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This study investigates the two-dimensional nonlinear complex coupled Maccari equations, which are significant in describing solitary waves concentrated in small spatial regions. These equations have applications across various fields, including hydrodynamics, nonlinear optics, and the study of sonic Langmuir solitons. Using the Bäcklund transformation, we explore a broad range of soliton solutions for this system, focusing on their spectral properties. The proposed method stands out for its simplicity and comprehensive results compared to traditional approaches. The obtained solutions are expressed in rigorous, trigonometric, and hyperbolic forms, providing deeper insights into the dynamics of the system. To enhance understanding, we present contour and three-dimensional graphical representations of the solutions. This study has potential applications in energy and industry by advancing the understanding of nonlinear wave phenomena, which are crucial in optimizing energy transfer processes and designing efficient systems in hydrodynamic and optical engineering. Additionally, the soliton solutions obtained here contribute to technologies in power transmission and high-speed optical communications, offering a foundation for innovations in sustainable energy systems and industrial applications.

Abstract Organic rich sedimentary rocks of the Late Cretaceous Muwaqqar Formation from the Lajjun outcrop in the Lajjun Sub-basin, Western Central Jordan were geochemically analyzed. This study integrates kerogen microscopy of the isolated kerogen from 10 oil shale samples with a new finding from unconventional geochemical methods [i.e., ultimate elemental (CHNS), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and pyrolysis–gas chromatography (Py–GC)] to decipher the molecular structure of the analyzed isolated kerogen fraction and evaluate the kerogen composition and characteristics. The optical kerogen microscopy shows that the isolated kerogen from the studied oil shales is originated from marine assemblages [i.e., algae, bituminite and fluorescence amorphous organic matter] with minor amounts of plant origin organic matter (i.e., spores). This finding suggests that the studied kerogen is hydrogen-rich kerogen, and has the potential to generate high paraffinic oil with low wax content. The dominance of such hydrogen-rich kerogen (mainly Type II) was confirmed from the multi-geochemical ratios, including high hydrogen/carbon atomic of more than 1.30 and high A-factor of more than 0.60. This claim agrees with the molecular structure of the kerogen derived from Py–GC results, which suggest that the studied kerogen is mainly Type II-S kerogen exhibiting the possibility of producing high sulphur oils during earlier stages of diagenesis, according to bulk kinetic modeling. The kinetic models of the isolated kerogen fraction suggest that the kerogen conversion, in coincidence with a vitrinite reflectance range of 0.55–0.60%, commenced at considerably lower temperature value ranges between 100 and 106 °C, which have produced oils during the early stage of oil generation. The kinetic models also suggest that the commercial amounts of oil can generate by kerogen conversion of up to 50% during the peak stage of oil window (0.71–0.83%) at relatively low geological temperature values in the range of 122–138 °C. Therefore, further development of the Muwaqqar oil shale successions is highly approved in the shallowly buried stratigraphic succession in the Lajjun Sub-basin, Western Central Jordan.

This study aims to employ the extended direct algebraic method (EDAM) to generate and evaluate soliton solutions to the nonlinear, space-time conformable Estevez Mansfield-Clarkson equation (CEMCE), which is utilized to simulate shallow water waves. The proposed method entails transforming nonlinear fractional partial differential equations (NFPDEs) into nonlinear ordinary differential equations (NODEs) under the assumption of a finite series solution by utilizing Riccati ordinary differential equations. Various mathematical structures/solutions for the current model are derived in the form of rational, exponential, trigonometric, and hyperbolic functions. The wide range of obtained solutions allows for a thorough analysis of their actual wave characteristics. The 3D and 2D graphs are used to illustrate that these behaviors consistently manifest as periodic, dark, and bright kink solitons. Notably, the produced soliton solutions offer new and critical insights into the intricate behaviors of the CEMCE by illuminating the basic mechanics of the wave's interaction and propagation. By analyzing these solutions, academics can better understand the model's behavior in various settings. These solutions shed light on complicated issues such as configuration dispersion in liquid drops and wave behavior in shallow water.

