Association between tumor necrosis factor alpha and lymphotoxin alpha gene polymorphisms and migraine occurrence among Jordanians.

Inflammatory reactions in the body have been shown to contribute to migraine development. Therefore, genes involved in the inflammatory pathways might play a role in the susceptibility and development of migraine. In this study, polymorphisms in tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and lymphotoxin alpha (LTA) genes were tested for association with migraine. A total of 398 participants (198 migraine patients and 200 controls) were recruited in the study. Serum TNF level was measured using a sandwich ELISA kit. Lymphocytes' and monocytes' counts were obtained from a differential complete blood count profile. Participants' DNA was extracted and genotyped for rs1800629 and rs1799724 in TNFα, and rs909253 in LTA. Controls had a significantly higher mean lymphocyte count (P = 0.018), while the mean monocyte count and serum TNFα levels did not differ between the two groups (P > 0.05). With respect to gene polymorphisms, the rs1800629 and rs1799724 variants showed significant association with migraine in all subjects, and in males and females when analyzed separately (P < 0.001). The rs909253 did not show any statistical difference in frequencies among the two groups (P > 0.05). Having the A allele in rs1800629 was associated with a higher risk of migraine in both male (OR, 95%; CI, G/A = 3.79 [1.87-7.69]; A/A = 14.22 [1.67-121.14]; P < 0.01) and female (OR, 95%; G/A = 2.54 [1.47-4.38]; A/A = 2.52 [1.12-5.69]; P < 0.001) subjects. In conclusion, rs1800629 and rs1799724 in TNFα showed significant association with migraine among the Jordanian population.

Seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 and correlates of infection in Jordan.

BACKGROUND: Herpes infections are common infections among populations. Herein, a cross-sectional study was used to determine the seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) IgG antibodies and their association with potential infection risk factors among Jordanians. METHODS: A total of 759 serum samples were collected (January to February 2020) and analyzed for HSV-1 and HSV-2 IgG antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Estimates for population seropositivity were determined by weighting the age-specific seroprevalence by the size of the population in each age stratum. RESULTS: The population estimate for HSV-1 seroprevalence was 75.3%. After adjustment for possible confounders, regression analysis revealed higher seroprevalence with increase in age (p < 0.005) and low household income (p = 0.002). The population estimate for HSV-2 seroprevalence was 2.9%. No significant differences in HSV-2 seroprevalence were observed in association with age, gender, family size, educational level, and socioeconomic status, likely due to low seropositivity. CONCLUSIONS: Jordanians have high HSV-1 and low HSV-2 seroprevalence. Periodical studies might be needed to evaluate changes in HSV-1 and HSV-2 seroprevalence over time. This study provides essential epidemiological data for Jordan and the Middle East and North Africa region.

Predictors of COVID-19 severity and hospitalization: A survey-based study from Jordan.

Objectives: To explore the possible predictors of severe illness and hospitalization due to COVID-19 among Jordanians. Method: The study was cross-sectional, survey-based and was conducted from March to July of 2021. Individuals who had recovered from COVID-19 (n = 2148) were recruited in the study. Participants were categorized according to the severity of COVID-19 infection and hospitalization. The study sample was stratified according to age, gender, body mass index (BMI), comorbidities, family income, smoking status, and ABO blood groups. Risk factors were investigated using the Chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results: Severe illness and hospitalization were associated with older age, males, individuals with comorbidities, higher BMI, and lower-income. No significant differences were found in the incidence of severe illness or hospitalization frequency between the ABO groups or between smokers and non-smokers. Multivariate logistic regression analyses predicted male gender, being older than 40, having a BMI of over 30, having 3 or more comorbidities, and low family income as risk factors for severe COVID-19 outcomes. Conclusion: Age was the strongest predictor for severe COVID-19 outcome, followed by having 3 or more comorbidities and to a lesser extent male gender and obesity. These results could help target at-risk groups with infection prevention measures including prioritizing primary COVID-19 vaccines, as well as booster doses.

