on seed germination in tobacco.

Many studies on the toxicity of nanoparticles (NPs) have reported different levels of toxicity for various types of NPs. This study aimed to examine the morpho-ultrastructural impact of iron oxide (Fe3O4) NPs on seed germination in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum var. Turkish) using different sizes and concentrations of nanoparticles. Seeds were allowed to germinate in the presence of (Fe3O4) NPs of three different sizes (5, 10, and 20 nm) at three different concentrations 3, 10, and 30 mg/L for each size. Seeds were assessed using light and transmission microscopy. Radical lengths and seed germination rate were significantly affected (positively or negatively) in all NPs-treated seeds compared to control seeds. The radical lengths in 5 nm-treated seeds (30 mg/L concentration) and 10 nm-treated seeds (10 and 30 mg/L concentrations) were significantly shorter than control seeds. In contrast, the radical lengths in 10 nm-treated seeds (3 mg/L concentration) and 20 nm-treated seeds (10 mg/L concentration) were significantly longer than control seeds. Most NPs-treated seeds exhibited significant higher seed germination except for seeds treated with 5 nm NPs (3 mg/L concentration). Moreover, thick and thin micrographs of radicles and leaflets of 5 nm NPs-treated seeds (30 mg/L concentration) and 10 nm NPs (30 mg/L concentration) showed structural and ultrastructural deformation. Thus, these findings confirm that the toxicity and the bioaccumulation of (Fe3O4) NPs were size and concentration dependent.

The relationship between depression and metabolic control parameters in type 2 diabetic patients: A cross-sectional and feasibility interventional study.

BACKGROUND: Substantial evidence supports a bidirectional relationship between diabetes and clinical depression. However, little is known about the effect of treating one condition on the control of the other. Thus, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of depression among Type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients and to assess the efficacy and feasibility of escitalopram treatment of depression on their metabolic control parameters. METHODS: T2DM patients attending primary care clinics in the North of Jordan were enrolled in a cross-sectional study during the period from February to December 2019 (n = 157). Depressive symptoms were screened utilising the patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) tool. Metabolic control was assessed by measurement of glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), triglycerides, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Patients with moderate to severe depressive symptoms by PHQ-9 (n = 58) were interviewed by a psychiatrist to confirm a clinical diagnosis of depression. Eligible depressed patients were administered escitalopram 10 mg orally once daily for 3 months (n = 12). Thereafter, depressive symptoms and metabolic control measures were reassessed. RESULTS: The prevalence of moderate to severe depressive symptoms among T2DM patients, according to PHQ-9, was 36.94%, while the prevalence of clinical depression based on interview was 7.64%. Baseline PHQ-9 scores correlated significantly with baseline levels of HbA1c, HDL, cholesterol and triglycerides. Escitalopram treatment intervention resulted in significant improvement of PHQ-9 scores without significantly improving any of the metabolic control measures. CONCLUSION: The relationship between depression and T2DM in the context of metabolic syndrome is plausible. However, our results show that escitalopram treatment may not be associated with significant improvement in metabolic control parameters among these patients. Our study has laid the groundwork for future randomised clinical trials with larger sample size and longer follow-up.

Family-based association study of genetic analysis of paired box gene 9 polymorphisms in the peg-shaped teeth in the Jordanian Arab population.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to genotype thirteen Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) within the paired box gene 9 (PAX9) in 36 Jordanian Arab families with peg-shaped teeth, and also to investigate the association between the PAX9 gene and peg-shaped teeth disorder. METHODS: Genomic DNA samples were extracted from families according to distinguished processes. Then, DNA was amplified by polymerase chain reaction technique (PCR) using specified primers for the exons of the PAX9 gene. In addition, single nucleotide polymorphisms analysis was conducted using the DNA sequencing genotyping method to identify specific single nucleotide polymorphisms in the PAX9 gene associated with peg-shaped teeth. RESULTS: Thirteen single nucleotide polymorphisms in the PAX9 gene (Chromosome 14q13.3) were used; seven of them (rs104894467, rs104894469, rs28933373, rs28933970, rs28933971, rs28933972, and rs7143727) were non-polymorphic, and the other six were polymorphic (rs2073244, rs2073246, rs2295222, rs4904155, rs4904210, and rs12881240). Both rs12881240 and rs2295222 SNPs showed significant association with peg-shaped teeth disorder (P < 0.05). Moreover, the haplotype genetic analysis revealed that there is a genetic association with peg-shaped teeth disorder susceptibility (P < 0.05) in the Jordanian families of Arab descent. CONCLUSION: Our findings exhibited significant variations compared to the data recorded from other countries.