Background: Major depressive disorder is prevalent across different societies, affecting individuals from various cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. Dysregulation of the nitric oxide (NO) pathway and increased oxidative stress have been implicated as contributing factors. Purpose: This study aimed to explore the antidepressant potential of β-caryophyllene in a mouse model subjected to maternal separation stress, with a focus on its effects on oxidative stress and nitrite levels. Study Design: The research involved 40 male mice, which were divided into five groups. Methods: The control group received 1 ml/kg of normal saline, while the maternal separation (MS) groups were administered normal saline in conjunction with β-caryophyllene at doses of 10, 20, and 50 mg/kg. Various behavioral tests, including the open field test (OFT), forced swimming test (FST), and splash test, were employed to assess the impact of β-caryophyllene. Additionally, measurements of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), and nitrite levels in the hippocampus were conducted. Results: The findings demonstrated that maternal separation stress induced depressive-like behaviors in mice, as evidenced by increased immobility time in the FST and decreased grooming behavior in the splash test. Furthermore, MS was associated with elevated MDA and nitrite levels and reduced TAC in the hippocampus. However, administration of β-caryophyllene increased grooming activity in the splash test and decreased immobility time in the FST. Additionally, β-caryophyllene exhibited antioxidant properties, lowering MDA and nitrite levels while enhancing TAC in the hippocampus. Conclusion: These results suggest that β-caryophyllene may possess antidepressant-like effects in mice subjected to maternal separation, likely due to its antioxidant actions in the hippocampus.

In this work, the Extended Direct Algebraic Method (EDAM) is utilized to analyze and solve the fractional (2+1)-dimensional Conformable Broer-Kaup-Kupershmit System (CBKKS) and investigate different types of traveling wave solutions and study the soliton like-solutions. Using the suggested method, the fractional nonlinear partial differential equation (FNPDE) is primarily reduced to an integer-order nonlinear ordinary differential equation (NODE) under the traveling wave transformation, yielding an algebraic system of nonlinear equations. The ensuing algebraic systems are then solved to construct some families of soliton-like solutions and many other physical solutions. Some derived solutions are numerically analyzed using suitable values for the related parameters. The discovered soliton solutions grasp vital importance in fluid mechanics as they offer significant insight into the nonlinear behavior of the targeted model, opening the way for a deeper comprehension of complex physical phenomena and offering valuable applications in the associated areas.

This research represents a crucial step forward in the design and application of magnetized ternary hybrid nanofluids, paving the way for innovations in thermal management and medical treatment technologies. Optimization analysis of nanoscale heat transport for magnetized ternary hybrid bio nanofluid containing SiO2, TiO2, and Al2O3 nanoparticles over a three-dimensional wedge geometry is made in this article. Heat transport analysis is studied through thermal and joule heating effects and the ternary hybrid composition is chosen to leverage the combined thermal properties of the nanoparticles. Furthermore, detail streamlines of flow pattern are investigated for different physical parameters. Physical system is formulated with the system of Partial differential equation (PDEs) and it is processed with similarity transformation to convert it into system of ordinary differential equation (ODEs). Furthermore, Keller box scheme is applied to fetch its numerical solution and compared with finite element technique for validation and found smooth agreement.Temperature is increased with pressure gradient, shear strain and thermal radiation parameter. Magnitude of drag force is increasing with increasing Weissenberg number. For We = 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, skin friction increases in ternary nanofluid with 13 %,17 %, 21 %, 23 % and 26 % respectively. For β = 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, skin friction decreases in ternary nanofluid with 30 %,25 %, 20 %, 15 % and 10 % respectively.

Information systems have greatly enhanced companies’ capabilities to record, track, and measure performance. This study examines the factors influencing employees’ use of accounting information systems (AISs) in Sudan’s top five oil companies and investigates how these systems impact both financial and non-financial performance. Furthermore, it evaluates the effects of top management support, trust, training, technical support, and perceived ease of use on AIS usage, as well as its subsequent impact on company performance. Surveys of 215 employees collected data, and a structural equation model tested the hypotheses. The data supports three hypotheses concerning AIS usage factors. Notably, the study demonstrates that AIS usage significantly enhances both financial and non-financial performance. This article is notable for directly addressing the practical application of AISs and their impact on organisational financial and non-financial performance, highlighting the significant value of AIS implementation in the oil industry. The conclusion summarises the key findings and offers recommendations for future research in this area.

