Specific delivery of metronidazole using microparticles and thermosensitive in situ hydrogel for intrapocket administration as an alternative in periodontitis treatment.

Periodontitis is a common chronic inflammatory disease primarily caused by the prevalence of bacterial overgrowth resulting in the development of an inflammatory condition that destroys the tooth's supporting tissues and eventual tooth loss. Comparatively, to other treatment methods, it is difficult for topical antibacterial drugs to effectively permeate the biofilm's physical barrier, making conventional therapy for periodontitis more challenging. This novel study combines thermosensitive in situ hydrogel with microparticles (MPs) to enhance the targeted delivery of metronidazole (MET) to the periodontal pocket. Polycaprolactone (PCL) polymer was utilized to produce bacteria-sensitive MPs. Additionally, the study assessed the attributes of MPs and demonstrated an enhancement in the in vitro antibacterial efficacy of MPs towards Staphylococcus aureus (SA) and Escherichia coli (EC). Subsequently, we incorporated MET-MPs into thermosensitive in situ hydrogel formulations using chitosan. The optimized formulations exhibited stability, appropriate gelation temperature, mucoadhesive strength, and viscosity. In vitro permeation tests showed selective and prolonged drug release against SA and EC. Ex vivo experiments demonstrated no significant differences between in situ hydrogel containing pure MET and MET-MPs in biofilm quantity, bacterial counts, and metabolic activity in biofilms. According to in vitro tests and the effectiveness of the antibacterial activity, this study has exhibited a novel methodology for more efficacious therapies for periodontitis. This study aims to utilize MET in MPs to improve its effectiveness, enhance its antibacterial activity, and improve patient treatment outcomes. In further research, the efficacy of the treatment should be investigated in vivo using an appropriate animal model.

Incorporation of Inclusion Complexes in the Dissolvable Microneedle Ocular Patch System for the Efficiency of Fluconazole in the Therapy of Fungal Keratitis.

Fluconazole (FNL) is one of the first-line treatments for fungal keratitis as it is an effective broad-spectrum antimicrobial commonly administered orally or topically. However, FNL has a very low water solubility, limiting its drug formulation, therapeutic application, and bioavailability through tissues. To overcome these limitations, this study aimed to develop FNL inclusion complexes (FNL-IC) with cyclodextrin (α-cyclodextrin, sulfobutylether-ß-cyclodextrin, and hydroxypropyl-γ cyclodextrin) and incorporate it into a dissolvable microneedle (DMN) system to improve solubility and drug penetration. FNL-IC was evaluated for saturation solubility, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, in vitro release, minimum inhibitory concentration, minimum fungicidal concentration, and time-killing assay. DMN-FNL-IC was evaluated for mechanical and insertion properties, surface pH, moisture absorption ability, water vapor transmission, and drug content recovery. Moreover, ocular kinetic, ex vivo antimicrobial, in vivo antifungal, and chorioallantoic membrane (HET-CAM) assays were conducted to assess the overall performance of the formulation. Mechanical strength and insertion properties revealed that DMN-FNL-IC has great mechanical and insertion properties. The in vitro release of FNL-IC was significantly improved, exhibiting a 9-fold increase compared to pure FNL. The ex vivo antifungal activity showed significant inhibition of Candida albicans from 6.54 to 0.73 log cfu/mL or 100-0.94%. In vivo numbers of colonies of 0.87 ± 0.13 log cfu/mL (F2), 4.76 ± 0.26 log cfu/mL (FNL eye drops), 3.89 ± 0.24 log cfu/mL (FNL ointments), and 8.04 ± 0.58 log cfu/mL (control) showed the effectiveness of DMN preparations against other standard commercial preparations. The HET-CAM assay showed that DMN-FNL-IC (F2) did not show any vascular damage. Finally, a combination of FNL-IC and DMN was developed appropriately for ocular delivery of FNL, which was safe and increased the effectiveness of treatments for fungal keratitis.

