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After the advent of 2D eye imaging technology, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) became one of the most effective and commonly used imaging techniques for non-invasive retinal eye disease evaluation. Blindness is primarily diagnosed using OCT with one of the following two eye diseases categories: diabetic macular edema (DME) or age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The classification of eye retina diseases using OCT images recently became a challenge with the development of machine teaching and profound learning techniques. In this paper, a hybrid artificial intelligence system for multiclass classification of eye retina diseases using automated deep features extracted using Advanced OCT Network (AOCTNet) CNN architecture from OCT images especially spectral domain (SD-OCT) images have been proposed. The proposed methodology mainly can be used to classify retinal diseases into normal and four abnormal classes (AMD, choroidal neovascularization (CNV), DME, and Drusen) retinal disease. The proposed system constructed using eight types of machine learning algorithms, all of which achieved high performance overall. This methodology is a potentially powerful computer aided diagnostic (CAD) tool for the use of SD-OCT imaging for retinal diseases.

Background: Virus nanoparticles have been extensively studied over the past decades for theranostics applications. Viruses are well-characterized, naturally occurring nanoparticles that can be produced in high quantity with a high degree of similarity in both structure and composition. Objectives: The plant virus Cowpea Mosaic Virus (CPMV) has been innovatively used as a nanoscaffold. Utilization of the internal cavity of empty Virus-Like Particles (VLPs) for the inclusion of therapeutics within the capsid has opened many opportunities in drug delivery and imaging applications. Methods: The encapsidation of magnetic materials and anticancer drugs was achieved. SuperscriptCPMV denotes molecules attached to the external surface of CPMV and CPMVSubscript denotes molecules within the interior of the capsid. Results: Here, the generation of novel VLPs incorporating iron-platinum nanoparticles TCPMVFePt and cisplatin (Cis) (TCPMVCis) is reported. TCPMVCis exhibited a cytotoxic IC50 of TCPMVCis on both A549 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines of 1.8 μM and 3.9 μM, respectively after 72 hours of incubation. The TCPMVFePt were prepared as potential MRI contrast agents. Conclusions: Cisplatin loaded VLP (TCPMVCis) is shown to enhance cisplatin cytotoxicity in cancer cell lines with its potency increased by 2.3-folds.

Terrestrial carbonate deposits are common in both natural and human-modified landscapes in Petra and its surroundings. Three broad genetic categories are recognized: cementations of pre-existing clastics (veins, crusts, cemented cobbles); free-water deposits (Massive Laminated Deposits (MLD), rhizoliths, carbonate blisters, coatings on archaeological water delivery systems), and pedogenic deposits (nodules, calcrete). The oxygen isotopic composition of carbonates suggests mainly precipitation from stored water that reflects the weighted isotopic average of rainfall in the area. Oxygen and carbon isotope data indicate that a combination of evaporation and CO2 degassing are the mechanisms for precipitation, depending on the setting and climate at the time of deposition. Strontium isotopes of carbonates point to an aeolian source (from adjacent sources) for the calcium. The cementations of pre-existing clasts are both markers of previous base levels in the case of cemented cobbles, and the presence of soil above impermeable bedrock in the case of crusts and veins. These types of deposits help to discover previously terraced sites. The open water deposits reflect humid Pleistocene conditions, and their presence inform on the extent and distribution of water resources that may have been available in the Late Pleistocene and early Holocene.

Oil shale deposits with over 70 billion tons of proven reserves are considered one of Jordan's most important sources of energy. The current study investigated the mineralogy, geochemistry, and spectral characteristics of the Wadi Abu Ziad oil shales in northern Jordan. The mineralogical composition of the collected samples was analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD). Total organic matter (TOM) and calcium carbonate (CaCO3) contents were also determined. The spectral characteristics of oil shales were examined using a GER 3700 Spectroradiometer (0.35 to 2.5 µm) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) (4000 to 400 cm−1). XRD analysis revealed that the samples are composed primarily of quartz, calcite, and apatite. The average TOM and CaCO3 contents in the study area are 13.91% and 16.73%, respectively. The absorption features of oil shale samples are at 1.41 µm and 1.90 µm (H2O), 1.76 µm (C–H), 2.20 µm (Al–OH), and 2.33 µm (CO3). The FTIR absorption spectrum exhibits the absorption bands that characterize kaolinite, quartz (SiO2), calcite (CaCO3), and organic compounds in the oil shale samples. Spectroscopic analysis is a useful tool for identifying the mineralogical composition of oil shales and helps oil shale exploration using multispectral and hyperspectral remote sensing data.