LTA, LEP, and TNF-a Gene Polymorphisms are Associated with Susceptibility and Overall Survival of Diffuse Large B-Cell lymphoma in an Arab Population: A Case-Control Study.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to explore the relationship between five selected proinflammatory and immune-mediated genes (TNF rs1800629G>A, rs361525G>A, rs1799964T>C, LTA rs1800683G>A, rs909253A>G, TNFAIP8 rs1042541C>T, LEPR rs1327118G>C, and LEP rs2167270G>A) and the risk and overall survival of DLBCL patients within the Jordanian Arab population. METHODS: One hundred twenty-five patients (125) diagnosed with DLBCL at the King Abdullah University Hospital (KAUH) between 2013 and 2018 and 238 healthy cancer-free control subjects with similar geographic and ethnic backgrounds to the patients were included in the study. Genomic DNA was extracted from the formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues of the subjects and from peripheral blood samples of the controls. The Sequenom MassARRAY® sequencer system (iPLEX GOLD) was used. The analyses included assessments of population variability and survival. RESULTS: Our study showed significant differences in the distribution of the studied polymorphisms of DLBCL between the patients and controls for TNF rs1800629G>A, LTA rs909253 G>A and LEP rs2167270 G>A. TNF rs1800629G>A (p = 0.01), in which the G allele harbors a higher risk of DLBCL (GG and GA genotypes when compared with AA genotype) (p = 0.044). The LTA rs909253 A>G polymorphism is associated with a higher risk of DLBCL in the allelic model (p = .004).  LEP rs2167270 G>A polymorphism is associated with a decreased risk of DLBCL in the recessive mode models (p = .03). Subjects with the dominant model for TNF-a rs1799964 (TT genotype in comparison with the combined TT/TC genotype) and patients with the homozygous genotype (GG) of rs361525 have better overall survival rates. CONCLUSION: Our results confirmed the diversity and the heterogeneity of the disease. Although the study has a limitation because of its relatively small size, it clearly emphasizes the significance of ancestry and genetic composition as the determinants of DLBCL risk and behavior.
.

The Impact of the Genetic Polymorphism in DNA Repair Pathways on Increased Risk of Glioblastoma Multiforme in the Arab Jordanian Population: A Case-Control Study.

INTRODUCTION: Among the Jordanian population, brain tumors are the tenth most common type of cancers in both males and females, comprising 2.8% of all newly diagnosed neoplasms. Diffuse gliomas are the most prevalent and the most aggressive primary brain tumors in adults. The incidence of diffuse gliomas varies among different populations; this variation is partially linked to genetic polymorphisms. The purpose of the study is to examine the association between (BRCA1 rs799917G>A, rs1799966T>C, EXO1 rs1047840G>A, EME1 rs12450550T>C, ERCC2 rs13181T>G, rs1799793C>T, and XRCC1 rs1799782G>A) DNA repair gene polymorphisms and glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) susceptibility, and survival in the Jordanian Arab population. METHODS: Eighty-four patients diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme at the King Abdullah University Hospital (KAUH) between 2013 and 2018 and 225 healthy cancer-free control subjects with similar geographic and ethnic backgrounds to the patients were included in the study. Genomic DNA was extracted from the formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues of the subjects. The Sequenom MassARRAY® sequencer system (iPLEX GOLD) was used. The analyses included assessments of population variability and survival. RESULTS: This study is the first to address the relationship between BRCA1 rs1799966 and rs799917 SNP, and the risk of GBM among the Arab Jordanian population. The findings of the study show that BRCA1 rs799917 is associated with decreased risk of GBM in the recessive model (AA vs G/G-A/G: OR, 0.46, 95% CI, 0.26-0.82, p=0.01) and the same SNP is associated with increased risk of GBM in the overdominant model (AG vs G/G-A/A: OR, 1.72, 95% CI, 1.02-2.89, p=0.04).