Human Rhinovirus: Molecular and Clinical Overview / Rinovirus humano: descripción molecular y clínica

Human rhinoviruses (HRVs) are associated with a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations, ranging from mild cold symptoms to more severe respiratory illnesses, significantly burdening global healthcare systems. At the molecular level, HRVs belong to the Picornaviridae family and are classified into three species: HRV-A, HRV-B, and HRV-C. Advances in genomic sequencing and phylogenetic analysis have revealed a remarkable genetic diversity within HRV species, with over 160 serotypes identified. This genetic variability contributes to the ability of HRVs to evade host immune responses and facilitates their continuous circulation in the population. This review provides an overview of the molecular and clinical aspects of HRV infections.(AU)

The first study of 3-M Syndrome in Jordan and Literature Review

The prevalence of 3-M syndrome remains unclear owing to its rarity and the limited number of reported cases in the medical literature. To date, approximately 100 cases of the disorder have been documented in MedlinePlus Genetics. Here, we present the first case study report from Jordan of a boy diagnosed with 3-M syndrome at 9 months of age via karyotyping. The patient exhibited distinct facial features, severe prenatal and postnatal growth retardation, and normal mental development. As rare genetic autosomal recessive mutations are common where consanguineous marriages are prevalent, raising awareness of such rare genetic diseases is critical. This paper aims to provide a case report on 3-M syndrome and a literature review. (AU)

Evaluation of the Association between Inhaler technique and Adherence in Asthma Control: Cross-Sectional Comparative Analysis Study between Amman and Baghdad

Purpose: Asthma is a chronic condition affecting millions of people all around the world. Asthma has no cure, but disease control is essential and highly recommended. However, the available tools for asthma control assessment don’t include factors such as inhaler technique and adherence. This study aimed to assess the correlation between inhaler techniques, adherence, and level of asthma control in two different healthcare settings; Jordan and Iraq. Patients and methods: A cross-sectional observational study was con-ducted over six months, from January to August 2018, in two public hospitals in Amman (Jordan) and Baghdad (Iraq). Asthmatic patients were interviewed to assess their inhaler technique, adherence, and asthma control. The researcher personally visited both public hospitals, conducting face-to-face interviews with patients at the hospital outpatient clinics. Validated questionnaires were used for patient assessment, including demographics, asthma history and medication use, the patient’s inhaler technique, adherence, and asthma control. Results: A total of 300 patients entered the study, with a mean age of 45.54 ± 13.71. The asthma control test showed very poor asthma control for patients living in both countries (Amman n=78 (52.0%) vs. Baghdad n=106 (70.0%)). An asthma knowledge assessment showed that most asthmatic patients in both countries didn’t follow their asthma medication plan (Amman n=78 (52.0%) vs. Baghdad n=93 (62.0%). Conclusion: In both Jordan and Iraq, asthma patients were found to be poorly controlled. Knowledge of patients was inadequate, probably leading to the poorly managed chronic disease. The results of this study highlight the significance of the pharmacist’s role in recognizing asthmatic patients requiring assistance. Furthermore, they underscore the pharmacist’s pivotal contribution to delivering patient education and counseling, ultimately resulting in enhanced asthma control. (AU)

Knowledge and Practice of Healthcare Professionals in the Medical Care of Asthma Adult Patients in Jordan with a Particular Reference to Adherence to GINA Recommendations.

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate Jordanian healthcare professionals' knowledge, skills, and experience in dealing with and treating adult asthmatic patients and assess healthcare professionals' compliance with the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) guideline recommendations for asthma treatment and management in Jordan. Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Jordan between May and June 2023. This study included physicians, pharmacists, and nurses working in clinical settings and directly interacting with asthma patients in Jordan's private and governmental healthcare facilities who were eligible to participate in this research. Three primary sections of an online survey were constructed using Google Forms and included demographic data, a diagnosis and management of the illness, and a list of worldwide medical references for asthma. Results: A total of 300 healthcare professionals, including pharmacists (103), nurses (87), Doctor of Pharmacy (28), and physicians (82), took part in this research. The survey respondents' general knowledge of the nature and symptoms of asthma is quite high, exceeding 84% and 86%, respectively. The survey also showed a high degree of awareness of asthma diagnosis. It was also revealed that around one-quarter of participants consistently reported the severity of asthma. The most frequent factor influencing the decision to take controller or maintenance medicines is symptom severity (reported from 86% of participants). The GINA guidelines were selected as the asthma information source by almost half of the participants. Finally, 47% of participants were aware of the GINA's 2019 adjustments of the recommendations. Conclusion: This study showed that Jordanian healthcare professionals understand the nature, symptoms, and diagnoses of asthma disease. However, many of the survey participants lack adherence, awareness, and understanding of the GINA recommendations about asthma management. More research is required to assess the adherence to the evidence-based recommendations and evaluate the impact of training courses.