BackgroundThe neuropeptide substance P is a potential biomarker and therapeutic target in cancer. The main objectives of this study were to investigate the expression level of substance P in different breast cancer molecular subtypes and identify its association with clinicopathological parameters of patients and with Ki-67 index.MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed for a total of 164 paraffin-embedded breast cancer tissue samples [42 Her2/neu-enriched, 40 luminal A, 42 luminal B (triple-positive) and 40 triple negative subtypes]. The tissue microarray slides containing specimens were used to determine the expression of substance p and Ki-67 by immunohistochemical staining.ResultsThe mean age of the cohort was 51.35 years. Twenty two percent of cases had low substance P expression levels (TS ≤ 5), while 78% had high expression levels (TS > 5). A significant association was found between SP expression level and breast cancer molecular subtype (p = 0.002), TNM stage (p = 0.034), pN stage (p = 0.013), axillary lymph node metastasis (p = 0.004), ER and PR statuses (pConclusionSP is overexpressed in most of the analyzed tissues and has a negative prognostic value in the breast cancer patients. Besides substance P is a potential therapeutic target in breast cancer.

Purpose: Calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) has been associated with breast cancer metastasis to the bone. Targeting chemoattractant factors, such as calcium, that are released in response to bone resorption could prevent metastasis and induce apoptosis of cancer cells. In the present study, we investigated the potential caspase 3/7 activation following treatment with a CaSR antagonist, NPS-2143, in breast cancer cells. In addition, the effects of NPS-2143 on breast cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion were assessed. Methods: Colorimetric MTT assay was used to evaluate cell viability. Apo-one homogeneous caspase-3/7 assay was used to measure caspase 3/7 activities in breast cancer cells. Cell migration and invasion were assessed using scratch wound assay and matrigel invasion chambers, respectively. The protein expressions of p-ERK1/2, integrin β1 and Bcl-2 were evaluated using western blotting. Results: Our study revealed that NPS-2143 significantly reduced cell proliferation with half maximal (50%) inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 4.08 and 5.71 µM in MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells, respectively. NPS-2143 induced caspase 3/7 activation in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells which was accompanied with a remarkable reduction in the expression of Bcl-2 antiapoptotic protein. NPS-2143 suppressed migratory and invasive abilities of MDA-MB-231 cells with a significant reduction in the expression of p-ERK1/2 and integrin β1 proteins. Conclusion: Our study confirms the ability NPS-2143 to suppress proliferative, migratory and invasive effects of breast cancer cells which was accompanied by caspase 3/7 activation and suggests the potential of NPS-2143 as a promising anti-cancer molecule in breast cancer.

Oil shale deposits of the mid-Eocene Wadi Shallala Formation in northern Jordan consist of organic-rich limestones and chalks. These organic-rich deposits are exposed at the surface near Wadi Ash Shajara, in a 12-m-thick outcrop. For this study, a total of 21 oil shale samples were analysed for bulk elemental geochemistry, inorganic geochemistry, organic geochemistry and microfacies analysis. Three microfacies types were recognised: pelagic mudstone/wackestone, foraminiferal packstone and bioclastic packstone/wackestone. The observed cyclicity of these microfacies in the study area indicates fluctuations in depositional conditions in Neo-Tethys during the mid-Eocene. A shallow-water, calm, restricted marine environment with limited water circulation and low energy currents evolved into a deeper-water environment with open circulation at or just below the wave base. Wadi Shallala Formation in Wadi Ash Shajara composes mainly of chalk (CaCO3 = ~92 wt%) with a TOC of up to 5 wt % and comprises abundant calcareous nannofossils, foraminifera and ostracods as well as non-clastic components like calcitic fragments. The sulphur content of the analysed samples is significant (1.24 wt %) and is associated with the organic matter. Redox-sensitive elements (Fe, Ni, Zn, S and Zr) are enriched in the oil shale samples, indicating an anoxic depositional environment fluctuating between euxinic and sub-euxinic. These fluctuations in depositional conditions of the basin are a result of many factors such as climate, and tectonisms affected deposition of oil shales during Middle Eocene time.