This paper provides several new traveling wave solutions for a nonlinear partial differential equation (PDE) by applying symbolic computation and a new approach, the Riccati–Bernoulli sub-ODE method, in a computer algebra system. Herein, employing the Bäcklund transformation, we solve a nonlinear PDE associated with nanobiosciences and biophysics based on the transmission line model of microtubules for nanoionic currents. The equation introduced here in this form is suitable for critical nanoscience concerns like cell signaling and might continue to explain some of the basic cognitive functions in neurons. We employ advanced procedures to replicate the previously detected solitary waves. We offer our solutions in graphical forms, such as 3D and contour plots, using Mathematica. We can generalize the elementary method to other nonlinear equations in physics, requiring only a few steps.

In the present research work, we construct and examine the self-similarity of optical solitons by employing the Riccati Modified Extended Simple Equation Method (RMESEM) within the framework of non-integrable Coupled Nonlinear Helmholtz Equations (CNHEs). This system models the transmission of optical solitons and coupled wave packets in nonlinear optical fibers and describes transverse effects in nonlinear fiber optics. Initially, a complex transformation is used to convert the model into a single Nonlinear Ordinary Differential Equation (NODE), from which hyperbolic, exponential, rational, trigonometric, and rational hyperbolic solutions are produced. In order to better understand the physical dynamics, we offer several 3D, contour, and 2D illustrations for the independent selections of physical parameter values. These illustrations highlight the graphic behaviour of some optical solitons and demonstrate that, under certain constraint conditions, acquired optical solitons lose their stability when they approach an axis and display periodic-axial perturbations, which lead to the generation of optical fractals. As a framework, the generated optical solitons have several useful applications in the field of telecommunications. Furthermore, our suggested RMESEM demonstrates its use by broadening the spectrum of optical soliton solutions, offering important insights into the dynamics of the CNHEs, and suggesting possible applications in the management of nonlinear models.

This study explores the application of advanced mathematical techniques to solve fractional differential equations, focusing particularly on the fractional diffusion equation. The fractional diffusion equation, used to simulate a range of physical and engineering phenomena, poses considerable difficulties when applied to fractional orders. Thus, by utilizing the mighty powers of fractional calculus, we employ the variational iteration method (VIM) with the Elzaki transform to produce highly accurate approximations for these specific differential equations. The VIM provides an iterative framework for refining solutions progressively, while the Elzaki transform simplifies the complex integral transforms involved. By integrating these methodologies, we achieve accurate and efficient solutions to the fractional diffusion equation. Our findings demonstrate the robustness and effectiveness of combining the VIM and the Elzaki transform in handling fractional differential equations, offering explicit functional expressions that are beneficial for theoretical analysis and practical applications. This research contributes to the expanding field of fractional calculus, providing valuable insights and useful tools for solving complex, nonlinear fractional differential equations across various scientific and engineering disciplines.

This research work employs a powerful analytical method known as the Riccati Modified Extended Simple Equation Method (RMESEM) to investigate and analyse chaotic soliton solutions of the (1 + 1)-dimensional Complex Quintic Swift–Hohenberg Equation (CQSHE). This model serves to describe complex dissipative systems that produce patterns. We have found that there exist numerous chaotic soliton solutions with periodic and axial perturbations to the intended CQSHE, provided that the coefficients are constrained by certain conditions. Furthermore, by applying a sophisticated transformation, the provided transformative approach RMESEM transforms CQSHE into a set of Nonlinear Ordinary Differential Equations (NODEs). The resulting set of NODEs is then transformed into an algebraic system of equations by incorporating the extended Riccati NODE to assume a series form solution. The soliton solutions to this system of equations can be found as periodic, hyperbolic, exponential, rational-hyperbolic, and rational families of functions. A variety of 3D and contour visuals are also provided to graphically illustrate the axially and periodically perturbed dynamics of these chaotic soliton solutions and the formation of fractals. Our findings are noteworthy because they shed light on the chaotic nature of the framework we are examining, enabling us to better understand the dynamics that underlie it.