The role of human rhinovirus in COPD exacerbations in Abu Dhabi: molecular epidemiology and clinical significance.

This study aimed to describe the molecular epidemiology and seasonality of human rhinovirus (HRV) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and its association with COPD exacerbations in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Sputum specimens were collected for analysis from all COPD patients who visited a medical center from November 2021 to October 2022. The real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) test was used to detect HRV. Of the 78 COPD patients included in the study, 58 (74%) patients presented with one or more exacerbation episodes. The incidence of COPD exacerbation peaked over the winter and substantially decreased during the summer. HRV positivity in patients during exacerbation (E1) was 11/58 (19%) and 15/58 (26%) two weeks after the exacerbation episode (E2). There was no significant difference in the HRV load in these patients. No statistically significant difference was observed in the detection of HRV during exacerbation compared to patients with stable COPD. This is the first study to assess the association between HRV detection by qPCR and COPD exacerbations in the UAE. The high sensitivity of the detection technology helped collect reliable epidemiologic data. Few studies have provided similar Middle East data. This study's pattern of COPD exacerbations and HRV detection parallels that of temperate countries. This information can help with future, more extensive surveillance of respiratory viruses in the UAE and the Middle East and their association with COPD exacerbations.

The laboratory parameters in predicting the severity and death of COVID-19 patients: Future pandemic readiness strategies.

The range of clinical manifestations associated with the infection by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) encompasses a broad spectrum, ranging from flu-like symptoms to the occurrence of multiple organ failure and death. The severity of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is categorized based on clinical presentation and is divided into three distinct levels of severity identified as non-severe, severe, and critical. Although individuals of all age groups are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection, middle-aged and older adults are more frequently impacted, with the latter being more likely to develop severe illness. Various laboratory characteristics observed in hospitalized COVID-19 patients have been correlated with adverse outcomes. These include elevated levels of D-dimer, liver enzymes, lactate dehydrogenase, C-reactive protein, ferritin, prothrombin time, and troponin, as well as decreased lymphocyte and platelets counts. This review investigated the relationship between baseline clinical characteristics, initial laboratory parameters upon hospital admission, and the severity of illness and mortality rates among COVID-19 patients. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has concluded, understanding the laboratory predictors of virus severity and mortality remains crucial, and examining these predictors can have long-term effects. Such insights can help healthcare systems manage resources more effectively and deliver timely and appropriate care by identifying and targeting high-risk individuals. This knowledge can also help us better prepare for future pandemics. By examining these predictors, we can take steps to protect public health and mitigate the impact of future pandemics.

Effects of intermittent fasting on the histology and mRNA expression of major drug-metabolizing cyp450s in the liver of diabetic mice.

Introduction:There is a variation in drug response among patients who practice intermittent fasting. Alteration in the expression of drug-metabolizing enzymes (DMEs) can affect the pharmacokinetics and drug response.Aims: This research aimed to determine the effect of intermittent fasting on the mRNA expression of major drug-metabolizing cyp450s in the liver of diabetic mice.Methods: Thirty-two male Balb/c mice were divided into four groups; control, nonfasting diabetic, non-diabetic fasting, and diabetic fasting mice. Insulin-dependent diabetes was induced in mice by a single high-dose (250 mg/kg) streptozocin. Mice of non-diabetic and diabetic fasting groups were subjected to 10-day intermittent fasting for 17 hours daily. Then, the mRNA expression of mouse phase I DMEs cyp1a1, cyp2c29, cyp2d9, and cyp3a11 was analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction. In addition, the liver of mice in all groups was examined for pathohistological alterations.Results: Diabetes downregulated the mRNA expression of hepatic drug-metabolizing cyp450s in diabetic mice, while intermittent fasting significantly (P < 0.05) increased it. Also, cyp2d9 and cyp3a11 were upregulated in the liver of diabetic fasting mice. These alterations in the gene expression were correlated with the pathohistological alterations, where livers of diabetic mice showed dilatation in the blood sinusoids and inflammatory cells leukocyte infiltrations. Whereas livers of diabetic fasting mice showed almost comparable histological findings to control mice.Conclusions: Intermittent fasting can protect the liver against diabetes-induced hepatotoxicity and the down-regulation of DME genes in the diabetic liver. These results can explain, at least partly, the inter-individual variation in the drug response during practicing fasting.