Carbonate rocks represent significant aquifers and reservoir rocks in many parts of the world. In this study, twenty-one carbonate samples collected from the exposed rocks at Batroun and Chekka, northern Lebanon, are studied to investigate their lithological characteristics, nannofossil content, and their acoustic and petrophysical properties. Four microfacies are recognized in the studied rocks including packstone, wackstone, wack-mudstone, and the wack-packstone. Nannofossils are detected in the top part of the studied section indicating marine-type depositional conditions for the upper Cretaceous carbonate rocks. The Petrographic analysis revealed also that the studied rocks have moderate to high porosity which is consistent with the measured porosity on core samples. The low porosity of some samples is induced by cementation, which also reduced their permeability. The bulk density varies widely because of the many diagenetic processes that impacted the studied rocks. Moreover, because the primary and secondary wave velocities (Vp, and Vs) are greatly influenced by porosity and density, the samples exhibit extreme variations in acoustic velocities from low values which characterize soft, highly-porous, rocks to higher velocities which are characteristic of compact, massive, and highly-cemented carbonates. Some relationships between the measured petrophysical and acoustic parameters are studied to investigate their mutual dependence, and discuss the impacts of rock composition and diagenetic alterations on the petrophysical properties of the collected rocks. The obtained results are also important in characterizing their mechanical strength, and in the analysis of seismic reflection profiles acquired for equivalent offshore limestone reservoirs in the Levant and the Eastern Mediterranean regions.

Transport and acoustic measurements have been conducted on fifteen rock samples collected from central Lebanon to characterize the rock properties and to assess the impact of lithology, pore types, pore sizes, and textural parameters on the storage capacity and elastic characteristics. The spontaneous imbibition of selected samples was examined by detecting the moving capillary front across a sample. The coefficient of capillarity derived from the spontaneous imbibition is positively correlated with permeability. Seismic velocities in the studied rocks vary widely and are positively correlated with the rock density. Matrix-supported rocks with a larger proportion of micropores have lower seismic wave velocities, whereas the grain-supported carbonates exhibit low to moderate porosity and higher acoustic velocities. The elastic properties of the studied carbonates indicate a granular, rather than a crystalline, texture for the majority of the studied rocks. The widely variable elastic behavior of basically carbonate rocks implies that seismic reflection profiles in carbonate sequences may contain seismic reflections that do not result from non-carbonate intercalations but which result mainly from variable porosity, pore types, and shapes in the carbonate rocks themselves. This study provides important information on the textural, petrophysical, and elastic properties of carbonate rocks which are crucial for the assessment and understanding of the seismic reflection sections in subsurface carbonate reservoirs.

We conducted several petrophysical and acoustic measurements on 49 core samples collected from the Jurassic and Cretaceous strata exposed at west central Lebanon to evaluate their petrophysical and elastic properties and study the effects of the depositional conditions, sediment composition, and subsequent diagenetic processes on the measured parameters. First, these rocks were petrographically studied to identify their facies, porosity, and the main diagenetic features. In addition, these rocks were investigated under the scanning electron microscope (SEM) and by the X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis to identify their mineralogy. The petrophysical measurements were performed on the core samples where porosity, permeability, bulk, and grain densities were first determined, followed by measuring the seismic wave velocities under dry and water-saturation conditions. Both carbonates and siliciclastics are encountered in the studied formations. The SEM and XRD analyses revealed that the main constituting minerals are quartz, calcite and dolomite. The studied rocks have generally low to moderate porosity and very low permeability with averages of 0.05, and 0.31 mD, respectively. The bulk density is moderate to high and varies narrowly between 2.03 and 2.79 with an average of 2.64 g/cm3, whereas the average grain density is 2.77 g/cm3. The average primary and secondary wave velocities (Vp and Vs) are 4263, and 2323 m/s, respectively, with an average Vp/Vs of 1.83. Water-saturation has significantly impacted the elastic properties of the studied rocks. From the obtained measurements, we further calculated the elastic coefficients of the studied rocks and constructed several relationships between the measured properties to investigate their mutual interdependence and evaluate the effects of porosity, rock composition, depositional and diagenetic processes on the rock characteristics. We found that some samples, mainly carbonates, deviate significantly from the expected porosity-velocity and density-velocity trends. Originally present micro- and intercrystalline pores and characteristic diagenetic processes in these carbonate rocks, and possibly coring-induced microcracking in few samples, may account for the observed outliers.

