Perioperative Vascular Access Mapping in Patients with Hemodialysis: A Comparative Study of Access Navigation and Selection in Jordan.

Purpose: This study aimed to elucidate the impact of three different mapping methods on the outcomes of arteriovenous fistula (AVF), including the traditional physical examination (PE) method, color duplex ultrasonography (CDU) mapping conducted by a radiologist (CDU-R), and CDU mapping performed by the operating surgeon (CDU-S).

Patients And Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary center in Jordan. Patients were divided into three groups based on the venous mapping method: PE, CDU-R, and CDU-S.

Blue Toe Syndrome in Behçet's Disease: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND Vascular Behçet's disease (VBD) is a rare but potentially life-threatening subtype of Behçet's disease that is characterized by multisystemic vasculitis. It primarily affects males with ancestry traced back to regions along the ancient Silk Road. Both arteries and veins, regardless of size, may exhibit complications, including aneurysmal degeneration or occlusion.

Reelin differentially shapes dendrite morphology of medial entorhinal cortical ocean and island cells.

The function of medial entorhinal cortex layer II (MECII) excitatory neurons has been recently explored. MECII dysfunction underlies deficits in spatial navigation and working memory. MECII neurons comprise two major excitatory neuronal populations, pyramidal island and stellate ocean cells, in addition to the inhibitory interneurons.

Vitamin D Reduces the Activity of Adenosine Deaminase and Oxidative Stress in Patients with Type Two Diabetes Mellitus.

Scope: Patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have lower levels of vitamin D. An elevation in uric acid (UA) contributes to T2DM via an increase in oxidative stress. Adenosine deaminase (ADA) is an enzyme of the purine degradation pathway.

Reelin Regulates Developmental Desynchronization Transition of Neocortical Network Activity.

During the first and second stages of postnatal development, neocortical neurons exhibit a wide range of spontaneous synchronous activity (SSA). Towards the end of the second postnatal week, the SSA is replaced by a more sparse and desynchronized firing pattern. The developmental desynchronization of neocortical spontaneous neuronal activity is thought to be intrinsically generated, since sensory deprivation from the periphery does not affect the time course of this transition.

Vitreous levels of pigment epithelium-derived factor and vascular endothelial growth factor in diabetic and non-diabetic retinopathy: associated factors and anatomical correlation.

Background: This study aims to investigate the factors affecting the vitreous levels of pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VGEF) among patients with pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). Also, this study correlates the levels of PEDF with RRD characteristics.

Methods: All patients who were scheduled for PPV for any indication were included in the study.

Testicular histopathology and follicular stimulating hormone to predict fertility in nonobstructive azoospermia.

Purpose: To examine the ability of testicular histopathology in Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) in predicting sperm retrieval rate (SR), sperm quality and assisted reproductive technology success.

Methods: A retrospective study recruited clinically diagnosed NOA patients between 2007 and 2015. Testicular biopsy and conventional sperm extraction (TESE) were done concomitantly.

The Economic Burden of Diabetic Retinopathy in Jordan: Cost Analysis and Associated Factors.

Objective: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause of visual loss worldwide in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). The aims of our study are to describe the costs associated with (DR) and to evaluate its economic impact in Jordan.

Methods: Retrospectively, we included all patients with DM and classified them according to the severity of DR.

Quality of care for type 2 diabetes in Jordan: A national study.

The present study aimed to describe the quality of healthcare delivered to patients with type 2 diabetes in Jordan in 2017. Another objective was to identify the factors related to glycemic control and hospital admission due to type 2 diabetes. This was a national population-based household study.

Association of vitamin D levels and polymorphisms in vitamin D receptor with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a leading cause of death. The prevalence of T2DM in countries of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, including Jordan, is among the highest worldwide. The reason(s) behind the epidemic nature of T2DM in Jordan are unknown but warrant further exploration.

Transmetatarsal amputations in patients with diabetes mellitus: A contemporary analysis from an academic tertiary referral centre in a developing community.

Transmetatarsal amputation (TMA) involves the surgical removal of the distal portion of metatarsals in the foot. It aims to maintain weight-bearing and independent ambulation while eliminating the risk of spreading soft tissue infection or gangrene. This study aimed to explore the risk factors and surgical outcomes of TMA in patients with diabetes at an academic tertiary referral center in Jordan.

Communicating the Risks of Air Pollution to the Public: A Perspective from Jordan and Lebanon.

Background: Communicating air pollution to the public is essential in reducing exposure to air pollutants through increasing awareness and promoting precautionary actions. However, one way to approach the public is through healthcare professionals who are considered public health leaders and could influence the public's opinion. The current study aimed to investigate the perception of health experts about communicating air pollution to the public.

Air pollutants and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder medication administration in elementary schools.

Air pollution is considered a risk factor for several diseases, particularly respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. However, the effects of air pollution on neurobehavioral disorders have not been confirmed as of yet. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine whether there was an association between seven air pollutants and ADHD medication administration (ADHD-MA) in Pennsylvania-located elementary schools over a 3-year period.