The first study characterizing the respiratory microbiome in cystic fibrosis patients in Jordan

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is most commonly seen in Caucasians and is uncommon in the Middle East. This study, based in Jordan, aimed to describe the association between lung exacerbation in CF patients and the respiratory microbiome composition. Using the 16S rRNA marker-gene sequencing, we investigated the microbiota in sputa during exacerbation (E1) and 14 days after the exacerbation (E2) of two CF patients admitted to the hospital. Detected genera with high abundance in the E1-related sputa of the first patient included Achromobacter and Streptococcus. At E2, Achromobacter and Staphylococcus were the highest abundant genera. Regarding the second patient, Veillonella and Streptococcus, were the highest abundant genera at E1. Whereas, Streptococcus and Veillonella were the highest abundant genera. This is the first study, based in Jordan, to report and describe the respiratory microbiome during and after the exacerbation of CF patients. This study suggests that pulmonary exacerbation in CF patients can result in alterations in their respiratory microbiome. A better knowledge of this link could allow more focused use of antibiotics, especially during exacerbations, improving clinical efficacy and patient outcomes. (AU)

Etiologies of Acute Bronchiolitis in Children at Risk for Asthma, with Emphasis on the Human Rhinovirus Genotyping Protocol.

This research aims to determine acute bronchiolitis' causative virus(es) and establish a viable protocol to classify the Human Rhinovirus (HRV) species. During 2021-2022, we included children 1-24 months of age with acute bronchiolitis at risk for asthma. The nasopharyngeal samples were taken and subjected to a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) in a viral panel. For HRV-positive samples, a high-throughput assay was applied, directing the VP4/VP2 and VP3/VP1 regions to confirm species. BLAST searching, phylogenetic analysis, and sequence divergence took place to identify the degree to which these regions were appropriate for identifying and differentiating HRV. HRV ranked second, following RSV, as the etiology of acute bronchiolitis in children. The conclusion of the investigation of all available data in this study distributed sequences into 7 HRV-A, 1 HRV-B, and 7 HRV-C types based on the VP4/VP2 and VP3/VP1 sequences. The nucleotide divergence between the clinical samples and the corresponding reference strains was lower in the VP4/VP2 region than in the VP3/VP1 region. The results demonstrated the potential utility of the VP4/VP2 region and the VP3/VP1 region for differentiating HRV genotypes. Confirmatory outcomes were yielded, indicating how nested and semi-nested PCR can establish practical ways to facilitate HRV sequencing and genotyping.

Illustrating How to Use the Validated Alsayed_v1 Tools to Improve Medical Care: A Particular Reference to the Global Initiative for Asthma 2022 Recommendations.

Purpose: The current research aimed to illustrate a real case using the validated Alsayed_v1 tools as tutorial training to improve the knowledge and skills of healthcare practitioners in the clinical problem-solving process necessary to implement medical and pharmaceutical care. Patients and Methods: The Alsayed_v1 instruments consist of principal components: data collection, assessment of treatments, the medical problem oriented plan (MPOP), as well as a care plan and patient education. Results: This study illustrated a real case of asthma patient using the validated Alsayed_v1 tools. These validated and clinically tested tools provide a coding system for the MPOP that permits easy documentation with an open hierarchical structure where higher levels are broad and lower levels are particular, and the possibility to enter free text. The section dedicated to treatment assessments is intended to synthesize patient information to facilitate the identification of the MPOPs. Effective management requires the development of a partnership between the patient with asthma (or the patient's caregivers) and his healthcare professional(s). This partnership aims to allow the patient to control his condition with guidance from the healthcare professional(s), discuss and agree on therapy goals, and develop a personalized, written, self-management asthma care plan. Conclusion: By implementing Alsayed_v1 tools, the clinical practitioner can actively give the best practice for optimal patient outcomes.