Thermal radiations are extensively utilized in the medical sciences, and the investigation of thermal radiation combined with double diffusive phenomena is the burning research area because of its enormous applications in treatment of various diseases. Cilia play significant part in many physiological processes of animal and humans. A novel mathematical prodigy for Prandtl nanofluid with thermal radiations and double diffusion convection by implementing slip at boundaries is presented for cilia induce flow in an asymmetric microchannel. Mathematical scheme for the physiological flow is developed and then pertinent equations are designed exploiting low Reynolds number and long wavelength simplifications. Solution for the physiological nanofluid is gathered by emphasizing on the novel BVP4C technique in MATLAB and resulting outcomes are elaborated with aid of graphical illustrations. Pros and cons of various physical flow parameters like thermal slip parameters, Prandtl fluid parameters, Grashof parameter, Prandtl parameter , Brownian motion parameter, thermal radiation parameter, Brinkmann number, Soret parameter are examined on the velocity, magnetic force function, temperature profile, concentration and nanoparticles volume fraction. It is reported that slip parameter really effects the nanofluid transport within the ciliated microchannel, it reduces the fluid flow, diffusion phenomena of the nanoparticles in the ciliated microchannel surges when radiation parameter is strengthened. The reported investigation will be instrumental in heat radiation effect for regulation of blood circulation to cure the cancer tissues in multiple drug delivery systems and will pave the way for the designs of certain diagnostic and pharmacological devices.

Significance: Incorporation of nanoparticles in base fluid water is significant for analysis of thermal behavior of nanofluid mixtures, which has various applications in materials science and thermal engineering, and supervised neural scheme predicts the thermal behavior by solving Carreau nanofluid model. Motive: This article brings the investigation related to prediction of thermal transport of a ternary magnetized hybrid nanofluid [(Al2O3, CuO, TiO2)/H2O] with a three-dimensional Carreau nanofluid model over a wedge. Three nanoparticles dispersed in water (H2O). Inclined magnetic field is considered for judgement of velocity profile and thermal radiation is utilized to scrutinize the temperature distribution of nanofluid. The Carreau mathematical model is chosen to depict the rheological characteristics of non-Newtonian fluids at very high and very low shear rate. Methodology: Physical assumptions creates the system of Partial differential equations (PDEs) and these are converted into ordinary differential equations (ODEs) by similarity tool. Further ODEs are dealt with bvp4c scheme and further prediction of solution is made by Levenberg-Marquardt neural network (LM-NN) supervised neural scheme. Findings: Increased volume friction coefficients of nanoparticles increases the transport of heat. High inclined magnetic effect, thermal radiation, pressure gradient and shear strain parameter predict higher thermal transport.

The advancement in bio nanotechnology due to its enormous application in the field of biomedical, for instance in drug delivery systems, in vitro assessment, in bioimaging, cure of cancer tumor, laser therapy has emerged as burning topic among many researchers. Gold nanomaterials can be mingled in multiple shapes and dimensions. Because of having such significant features, gold nonmaterial can transmute excellently, heal the infected cells, and finish them. A EMHD gold-blood nanofluid transport characteristics in asymmetric vessel under the influence of ciliary mechanism that produces a metachronal rhythm is investigated. The pertinent equations of flow dynamics are encountered by relying on low Reynolds and long wavelength and Debye-Huckel simplifications. A computation study is carried out in MATLAB with novel BVP4C methodology. Impact of relevant parameters on flow dynamics thoroughly interrogated with the aid pictorial illustrations. It has been revealed the shape factor of Gold nanofluids really effect the flow dynamics in a ciliated microchannel and it has been established that Brick shape nanofluid has higher fluid velocity in comparison to platelets and cylindrical shaped nanofluid. The axial velocity experiences surge in the bulk flow regime of ciliary vessels for rising electroosmosis phenomena. Also, it can be concluded that nanoparticles temperature concentration, and microorganism profile surges with enhanced Brownian phenomena and turnaround is experienced for temperature ratio parameter.