Ahmed Al-Dwairi,1 Tamara E Alqudah,1 Othman Al-Shboul,1 Mohammad Alqudah,1 Ayman G Mustafa,2 Mahmoud A Alfaqih1 1Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan; 2Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan Background: Intestinal smooth muscle cells (SMCs) undergo substantial morphological, phenotypic, and contractile changes during inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). SMCs act as a source and target for different inflammatory mediators, however their role in IBD pathogenesis is usually overlooked. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an incretin hormone reported to exert multiple anti-inflammatory effects in different tissues including the gastrointestinal tract through various mechanisms. Aim: The aim of this research is to explore the effect of GLP-1 analog exendin-4 on the expression and secretion of inflammatory markers from mouse colon smooth muscle cells (CSMCs) after stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Materials and methods: Freshly isolated CSMCs from male BALB/c mice were cultured in DMEM and treated with vehicle, LPS (1 µg/mL), LPS+exendin-4 (50 nM), or LPS+exendin-4 (100 nM) for 24 h. Expression of inflammatory cytokines was then evaluated by antibody array membrane. Results: CSMCs showed basal expression of several cytokines which was enhanced with the induction of inflammation by LPS. However, exendin-4 (50 and 100 nM) significantly (p

In this study, oil shale samples were collected from Late Cretaceous Muwaqaar Chalk Marl Formation (MCM) in Jordan to study their petrologic and organic geochemical properties. Pyrolysis and bulk kinetic techniques were performed on the Late Cretaceous oil shales. The results of this study were used to characterize the different organofacie types in the Late Cretaceous oil shales and their effect on the petroleum type generated during thermal maturation and the temperature of petroleum generation. On the basis of the geochemical results, the analysed Late Cretaceous oil shales contain predominantly Type II and rarely Type I kerogens. These kerogens are consistent with the high dominate of sapropel organic matter (i.e., alginite and amorphous organic matter). A good correlation is noted between increasing abundance of organic matter and the kerogen type that was derived from an open pyrolysis–gas chromatography (Py–GC). The Py–GC data indicate the analysed oil shale samples contain heterogeneous organic matter of the kerogen Type II-S. It is interesting to know that this sulphur-rich kerogen (Type II-S) can generate high sulphur oils at low maturity ranges. This is consistent with the predicted temperature petroleum generation from bulk kinetic models. The bulk kinetic models in this study indicate that the main phase of petroleum formation from the thermally immature Late Cretaceous oil shales occur between 122 and 148 °C. These temperature values of the petroleum generation are generally consistent with the kerogen type II-S and further indicate that the analysed oil shale samples can generate sulfur-rich oils at early stage of kerogen cracking.

Neurotrophins are present in the gastrointestinal tract where they participate in the survival and growth of enteric neurons, augmentation of enteric circuits, elevation of colonic myoelectrical activity and also in different aspects of colitis. Previous studies largely focused on the role of neural and mucosal neurotrophins in gut inflammation. The expression of neurotrophins in colonic smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and the interactions of this potential source with colitis has not been studied in the gut. The expression of NGF, BDNF, NT-3 and NT-4 in SMCs from longitudinal and circular muscle layers of rat colon from normal and dextran sodium sulphate (DSS)-induced colitis rats was measured by ELISA. NGF, BDNF, NT-3 and NT-4 are differentially expressed in both longitudinal and circular SMCs, where the expressions of BDNF and NT-4 proteins were greater in SMCs from the longitudinal muscle layer than from the circular muscle layer, while NGF protein expression was greater in circular SMCs and NT-3 expression was equal in cells from both muscle layers. Induction of colitis with DSS significantly alters neurotrophins expression pattern in colonic SMCs. NGF levels upregulated in circular SMCs. BDNF level was increased in DSS-induced colitis in longitudinal SMCs. NGF, NT-3 and NT-4 levels were downregulated in longitudinal SMCs of DSS-induced colitis rats' colon. Disturbances of neurotrophins expression in SMCs resulted from colitis might account for the structural and functional changes in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as loss of innervation and characteristic hypercontractility of longitudinal muscle in IBD.

Hibernation is a biological phenomenon enabling animals to endure hypothermia. This study was designed to find the changes in myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoforms and their relationship to calcium sensitivity in frog ventricular muscle during hibernation. MHC profile was determined by SDS-4% polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in active and hibernating frogs for different intervals of time (10, 20, 30, and 60 days). Calcium sensitivity of Triton-skinned ventricular muscle fiber bundles was determined. Compared with active and hibernated frogs for 10 and 20 days, hibernated frogs for 30 and 60 days expressed significant amount (p

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health problem that develops in a proportion of individuals after experiencing a potential life-threatening traumatic stress event. Edaravone is a free radical scavenger, with a neuroprotective effect against cognitive impairment in several animal models. In the present study, the protective effect of edaravone on PTSD-induced memory impairment was investigated. Single prolonged stress was used as an animal model of PTSD, comprising 2 h of restrain, 20-min forced swimming, 15-min rest, and 1-2-min diethyl ether exposure. Concurrently, edaravone was given at a dose of 6 mg/kg/day, intraperitoneally, for 21 days. The radial arm water maze was used to assess learning and memory. Antioxidant biomarkers were measured in hippocampus tissues. Chronic administration of edaravone prevented impairment of short-term and long-term memory. Edaravone also prevented the stress-induced decrease in the ratio of reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione and the activities of glutathione peroxidase and catalase enzymes in the hippocampus, as well as increases in the levels of oxidized glutathione and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. In conclusion, edaravone ameliorated oxidative stress and cognitive impairment associated with a PTSD model, probably by supporting antioxidant mechanism in the hippocampus.