Assessing the Pharmacist's Role in Counseling Asthmatic Adults Using the Correct Inhaler Technique and Its Effect on Asthma Control, Adherence, and Quality of Life.

Purpose: This study was designed to assess inhaler technique skills, asthma control level, adherence, and quality of life scores amongst asthmatic patients living in Amman, Jordan, investigating the role of pharmacist's educational intervention. Patients and Methods: This single-blinded randomized parallel-group active-controlled study was conducted at the Jordan University Hospital (JUH) clinic in 2019. Patients were assessed at baseline and follow-up (after three months) on their inhaler technique (based on validated published checklists), asthma control based on the asthma control test (ACT) questionnaire, adherence to treatment, and quality of life (QoL). Patients in the active group were counseled on correct inhaler technique and administration skills, orally and using inhaler adhesive labels delivered by the clinical pharmacist. Results: Asthma patients (n = 157; active, n = 79, and control, n = 78) were recruited into the study and grouped based on the controller inhaler they were using (Turbohaler (TH) and Accuhaler (ACC). There was no statistically significant difference between both groups at baseline for inhaler technique, adherence, ACT, and QoL. At follow-up, 93.7% of the active group patients used their inhalers correctly, while only 16.7% of the control group used them correctly (P-value <0.001). Also, the ACT mean score was significantly higher for the active group (21.21±5.27) versus the control group (15.92±7.31; P-value <0.001). The QoL mean score was significantly improved for the active group compared with the control group (active = 63.85±24.78, Control = 38.746±3.23, P-value <0.001). Improvement in adherence for the active group was noticed compared with the control group but did not reach a significant level (P-value=0.691). Conclusion: Through a practical educational intervention, pharmacists were found to significantly improve patients' asthma inhaler technique, ACT scores, and QoL scores for patients with asthma.

Perception and attitudes toward COVID- 19 vaccines in Jordan: lessons for future pandemics.

Objective: This study aimed to assess Jordanians' perception and attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccines authorized for use in Jordan. Another objective was to evaluate the population's confidence in vaccine efficacy, their fears of the vaccines, and their perceptions and attitudes after vaccination. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted over four months (August 2021- December 2021) and included the general Jordanian population above 18 years old. Results: A total of 398 participants were included in the study, with the majority (around 81.0%) received at least one dose of any of COVID-19 vaccines approved for use in Jordan. Most non-vaccinated participants (67.4%) were either unwilling to receive the COVID-19 vaccine or unsure. The main reasons for receiving the vaccine were: family protection, self-protection, global efforts to fight the virus and local restrictions, with some variability between vaccinated and non-vaccinated. The major reasons for fear of COVID-19 vaccines were limited research, vaccine effectiveness, and vaccine side effects. Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was the most trusted vaccine by vaccinated and non-vaccinated participants (47.8% and 57.9%, respectively), and Oxford-AstraZeneca was the most feared by them (42.2% and 57.9%, respectively). Internet websites (>85.0%), social media platforms (>70.0%), relatives and friends (>69.0%), and news applications (>60.0%) were the major sources of information about the COVID-19 vaccines among participants. Conclusion: Our results revealed that hesitation in receiving the vaccine remains a challenge in Jordan, as in other countries. The findings also show that participants, regardless of their vaccination status, had many concerns about the four types of vaccines approved for use in Jordan during the study conduction period. Moreover, the participants' perceptions and attitudes towards the vaccines were variable between vaccinated and non-vaccinated participants and were variable for the four types of vaccines.

Evaluating the clinical application of the immune cells' ratios and inflammatory markers in the diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease.