The present investigation delves into the analysis of mass and thermal transmission during the peristalsis of a two phase flow of a Prandtl fluid, within a symmetric channel by considering entropy generation and minimization. The considered flow is examined by taking into account the impacts of electroosmotic effects through Electric Debye Layer (EDL) and chemical reactions followed by the lubrication theory approximation. Numerical solutions are acquired for the consequential differential equations through artificial neural networks (ANN) based fitness functions. The artificial neural networks (ANN) based fitness function optimized through hybrid evolutionary algorithms especially ABC (artificial bee colony) and NNA (neural network algorithm) like ANN-ABC-NNA. For the efficiency and validation of the algorithm we conduct the one hundred (100) independent runs. The obtained results through ANN-ABC-NNA are compared with the exact solutions for validation of results. In the present examination, the velocity profile is noticed to increase by the rise in the electroosmotic factor and solid particles concentration, while it decreases for the Prandtl fluid parameter. This research holds practical significance in diverse applications, particularly in the design and optimization of microfluidic devices.

The dynamical wave solutions of the time–space fractional Date–Jimbo–Kashiwara–Miwa (DJKM) equation have been obtained in this article using an innovative and efficient technique including the Riccati–Bernoulli sub-ODE method through Bäcklund transformation. Fractional-order derivatives enter into play for their novel contribution to the enhancement of the characterization of dynamic waves while providing better modeling ability compared to integer types of derivatives. The solutions of the above-mentioned time–space fractional Date–Jimbo–Kashiwara–Miwa equation have tremendous importance in numerous scientific scenarios. The regular dynamical wave solutions of the aforementioned equation encompass three fundamental functions: trigonometric, hyperbolic, and rational functions will be among the topics covered. These solutions are graphically classified into three categories: compacton kink solitary wave solutions, kink soliton wave solutions and anti-kink soliton wave solutions. In addition, to explore the impact of the fractional parameter (α) on those solutions, 2D plots are utilized, while 3D plots are applied to present the solutions involving the integer-order derivatives.

Abstract Background Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), a promising therapeutic target, can be mutated, amplified, or overexpressed in different malignancies, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Although these alterations showed adverse prognostic effects in many cancers, their clinical significance in NSCLC is controversial. This study primarily assessed the prevalence of HER2 protein expression in NSCLC among Jordanian patients. In addition, the possible association between HER2 protein expression and clinicopathological variables was evaluated. Methods A total of 100 surgically resected NSCLC cases treated at King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC) between 2009 and 2021 were examined for HER2 protein expression using immunohistochemistry (IHC). The American Society of Clinical Oncology/College of American Pathologists (ASCO/CAP) guidelines for breast cancer were applied to interpret the results with a final score ranging from 0 to 3+, considering a score of 3 + as overexpression. Additionally, a separate subset of patients was tested for HER2 gene mutation. Fisher’s exact test was used to assess the association between HER2 scores and the other variables. Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate survival. Results Of the 100 cases, Her2 overexpression (score 3+) was detected in 2 cases (2%), score 2 + in 10 cases (10%), score 1 + in 12 cases (12%), and score 0 in 76 cases (76%). The two positive cases were one adenocarcinoma and one squamous cell carcinoma; both patients were elderly male smokers. No significant association was identified between Her2 expression and age, gender, smoking, histological subtype, grade, stage, tumor size, and lymph node status. Our findings also showed no association between Her2 expression and survival; however, advanced tumor stages and positive lymph node metastasis were significantly associated with poor overall survival. All cases tested for the Her2 mutation were negative. Conclusions Her2 overexpression is uncommon in NSCLC among the Jordanian population. However, when the same scoring criteria are used, the rates are similar to other results found in Asian cohorts. Due to our study’s relatively small sample size, a larger one is required to investigate the prognostic value and the molecular associations between the different Her2 alterations.