Summary We conducted several petrophysical measurements on forty nine core samples collected from the Jurassic and Cretaceous strata exposed at west central Lebanon to evaluate their petrophysical and elastic properties and study the effects of the depositional conditions, sediment composition, and subsequent diagenetic processes on the measured parameters. First, these rocks were petrographically studied to identify the lithofacies, porosity, and the main diagenetic features. In addition, these rocks were investigated under the scanning electron microscope (SEM) and by the X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis to identify their mineralogy. The petrophysical measurements were performed on the core samples where porosity, permeability, bulk and grain densities were first determined, followed by measuring the seismic wave velocities. The main lithofacies of these rocks can be categorized mainly into carbonates and siliciclastics. The SEM and XRD analyses revealed that the main constituting minerals are calcite, quartz, dolomite, beside other accessory minerals. The studied rocks have generally low to moderate porosity, moderate to high bulk density, and very low permeability. The average Vp and Vs are 4263, and 2323 m/s, respectively, giving a Vp/Vs ratio of 1.83. We further calculated the elastic moduli of the studied rocks and established a number of relationships between the measured petrophysical and acoustic properties to examine their mutual interdependence and evaluate the effects of porosity, rock composition, depositional and diagenetic processes on the measured rock characteristics. We found that some samples, mainly carbonates, deviate significantly from the expected porosity-velocity and density-velocity trends. It is thought that coring-induced microcracking, originally-present micro- and intercrystalline pores in these carbonate rocks may account for these outliers.

Late Cretaceous oil shales, located in the Yarmouk sub-basin (North Jordan), were analysed using techniques of organic and inorganic geochemistry, coupled with a microfossil study. Results of this study were used to reconstruct the paleoenvironmental and paleoclimatic conditions during the Late Cretaceous and to investigate their influence on organic matter enrichment of the oil shale deposits. The analysed oil shales have high TOC and S total content values in the ranges of 2.11–12.85 wt.% and 1.83–8.81 wt.%, respectively. The high S total content and its relation with TOC values indicate that the sulfur is associated with organic matter and that the oil shales were deposited in a marine environment under reducing conditions. This is shown by petrographic observation and supported by biomarker distributions. The microscopic investigation indicated that the oil shales contain abundant liptinitic materials (i.e. alginite and amorphous organic matter) and planktonic foraminifera. The presence of these sapropelic materials and planktonic foraminifera assemblages further suggests a marine origin. Biomarker distributions are also known to reflect dominantly marine plankton/algal and microorganisms source input. Water column stratification and low oxygen (reducing) conditions are indicated by narrow Pr/Ph values, relatively high V/Ni elemental ratios and the presence of gammacerane. Reducing conditions contribute to preservation of organic matter. Warm-water periods during the Late Cretaceous are also indicated by dominant occurrences of warm water index microfossil taxa. The warm climate combined with elevated phosphorus (P) are the major causes of excessive algae growth, and led to enhanced biological productivity within the photic zone of the water column during deposition of the oil shale deposits. This increased bio-productivity in combination with good preservation of organic matter are the main mechanisms of organic matter enrichment within the Late Cretaceous oil shales in the north Jordan.

It is well known that pregnancy is associated with frequent gastrointestinal (GI) disorders and symptoms. Moreover, previous reports have shown that estrogen, which changes in levels during pregnancy, participates in the regulation of GI motility and is involved in the pathogenesis of various functional disorders in the stomach. The aim of the current study was to explore the changes in the expression of estrogen receptors (ERs) and examine the effect of estrogen on nitric oxide- (NO-) cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) pathway and thus relaxation in gastric smooth muscle cells (GSMC) during pregnancy. Single GSMC from early-pregnant and late-pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were used. Protein and mRNA expression levels of ERs were measured via specifically designed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), respectively. NO and cGMP levels were measured via specifically designed ELISA kits. Effect of estrogen on acetylcholine- (ACh-) induced contraction of single GSMC was measured via scanning micrometry in the presence or absence of the NO synthase inhibitor,N-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA), or guanylyl cyclase inhibitor, 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3,-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ). Estrogen increased both NO and cGMP levels and their levels were greater in early compared to late pregnancy. Expression of ERs was greater in early compared to late pregnancy. ACh induced greater contraction of GSMC in late pregnancy compared to early pregnancy. Estrogen inhibited ACh-induced contraction in both periods of pregnancy. Importantly, pretreatment of GSMC with either L-NNA or ODQ abolished estrogen inhibitory action on muscle contraction. In conclusion, GSMC contractile behavior undergoes drastic changes in response to estrogen during pregnancy and this might explain some of the pregnancy-associated gastric disorders.