Objective: Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBDs) are chronic inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, including Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Developing methods for effective screening and diagnosis is extremely needed. Accordingly, this study aims to evaluate the potential of immune cells ratios in the diagnosis of IBD. Methods: This case-control study includes data from Jordan University Hospital (JUH) medical records for IBD patients with age- and gender-matched healthy controls. Results: This study included 46 participants, of which 56.52% had IBD, 54.35% were males, with insignificant differences in sex, age, and body mass index (BMI) between IBD patients and controls (p>0.05). In the CD group, the variables with the highest sensitivity and specificity (HSS) were neutrophil-to-lymphocyte (NLR) (75%, 80%) and platelet-to-lymphocytes (PLR) (75%, 90%), in UC group; mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) (80%, 80%). In CD group, the combinations giving the HSS were PLR+NLR (76%, 90.9%), C-reactive protein (CRP)+PLR (76%, 90.9%), and CRP+NLR (73.07%, 90%). In UC group, the combinations giving the HSS were erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)+PLR (76.9%, 100%), PLR+MCH (74.07%, 100%), PLR+CRP (71.42%, 100%), and PLR+NLR (71.42%, 100%). Regression analysis identified five different combinations of significance in the diagnosis of CD and UC. Higher Youden's index was used and defined the most beneficial clinical combinations as NLR+PLR and CRP+PLR for CD, whereas ESR+PLR for UC. Conclusion: Implications to our study include the clinical application of immune cell ratios, inflammatory markers, and their different combinations along with patients' history and physical examination findings for easier, faster, and more cost-effective diagnosis of IBDs.

The effect of omega-3 supplements on the serum levels of ACE/ACE2 ratio as a potential key in cardiovascular disease: A randomized clinical trial in participants with vitamin D deficiency.

Objective: The aim of this randomized controlled clinical trial was to determine the effect of the omega-3 fatty acid supplementations 300 mg per day for 8 weeks on the serum levels of ACE/ACE2 ratio in Jordanian participants with vitamin D deficiency (VDD). Methods: The physical and clinical characteristic of individuals in both intervention and control randomized controlled clinical trial were measured and analyzed. The comparisons between the two groups and the changes in each group before and after taking omega-3 doses were studied through independent t test and paired t test, respectively. Possible factors that have a role in the changes were determined by multivariate stepwise regression. Follow-up period lasted 10 weeks. Results: The sample consisted of 82 participants with VDD and a mean age of 37.85 ± 9.85 years. Omega-3 Supplements resulted in a significant decrease in serum ACE levels, ACE/ACE2 ratio and serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25OHD). While the change in serum ACE2 levels and serum triglycerides levels were insignificant. Also, a significant increase in serum LDL levels were observed. Conclusion: It is possible that taking high doses of omega-3 fatty acid supplementations have positive effects on the heart and circulatory system and could protect from COVID-19 or decrease disease severity, in connection with a decrease in the ACE/ACE 2 ratio. On the other hand, omega-3 supplement may have negative effect on cardiovascular system due to the significant increase in serum LDL levels.

Co-infection of COVID-19 patients with atypical bacteria: A study based in Jordan.

Objective: The aim of this work was to know the prevalence of Chlamydophila pneumoniae and Mycoplasma pneumoniae in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients in Jordan. Also, to assess a TaqMan real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay in detecting these two bacteria. Methods: This is a retrospective study performed over the last five months of the 2021. All nasopharyngeal specimens from COVID-19 patients were tested for C. pneumonia, and M. pneumoniae. The C. pneumoniae Pst-1 gene and M. pneumoniae P1 cytadhesin protein gene were the targets. Results: In this study, 14 out of 175 individuals with confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection (8.0%) were co-infected with C. pneumoniae or M. pneumoniae. Co-infection with SARS-CoV-2 and C. pneumoniae was reported in 5 (2.9%) patients, while 9 (5.1%) patients had M. pneumoniae and SARS-CoV-2 co-infection. The mean (± std) of the correlation coefficient of the calibration curve for real-time PCR analysis was -0.993 (± 0.001) for C. pneumoniae and -0.994 (± 0.003) for M. pneumoniae. The mean amplification efficiencies of C. pneumoniae and M. Pneumoniae were 187.62% and 136.86%, respectively. Conclusion: In this first study based in Jordan, patients infected with COVID-19 have a low rate of atypical bacterial co-infection. However, clinicians should suspect co-infections with both common and uncommon bacteria in COVID-19 patients. Large prospective investigations are needed to give additional insight on the true prevalence of these co-infections and their impact on the clinical course of COVID-19 patients.