Background and objectivesAnemia and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are common findings in diabetic patients. Lack of glycemic control is associated with increased risk of diabetic complications. This study aimed to determine the effect of poor glycemic control on the prevalence and determinants of anemia and CKD among type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients in Jordan.MethodsA cross-sectional study design was used in this research. T2DM patients with controlled diabetes (HbA1c ≤7.0%, n = 120) and age-, gender- and body mass index-matched uncontrolled diabetic patients (HbA1c >7.0%, n = 120) were recruited. Blood sample for HbA1c and serum insulin measurement were obtained. Complete blood count and kidney function test results were obtained from the patient's medical records. Anemia was determined according to World Health Organization criteria. A binomial logistic regression was performed to ascertain the effects of age, gender, CKD and glycemic control on the likelihood that participants have anemia.ResultsThe prevalence of anemia was significantly higher in the uncontrolled T2DM compared to controlled T2DM patients (40% vs 27.5%, OR: 2.14, 95% CI: 1.23, 3.71, P = 0.006). Female patients with uncontrolled T2DM had significantly greater prevalence of anemia compared to male patients with uncontrolled T2DM. The binomial logistic regression analysis showed that age, female gender, and CKD were positively associated with anemia in the multivariate model, while in the univariate model, lack of glycemic control increases the odds of anemia by 1.74 (95% CI: 1.01, 2.99, P = 0.046).ConclusionAnemia is commonly present among T2DM patients in Jordan and is associated with poor glycemic control especially in females. These results emphasize the necessity of including anemia screening in standard diabetes care to enable early detection and treatment of anemia and to enhance the overall care of diabetic patients.

This work aims to analyze the Casson thermal boundary layer flow over an expanding wedge in a porous medium with convective boundary conditions and ohmic heating. Moreover, the effects of porosity and viscous dissipation are studied in detail and included in the analysis. The importance of this study is due to its applications in biomedical engineering where the analysis of behavior of non-Newtonian blood flow in arteries and veins is desired. Within the context of blood flow, it is also applicable to many other fields, for instance, radiative therapy, MHD generators, soil machines, melt-spinning, and insulation processes. The modeled problem is a set of PDEs, which is nondimensionalized to derive a nonlinear boundary value problem (BVP). The obtained BVP is solved using the shooting technique, endowed with the order four Runge-Kutta and Newton methods. The impact of different parameters on the momentum and temperature fields is investigated along with two important parameters of physical significance, i.e., the Nusselt number and the surface drag force. Results are validated, and an excellent agreement is seen for the parameters of interest using MATLAB built-in function bvp4c. A significant finding is that by increasing the Casson liquid parameter, the velocity decreases as the wedge expands quicker than the free stream velocity at R=2. However, the velocity increases for the case when R=0.1. A decrease in the Darcy number increases the temperature profile. Furthermore, the convective parameter accelerated the heat transmission rate, and a rise in the Prandtl number thickens the thermal boundary layer. The findings of this investigation contribute to problems in fluid dynamics and heat transfer that involve studying the behavior of a non-Newtonian fluid with Casson rheological properties near a solid porous wedge surface.

This manuscript addresses the rational solutions of a (3+1)-dimensional Boiti–Leon–Manna–Pempinelli (BLMP) equation, emphasizing key aspects in response to specific questions. The study begins by elucidating the problem’s significance, highlighting the pursuit of rational solutions for the mentioned equation. The methodology involves obtaining the Hirota bilinear (HB) form through a transformative process. Furthermore, the analysis extends to the dimensionally reduced BLMP equation, specifically exploring lump and rogue wave-like (Rwl) solutions, along with the interaction between kink and lump solutions. The HB forms play a crucial role in this examination. Importantly, the solutions presented in this study are characterized as non-singular and localized. Visualizations of these solutions are instrumental in understanding the equation’s behavior, particularly how the solutions evolve under varying physical conditions. The outcomes are visually conveyed through 3D and surface graphs, offering a comprehensive representation for specific parameter values. In conclusion, this work contributes novel insights beyond previous efforts in the literature, showcasing the importance and advancements in the study of the (3+1)-dimensional BLMP equation.

AbstractThis study looked at 8760 Web of scientific research publications about digital learning in scientific education. The researchers discovered seven clusters with 59 affiliations, 36 keywords, and 135 authors from 28 countries using bibliometric and text analysis approaches. The study provides useful insights into the present status of digital learning literature, providing recommendations to scholars and educators in this sector. The research highlighted the use of technology to improve scientific teaching by evaluating the data. The findings have consequences for academics, educators, and policymakers, allowing them to better understand current research and propose prospective topics for future study in digital learning in scientific education.