Previous studies have shown that progesterone could inhibit muscle contraction in various sites of the gastrointestinal tract. The underlying mechanisms responsible for these inhibitory effects of progesterone are not fully known. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of progesterone on the nitric oxide (NO)/cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) pathway and muscle contraction in the stomach. Single gastric smooth muscle cells from female Sprague-Dawley rats were used. The expression of progesterone receptor (PR) mRNA was analyzed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. NO and cGMP levels were measured via specific ELISAs. Acetylcholine (ACh)-induced contraction of single gastric muscle cells preincubated with progesterone was measured via scanning micrometry in the presence or absence of the NO synthase inhibitor, Nω-Nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA), or guanylyl cyclase inhibitor, 1H-[1,2,4]Oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ), and expressed as percent shortening from resting cell length. PR expression was detected in the stomach muscle cells. Progesterone inhibited ACh-induced gastric muscle cell contraction. Furthermore, progesterone increased NO and cGMP levels in single gastric muscle cells. Most notably, pre-incubation of muscle cells with either L-NNA or ODQ abolished the inhibitory action of progesterone on muscle contraction. These present observations suggest that progesterone promotes muscle cell relaxation in the stomach potentially via the NO/cGMP pathway.

Obesity, a chronic condition associated with several life-threatening diseases, affects a significant proportion of the global population and has long been associated with vitamin D deficiency. The prevalence of both obesity and vitamin D deficiency has increased dramatically in Jordan in recent decades, especially among women. Few studies in Jordan and the surrounding area address this issue. In this study, we hypothesize that calcium and vitamin D have beneficial effects on weight reduction and metabolic profile in obese women. The objective of this study is to examine the effect of vitamin D3 and calcium supplementation on anthropometric measurements and some blood metabolites. Forty-five obese female subjects with vitamin D deficiency were recruited by a dietitian and randomly assigned to the same weight loss diet in addition to the following treatments (4 groups): control (CON), no prescribed supplements; vitamin D3 (Diet/D), given a high weekly dose of cholecalciferol (50 000 IU/subject/week); calcium (Diet/Ca), given 1200 mg/dL calcium/subject/day; vitamin D3 plus Ca (Diet/Ca/D), given cholecalciferol (50 000 IU/subject/week) and calcium (1200 mg/dL calcium/subject/day). Results revealed that after 3 months of supplementation, the Diet/Ca/D group subjects experienced a significant reduction (P ≤ .05) in weight (10.49 kg), BMI (4.61 ± 2 kg/m2), waist circumference (11.41 ± 8.9 cm), body fat percentage (2.43 ± 1.7%), FBG (25.81 ± 11.4 mg/dL), PTH (27.58 ± 8.9 pg/mL), cholesterol (0.56 ± 0.2 mmol/L), and triglycerides (0.53 ± 0.21 mmol/L) when compared to the Diet/Ca and the CON groups. Interestingly, however, the CON group showed a significant increase in serum PTH concentration (9.51 ± 3.8 pg/mL, P ≤ .05). Based on these results, a combined Ca and vitamin D3 supplement appears to enhance weight loss and improve some of the blood metabolic profiles in obese women subjected to a weight loss diet, thus supporting our study hypothesis.