The impact of vitamin and mineral supplements usage prior to COVID-19 infection on disease severity and hospitalization.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a global public health emergency. Nutritional status is suggested to be related to the severity of COVID-19 infection. Herein, we aimed to explore the impact of using vitamin and mineral supplements prior to COVID-19 infection on disease severity and hospitalization. In addition, the prior use of aspirin as an anticoagulant on the disease severity was investigated. A cross-sectional, self-administered survey was conducted between March and July 2021. Recovered COVID-19 individuals (age ≥ 18 years, n = 2148) were recruited in the study. A multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate the associations of supplements and aspirin use with COVID-19 disease severity and hospitalization status. Among the participants, 12.1% reported symptoms consistent with severe COVID-19, and 10.2% were hospitalized due to COVID-19. After adjustment for confounding variables (age, gender, BMI, cigarette smoking status, and the number of comorbidities), the multivariate logistic regression model showed that the consumption of vitamin D supplements prior to COVID-19 infection was associated with a significant decrease in disease severity (OR = 0.68, 95% CI 0.50 - 0.92; P = 0.01), and a lower risk of hospitalization (OR = 0.64, 95% CI 0.45 - 0.89; P = 0.01). On the other hand, there were no significant differences in the frequencies of severe illness and hospitalizations with the consumption of vitamin A, folic acid, vitamin B12, vitamin B complex, vitamin C, zinc, iron, selenium, calcium, magnesium, omega 3, and aspirin before COVID-19 infection. Among the investigated nutrients, the use of vitamin D prior to COVID-19 infection was associated with reduced disease severity and hospitalization. However, more studies are required to confirm this finding.

Effect of natural products use prior to infection with COVID-19 on disease severity and hospitalization: A self-reported cross-sectional survey study.

Background: Managing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) using available resources is essential to reduce the health burden of disease. The severity of COVID-19 is affected by nutritional status. In this study the effect of natural product use prior to infection with COVID-19 on disease severity and hospitalization was explored. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. Between March and July 2021, a self-administered survey was conducted in Jordan. Individuals who recovered from COVID-19 and were ≥18 years old were the study population. Study measures included the use of natural products, COVID-19 severity, and hospitalization status. A multivariate regression model was used for statistical analysis. Results: The mean age (mean ± SD) of the study sample (n=2,148) was 40.25 ± 15.58 years old. Multivariate logistic regression showed that the regular intake of carnation (OR [0.56], CI [0.37-0.85]), onion (OR [0.69], CI [0.52-0.92]), lemon (OR [0.68], CI [0.51-0.90]), and citrus fruits (OR [0.66], CI [0.50-0.89]) before infection were associated with a substantial reduction in COVID-19 severity (P<0.01). Also, the consumption of carnation (OR [0.55], CI [0.34-0.88]), lemon (OR [0.57], CI [0.42-0.78]), and citrus fruits (OR [0.61], CI [0.44-0.84]) were associated with a significant decrease in the frequency of COVID-19-induced hospitalization (P<0.01). Conclusions: Regular consumption of carnation, lemon, and citrus fruits before infection was associated with better outcomes for COVID-19. Studies on other populations are required to confirm these findings.

Sources of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in Jordan: Self-reported approach.