Background and Objectives: Human papillomavirus (HPV) was previously investigated in lung cancer with wide inter-geographic discrepancies. p16INK4a has been used as a surrogate for detecting high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) in some cancer types. This study assessed the evidence of HPV in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) among Jordanian patients, investigated the expression of p16INK4a, and evaluated its prognostic value and association with HPV status. Materials and Methods: The archived samples of 100 patients were used. HPV DNA detection was performed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). p16INK4a expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The Eighth American Joint Committee on Cancer protocol (AJCC) of head and neck cancer criteria were applied to evaluate p16INK4a positivity considering a moderate/strong nuclear/cytoplasmic expression intensity with a distribution in ≥75% of cells as positive. Results: HPV DNA was detected in 5% of NSCLC cases. Three positive cases showed HR-HPV subtypes (16, 18, 52), and two cases showed the probable HR-HPV 26 subtype. p16INK4a expression was positive in 20 (20%) NSCLC cases. None of the HPV-positive tumors were positive for p16INK4a expression. A statistically significant association was identified between p16INK4a expression and the pathological stage (p = 0.029) but not with other variables. No survival impact of p16INK4a expression was detected in NSCLC cases as a group; however, it showed a statistically significant association with overall survival (OS) in squamous cell carcinoma (SqCC) cases (p = 0.033). Conclusions: This is the first study to assess HPV and p16INK4a expression in a Jordanian population. HPV positivity is rare in NSCLC among a Jordanian subpopulation. P16 INK4a reliability as a surrogate marker for HPV infection in lung cancer must be revisited.

BackgroundYouTube is considered one of the most popular sources of information among college students. ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the use of YouTube as a pathology learning tool and its relationship with pathology scores among medical students at Jordanian public universities. MethodsThis cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study included second-year to sixth-year medical students from 6 schools of medicine in Jordan. The questionnaire was distributed among the students using social platforms over a period of 2 months extending from August 2022 to October 2022. The questionnaire included 6 attributes. The first section collected demographic data, and the second section investigated the general use of YouTube and recorded material. The remaining 4 sections targeted the participants who used YouTube to learn pathology including using YouTube for pathology-related content. ResultsAs of October 2022, 699 students were enrolled in the study. More than 60% (422/699, 60.4%) of the participants were women, and approximately 50% (354/699, 50.6%) were second-year students. The results showed that 96.5% (675/699) of medical students in Jordan were using YouTube in general and 89.1% (623/699) were using it as a source of general information. YouTube use was associated with good and very good scores among the users. In addition, 82.3% (575/699) of medical students in Jordan used YouTube as a learning tool for pathology in particular. These students achieved high scores, with 428 of 699 (61.2%) students scoring above 70%. Most participants (484/699, 69.2%) reported that lectures on YouTube were more interesting than classic teaching and the lectures could enhance the quality of learning (533/699, 76.3%). Studying via YouTube videos was associated with higher odds (odds ratio [OR] 3.86, 95% CI 1.33-11.18) and lower odds (OR 0.27, 95% CI 0.09-0.8) of achieving higher scores in the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system courses, respectively. Watching pathology lectures on YouTube was related to a better chance of attaining higher scores (OR 1.96, 95% CI 1.08-3.57). Surprisingly, spending more time watching pathology videos on YouTube while studying for examinations corresponded with lower performance, with an OR of 0.46 (95% CI 0.26-0.82). ConclusionsYouTube may play a role in enhancing pathology learning, and aiding in understanding, memorization, recalling information, and obtaining higher scores. Many medical students in Jordan have positive attitudes toward using YouTube as a supplementary pathology learning tool. Based on this, it is recommended that pathology instructors should explore the use of YouTube and other emerging educational tools as potential supplementary learning resources.

Electric grid continually monitors spatiotemporal data from sparse service areas. As power systems grow and get more complex, and with the deployment of more sensors and data collection capabilities, monitoring and analyzing data streams for outage prediction will get more complicated. In addition, the burden on human operators to analyze such data is getting challenging. Furthermore, climate change introduces new challenges to power grid reliability and makes the human grid operators’ task more critical. To address some of these challenges, this research proposes a novel model to jointly predict power grid outages and discover precursors from spatiotemporal data using multi-level data. The new method utilizes multi-task learning (MTL) and multi-instance learning (MIL) to jointly predict outages and learn event precursors. This is achieved by introducing distance-aware self-attention to capture relationships between locations and improve event detection and precursor discovery while utilizing multi-level data (local weather data, global demand, and forecast data) in a sparse setting. Experiments are conducted using five years of data collected in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. The proposed methodology achieves an Area Under the Precision-Recall Curve (AU-PRC) of 0.97 using 12 hours of data before the event. Experiments showed that the proposed model could predict events several hours ahead with high accuracy, where such early predictions allow grid operators to deploy outage mitigation plans. In addition, the new framework effectively discovers spatiotemporal precursors for power outages. Grid operators can use such event precursors to help mitigate outages and improve grid reliability.