Various gastrointestinal (GI) disorders have a higher prevalence in women than in men. In addition, estrogen has been demonstrated to have an inhibitory effect on the contractility of GI smooth muscle. Although increased plasma estrogen levels have been implicated in GI disorders, the role of gastric estrogen receptor (ER) in these sex-specific differences remains to be fully elucidated. The present study was designed to investigate the sex-associated differences in the expression of the two ER isoforms, ERα and ERβ, and the effect of estrogen on gastric muscle contraction via the nitric oxide (NO)/cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) pathway. Experiments were performed on single gastric smooth muscle cells (GSMCs) isolated from male and female Sprague Dawley rats. The effect of acetylcholine (ACh), a muscarinic agonist, on the contraction of GSMCs was measured via scanning micrometry in the presence or absence of 1 µM 17β-estradiol (E2), an agonist to the majority of ERs, 1,3,5-tris(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4-propyl-1H-pyrazole (PPT), an ERα agonist, or diarylpropionitrile (DPN), an ERβ agonist. The protein expression levels of ER subtypes in GSMCs were measured using a specifically designed ELISA. GSMCs from female rats had a higher expression of ERα and ERβ protein compared with GSMCs from males. ACh induced less contraction in female that in male GSMCs. Pre-treatment of GSMCs with E2 reduced the contraction of GSMCs from both sexes, but to a greater extent in those from females. PPT and DPN inhibited ACh-induced contraction in GSMCs from females. Furthermore, E2 increased NO and cGMP levels in GSMCs from males and females; however, higher levels were measured in females. Of note, pre-incubation of female GSMCs with Nω-nitro-L-arginine, a NO synthase inhibitor, or 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one, a guanylyl cyclase inhibitor, reduced the inhibitory effect of estrogen on GSMC contraction. In conclusion, estrogen relaxes GSMCs via an NO/cGMP-dependent mechanism, and the reduced contraction in GSMCs from females by estrogen may be associated with the sex-associated increased expression of ERα and ERβ, and greater production of NO and cGMP, compared with that in GSMCs from males.

Peroxynitrite is a reactive nitrogen species produced in the intravascular compartment from superoxide anion and nitric oxide. Peroxynitrite destroys blood plasma proteins and membranes of red blood cells and of platelets. This explains why excessive production of peroxynitrite contributes to diseases and to ageing. Therapeutics that antagonize peroxynitrite may delay ageing and the progression of disease. We developed an in vitro assay that allows the investigation of the oxidative damage caused by peroxynitrite in the intravascular compartment. This assay correlates the damage with the rate of formation of protein carbonyl groups, 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. Using this assay, we evaluated the ability of phenelzine, a scavenger of reactive aldehydes, to antagonize the effects of peroxynitrite. Herein, we showed that phenelzine significantly decreased the lipid peroxidative damage caused by peroxynitirite in blood plasma and platelets. Moreover, it inhibited carbonyl group and 3-NT formation in blood plasma and platelet proteins.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic incurable condition characterized by relapsing inflammation of the gut. Intestinal smooth muscle cells (SMCs) are affected structurally and functionally during IBD due to excessive production of different inflammatory mediators. Metformin is a widely used antidiabetic agent known to exert several anti-inflammatory effects in different tissues independently from its hypoglycemic effect. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of metformin on expression and secretion of different cytokines and chemokines from mouse colon SMCs (CSMCs) following induction of inflammation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in vitro. CSMCs from male BALB/c mice were isolated and cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium and treated with LPS (1 µg/ml) and 0, 5, 10 or 20 mM metformin for 24 h. Expression and secretion of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1α (IL-1α), macrophage colony stimulating factor (M-CSF), T cell activation gene-3 (TCA-3) and stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) was evaluated by ELISA. LPS-treated CSMCs demonstrated significantly increased expression of TNF-α, IL-1α, M-CSF, TCA-3 and SDF-1 when compared with the control group (P

Evidence of sex-related differences in gastrointestinal (GI) functions has been reported in the literature. In addition, various GI disorders have disproportionate prevalence between the sexes. An essential step in the initiation of smooth muscle contraction is the phosphorylation of the 20-kDa regulatory myosin light chain (MLC20) by the Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent myosin light chain kinase (MLCK). However, whether male stomach smooth muscle inherits different contractile signaling mechanisms for the regulation of MLC20 phosphorylation from that in females has not been established. The present study was designed to investigate sex-associated differences in the regulation of MLC20 phosphorylation and thus muscle contraction in gastric smooth muscle cells (GSMCs). Experiments were performed on GSMCs freshly isolated from male and female rats. Contraction of the GSMCs in response to acetylcholine (ACh), a muscarinic agonist, was measured via scanning micrometry in the presence or absence of the MLCK inhibitor, ML-7. Additionally, the protein levels of MLC20, MLCK and phosphorylated MLC20 were measured by ELISA. The protein levels of MLC20 and MLCK were indifferent between the sexes. ACh induced greater contraction (P