Background: Understanding the dynamics of virus transmission is essential for controlling the COVID-19 pandemic. Demographic factors could influence transmission of the virus in different communities. Herein, the sources of COVID-19 infection in Jordan were explored. In addition, the effects of demographic factors and the adherence to preventive measures on household transmission were investigated. Methods: The study recruited Jordanian adults who recovered from COVID-19 from March to July 2021. Using a questionnaire, information about participants' demographics, level of adherence to personal protective measures, and their perceived source of COVID-19 infection were collected. Crosstabs were used to test for differences in household transmission ratios between different demographic variables. Logistic regression analysis was used to predict risk factors for household transmission. Results: The study recruited a total of 2313 participants. Household transmission was the most frequently reported source of infection (44.9%). Other sources of transmission were work/education related (16.0%), friends (8.6%), healthcare facilities (4.8%), social/event gathering (3.1%), shopping activities (2.2%), and public transport (1.6%). Significantly higher ratios of household transmission were reported by older adults (>60 years), college/university students, and female participants. No significant difference in household transmission was found between low-income and medium-high income groups. A significant increase in household transmission ratios was found with increased adherence to mask-wearing and social distancing. This could be a reflection of the reduced risk of community transmission with increased adherence to these preventive measures, coupled with the difficulty in adhering to these measures within the household setting. In multivariate logistic regression, females, young adults (18-30 years), older adults (>60 years), and those who adhere to mask-wearing most of the time were associated with an increased risk of infection in the household setting. Conclusion: The results reported in the current study provided an insight into the transmission dynamics of the virus in Jordan, as an example of the MENA region. These findings could be invaluable for the future design of public health policies to control COVID-19 and possibly future pandemics.

Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from Citrobacter freundii as Antibiofilm Agents with their Cytotoxic Effects on Human Cells.

BACKGROUND: Nanomaterials have recently been identified for their potential benefits in the areas of medicine and pharmaceuticals. Among these nanomaterials, silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) have been widely utilized in the fields of diagnostics, antimicrobials, and catalysis. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the potential utility of Citrobacter freundii in the synthesis of silver Nanoparticles (Ag-NPs), and to determine the antimicrobial activities of the Ag-NPs produced. METHODS: Aqueous Ag+ ions were reduced when exposed to C. freundii extract and sunlight, leading to the formation of Ag-NPs. Qualitative microanalysis for the synthesized Ag-NPs was done using UVvis spectrometry, Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The hydrodynamic size and stability of the particles were detected using Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) analysis. The Ag-NPs' anti-planktonic and anti-biofilm activities against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which are two important skin and wound pathogens, were investigated. The cytotoxicity on human dermal fibroblast cell line was also determined. RESULTS: Ag-NPs were spherical with a size range between 15 to 30 nm. Furthermore, Ag-NPs displayed potent bactericidal activities against both S. aureus and P. aeruginosa and showed noticeable anti-biofilm activity against S. aureus biofilms. Ag-NPs induced minor cytotoxic effects on human cells as indicated by a reduction in cell viability, a disruption of plasma membrane integrity, and apoptosis induction. CONCLUSION: Ag-NPs generated in this study might be a future potential alternative to be used as antimicrobial agents in pharmaceutical applications for wound and skin related infections.

Extended Spectrum beta-Lactamases among Gram-Negative Bacterial Isolates from Clinical Specimens in Three Major Hospitals in Northern Jordan.

Background and Objectives. Extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) production is increasing all over the world, and organisms other than E. coli and K. pneumoniae are acquiring this character. ESBL production is detectable by automation, E-test, double disk diffusion (DDD), and PCR. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of ESBL production among clinical isolates of gram-negative rods, and to evaluate the effectiveness of augmentation of clavunate with Cefotaxime, Ceftazoxime, Aztreonam, Ceftriaxone, and Cefpodoxime in detecting ESBL production. Methods. 472 clinical gram-negative isolates identified by standard methods were tested for ESBL-production by (DDD) method using six cephalosporins and amoxicillin-clavulinate discs. Results. 108/472 (22.9%) of the isolates were ESBL producers, and were prevalent in tertiary care hospitals. 88.2% of E. cloacae, 71.4% of K. pneumoniae, 28.6% of K. oxytoca, 12.5% of C. freundii, 11.1% of A. calcoacceticus, and 10.8% of E. coli were ESBL producers. The DDD test demonstrated some variations in the efficacy of the different cephalosporins in detecting all the ESBL producers. The inclusion of ceftizoxime discs increased the efficacy of the test. It is concluded that ESBL-producing bacteria were prevalent among our hospitalized patients, and involved genera other than Klebsiella and Escherichia, and the inclusion of ceftizoxime increased the efficacy of ESBL detection by the DDD test.