Normalization of Vitamin D Serum Levels in Patients with Type Two Diabetes Mellitus Reduces Levels of Branched Chain Amino Acids.

Background and Objectives: Vitamin D is involved in pancreatic beta-cell function, insulin sensitivity, and inflammation. Further, elevation in branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) has been implicated in type 2 diabetes (T2DM) pathology. However, the relationship between vitamin D and BCAAs in T2DM remains unclear.

SARS-CoV-2 Seroepidemiological Investigation in Jordan: Seroprevalence, Herd Immunity, and Vaccination Coverage. A Population-Based National Study.

Background: Population-based serosurveillance is a cornerstone to furthering our understanding of the COVID-19 pandemic at the community levels. In Jordan, four waves (phases) of seroprevalence epidemiological investigations were conducted using representative population-based national samples. This study aims to estimate the population-based seropositivity, herd immunity, and vaccination coverage at the fourth wave.

Cellular and Molecular Variations in Male and Female Murine Skeletal Muscle after Long-Term Feeding with a High-Fat Diet.

Current information regarding the effects of a high-fat diet (HFD) on skeletal muscle is contradictory. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a long-term HFD on skeletal muscle in male and female mice at the morphological, cellular, and molecular levels. Adult mice of the C57BL/6 strain were fed standard chow or an HFD for 20 weeks.

Osteoporosis among Postmenopausal Women in Jordan: A National Cross-Sectional Study.

Osteoporosis is considered a widespread health problem that affects senior citizens, particularly older women, after the menopause. This national study aimed to estimate the prevalence of osteoporosis among Jordanian postmenopausal women and to determine the association of demographic and nutritional factors, such as calcium and vitamin D supplement intake, with osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 884 postmenopausal women aged ≥50 years.

Jordan's Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP): A Reflection on COVID-19 Response.

The COVID-19 pandemic made it clear to the world that better preparedness for future pandemics is paramount. This study aims to explore how the 2018 Jordan's Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) assessment plan (conducted utilizing a standardized tool of the CDC National Inventory of Core Capabilities for Pandemic Influenza Preparedness and Response) reflected on the initial COVID-19 response. A qualitative, single intrinsic case study design, utilizing interpretivist approach, was utilized to interview subject-matter experts and explore the potential reflection of PIP assessment on COVID-19 response.

Correlation between vitamin D and serum brain derived neurotropic factor levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) currently ranks as the most common endocrine disorder worldwide. Current opinion views DM as a group of heterogeneous metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia triggered by defects in the ability of the body to produce or use insulin in type 1 and 2 DM, respectively. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), one of the neurotrophin family of growth factors, has been linked to the pathogenesis of DM and insulin resistance.

Parental Willingness to Vaccinate Their Children Against SARS-CoV-2 in Jordan: An Explanatory Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Successful control of the COVID-19 pandemic is largely dependent on vaccine administration to epidemiologically influential groups, including children. Considering that pediatric population comprises a significant portion on the population in developing countries, and their risk of infection and spreading the disease has been underestimated, it is crucial to investigate parental willingness to administer SARS-CoV-2 vaccine to their children between 5 and 11 years old. This study investigates the prevalence and determinants of parental willingness towards vaccinating their children (5-12 years old) against COVID-19 in a developing country setting, Jordan.

Single Nucleotide Polymorphism in the Gene Modifies Adiponectin Levels and Glycemic Control in Type Two Diabetes Mellitus Patients.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is the ninth leading cause of death worldwide. Mortality from DM is largely attributed to disease complications. Glycemic control of DM patients reduces mortality.

Isolated tectal cavernomas: A comprehensive literature review with a case presentation.

Intracranial cavernous angiomas or cavernomas (ICCs) are abnormal blood-filled vasculatures made of mono-endothelial layer and characterized by their bubble-like caverns. Brainstem cavernomas (BSCs) is a critical form of ICCs since slight changes in the lesion can result in devastating or life-threatening outcomes. We hereby present a rare case of BSC developed in the mesencephalic tectum with intraventricular bleeding and Parinaud's Syndrome.

Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene and Infection Prevention and Control in Jordanian Hospitals in the Context of COVID-19: A National Assessment.

Purpose: To identify areas that need improvement in Jordanian health centers regarding infection prevention and control (IPC) programs; water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services; and other protective measures, especially in the context of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Methods: This is a national assessment study that comprised hospitals of different sectors in Jordan, including, Ministry of Health (MoH), private, and military hospitals. The study included 23 Jordanian hospitals.

Perceptions of primary healthcare physicians in Jordan of their role in the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Following the remarkable spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), worldwide, it quickly became apparent that many public health systems worldwide were not prepared to manage such a pandemic. We aimed to assess the perceptions of primary care physicians (PCPs) in Jordan towards their role during COVID-19.

Methods: A cross-sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire was performed.