Sediment petrographic studies combined with carbon and oxygen stable-isotope analyses are considered to be powerful tools in deciphering the depositional and diagenetic history of carbonate rocks. These studies have been found valuable for understanding the environmental controls and global changes of climate and oceanography. Two cores of Eocene bituminous marls (OS-22 and OS-23) from central Jordan with thicknesses of 222.4 m and 256.3 m, respectively, were logged. A total of 103 thin sections were analyzed for sediment petrographic investigations. Another 295 bulk rock samples from Core OS-23 were selected for stable-isotope analysis (δ13C, δ18O). The two cores show similar lithologic variations that correspond to third-order sea-level changes. The sediment petrographic study reveals the presence of six major microfacies that range from mudstones to grainstones. The distribution of these six types of microfacies in the two cores indicates an overall shallow-marine environment in an interior carbonate-platform setting. Within this environment, conditions fluctuated between open and restricted marine. The stratigraphic variability of the carbon-isotope data of Core OS-23 reflects a highly dynamic depositional system that exhibits a variable rate of organic matter accumulation in the sediments, which can be directly linked to the interaction between primary organic-matter burial and oxidative weathering of reworked organic matter. Within the overall diagenetically controlled δ18Ocarb profile an excursion is observed for a specifically enriched organic matter interval. This excursion is believed to coincide with the Middle Eocene Climatic Optimum (MECO), suggesting that next to seawater, porewaters were influenced by this event and making it the first record of this event in the region.

Previous research has shown that smooth muscle of the stomach undergoes developmental changes in the intracellular regulatory mechanism responsible for the contractile process. Whether these developmental changes relate to differences in the expression and/or activity of the key enzymes regulating smooth muscle contraction has not been previously evaluated. Therefore, we aimed to examine the expression and activation of the small monomeric G protein "RhoA" and Rho kinase (ROCK) as well as their correlation with the contraction of gastric smooth muscle cells (GSMCs) in newborn vs. adult rats. Freshly isolated single GSMCs from Sprague-Dawley rats at 1 week (newborn) and 3 months (adult) of age were used in the study. Protein and mRNA expression levels of both ROCK2 and total RhoA were higher in adult compared to newborn rats. Moreover, acetylcholine (ACh)-induced contractions of GSMCs in adult rats were significantly higher than that in newborn animals. Meanwhile, ROCK and Rho activation was higher in adult stomach cells compared to newborn ones. Pretreatment of GSMCs with Y-27632, the ROCK inhibitor, significantly reduced ACh-induced contraction in both groups of cells and greatly abolished contractile differences. In conclusion, our results indicate that RhoA/ROCK pathway and contraction of stomach muscle cells are under developmental regulation.

The present article describes the use of promising green eco-friendly pectin natural polymer as successful corrosion inhibitor on the surface of aluminum metal in acidic media. The inhibition efficiency first increased linearly up to 2.0 g/L, and then it continues steady exponential increase until it reached plateau. The maximum inhibition efficiency obtained at 10 °C using pectin concentration = 8.0 g/L was ∼91%, whereas at 40 °C it severely declined to 31%. As pectin concentration increased, higher activation energy, enthalpy of activation and entropy of activation were obtained. In presence of 2.0 M HCl, the aluminum sheet showed longitudinal parallel grooves together with huge amount of irregular deep voids distributed along the sheet, whereas in the presence of inhibitor and acidic medium the number of deep voids diminished. The adsorption process was more favored at lower temperatures with larger negative standard free energy. Adsorption of pectin macromolecules on aluminum surface demonstrated proper Langmuir isotherm fit.

The processing techniques and materials utilized in the fabrication of a two-terminal electrostatically actuated micro-electro-mechanical (MEMS) cantilever-arrayed device used for radio frequency tuning applications are presented in this work. The process is based on silicon surface micromachining with spin-coated photoresist as the sacrificial layer placed underneath the electroplated gold structural material and an insulating layer of silicon dioxide. Silicon dioxide layer is deposited using plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition (PECVD), to avoid a short circuit between the cantilever and the bottom electrode. The fabrication process involves six major steps designed under controlled experiments. These includes the plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition of the silicon dioxide insulating layer, optical lithography to transfer photomask layer patterns, vacuum evaporation to deposit thin films of Titanium (Ti) and Gold (Au), electroplating of Au, the dry release of the cantilever beam arrays, and finally the wafer dicing to split the different micro devices. These process steps were each sub-detailed to give a total of fourteen micro-fabrication processes. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images taken on the final fabricated device that was dry released using oxygen plasma ashing to avoid stiction, showed twelve freely suspended micro-cantilevered beams suspended with an average electrostatic gap of 2.29±0.17 microns above a 4934±3 angstrom thick silicon dioxide layer. Preliminary dimensional measurements on the fabricated devices revealed that the cantilevers were at least 52.06±1.93 microns wide with lengths varying from 377.97±0.01microns to 1491.89±0.01 microns, and were at least 2.21±0.05 microns thick. These results were validated by design values.