Asthma-COPD Overlap in Clinical Practice (ACO_CP 2023): Toward Precision Medicine.

Asthma and COPD have characteristic symptoms, yet patients with both are prevalent. Despite this, there is currently no globally accepted definition for the overlap between asthma and COPD, commonly referred to as asthma-COPD overlap (ACO). Generally, ACO is not considered a distinct disease or symptom from either clinical or mechanistic perspectives. However, identifying patients who present with both conditions is crucial for guiding clinical therapy. Similar to asthma and COPD, ACO patients are heterogeneous and presumably have multiple underlying disease processes. The variability of ACO patients led to the establishment of multiple definitions describing the condition's essential clinical, physiological, and molecular characteristics. ACO comprises numerous phenotypes, which affects the optimal medication choice and can serve as a predictor of disease prognosis. Various phenotypes of ACO have been suggested based on host factors including but not limited to demographics, symptoms, spirometric findings, smoking history, and underlying airway inflammation. This review provides a comprehensive clinical guide for ACO patients to be used in clinical practice based on the available limited data. Future longitudinal studies must evaluate the stability of ACO phenotypes over time and explore their predictive powers to facilitate a more precise and effective management approach.

A comprehensive overview of substance abuse amongst Syrian individuals in an addiction rehabilitation center.

Objectives: This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of substance abuse amongst Syrian individuals in an addiction rehabilitation center. Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional survey-based study, from patients receiving treatment in an addiction rehabilitation center in Damascus. Syria. The study was conducted over a period of nine months. Results: A total of 82 participants were recruited, the majority of them were males (n = 78.95.1%). More than half of those investigated reported multi-level failure (n = 46, 56.1%) during their education. Most of the participants (n = 44, 53.7%) started to use drugs at a friend's home. The family was shown to play a positive role in stopping the initial drug taking trials at early stages (33/56, 58.9%). Again, friends' effect was the main reason for the return of abusing drugs (20/56, 35.7%). Sources of drugs were mainly from drug promoters for most of the participants (n = 58, 70.7%) followed by friends (n = 28, 34.1%). Participants revealed that taking drugs were mostly accompanied by additional habits such as cigarette smoking before using their drugs (n = 65, 79.3%), or drinking alcohol (57.3%). Surprisingly, participants believed that drug abuse does not lead to addiction (n = 52, 63.4%). The most common experienced feeling was depressed, desperate, or sad (n = 47, 57.3%), followed by anxiety and the desire to escape reality and resort to imaginations (n = 44, 53.7%). Conclusions: The findings of this study indicate the need of policymakers to give more attention, in developing preventive strategies, to friends, as a main cause of addiction, in addition to the family influences on individual's drug abuse, addiction behaviors, and mindsets. Understanding the influencing factors could spot the light on the key to solve the addiction problem. A realist rehabilitation programs must be well designed and implemented as the level of individuals, institutions and communities to face this problematic addiction disaster.

The Effect of Weekly 50,000 IU Vitamin D3 Supplements on the Serum Levels of Selected Cytokines Involved in Cytokine Storm: A Randomized Clinical Trial in Adults with Vitamin D Deficiency.

This research aimed to evaluate the effects of high-dose cholecalciferol (VD3) supplements (50,000 IU/week) on selected circulating cytokines associated with cytokine storms in adults with vitamin D deficiency. This clinical trial, based in Jordan, included 50 participants receiving vitamin D3 supplements (50,000 IU/week) for 8 weeks; the exact number was assigned to the control group. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), interleukin-10 (IL-10), tumor necrotic factor-α (TNF-α), and leptin were measured in serum at baseline and 10 weeks (wash out: 2 weeks). Our results revealed that vitamin D3 supplementation significantly increased the serum levels of 25OHD, IL-6, IL-10, IL-1ß, and leptin compared with baseline. In contrast, the serum level of TNF-α insignificantly increased in the group receiving vitamin D3 supplementation. Although the observations of this trial may refer to a potential negative effect of VD3 supplementation during cytokine storms, further trials are required to clarify the potential benefits of VD3 supplement during cytokine storms.