Electric power system operators monitor large multi-modal data streams from wide service areas. The current data setups stand to get more complex as utilities add more smart-grid sensors to collect additional data from power system substations and other in-situ locations. We propose a methodology to utilize multi-modal data for automated power system fault prediction, and precursor discovery that takes advantage of not only the utility owned measurements but also an abundance of data from other related databases such as weather observation systems. The process is automated to help operators analyze multi-modal data that may be impossible to process manually due to the size and variety. We automatically preprocess multi-source data and learn a joint latent representation from collocated streamed, sparse, and high-dimensional data collected from Phasor Measurement Units and external weather data. Then we utilize multi-instance learning to predict events and discover precursors simultaneously without relying on post-mortem studies of fault signatures. We apply the proposed methodology to provide early predictions of faults in the U.S. Western Interconnection. AU-ROC of 0.94 is achieved in predicting events by utilizing information 5 hours before event time using season-specific models. We show how precursors can be extracted from multi-modal data and interpreted for predicted events.

Abstract Background Spontaneous idiopathic testicular hemorrhage is an extremely rare entity with few published reports in the literature. Case presentation We report a case of a 15-year-old boy who had been experiencing intense, left scrotal pain for the previous twelve hours. No previous history of trauma or bleeding disorders. The left testis was enlarged and tender. Left orchiectomy was performed. The entire testis was dusty and dark grossly. Microscopic sections show diffuse intratesticular bleeding with intact seminiferous tubules and spermatogenesis. Conclusions Spontaneous idiopathic testicular hemorrhage should be considered when evaluating patients with acute scrotal pain. Clinical and ultrasonographic findings and histopathologic evaluation are mandatory to diagnose it.

Organic-rich shale rocks from the Paleocene–Eocene Palana Formation in western Rajasthan, India, were systematically investigated based on inorganic and organic geochemistry combined with microscopic examinations to evaluate the sedimentary paleoenvironmental conditions and volcanic activity and their impact on the high organic carbon accumulation. The Palana shales are categorized by high organic matter (OM) and sulfur contents, with total values up to 36.23 wt.% and 2.24 wt.%, respectively. The richness of phytoplankton algae (i.e., telalginite and lamalginite) together with redox-sensitive trace elements further suggests a marine setting and anoxic environmental conditions during the Paleocene–Eocene. The significant low oxygen conditions may contribute to enhancing the preservation of organic matter during deposition. The mineralogical and inorganic geochemical indicators demonstrate that the Palana organic-rich shale facies was accumulated in a warm and humid climate with moderate salinity stratification conditions in the water columns, thereby contributing to the high bioproductivity of the phytoplankton algae blooms within the photic zone. The presence of significant contents of zeolite derived from volcanic material together with silica minerals such as apophyllite and tridymite in most of the Palana organic-rich shales indicates a volcanic origin and supports hydrothermal activities during the Paleocene–Eocene period. These volcanic activities in this case are considered the influx of large masses of nutrients into the photic zone due to the ash accumulation, as indicated by the presence of the zeolites in the Palana shales. Therefore, the high bio-productivity associated with effective OM preservation led to the organic carbon accumulation in the Palana Formation during the Paleocene–Eocene.

In this paper, a new bio-inspired metaheuristic algorithm called Giant Armadillo Optimization (GAO) is introduced, which imitates the natural behavior of giant armadillo in the wild. The fundamental inspiration in the design of GAO is derived from the hunting strategy of giant armadillos in moving towards prey positions and digging termite mounds. The theory of GAO is expressed and mathematically modeled in two phases: (i) exploration based on simulating the movement of giant armadillos towards termite mounds, and (ii) exploitation based on simulating giant armadillos’ digging skills in order to prey on and rip open termite mounds. The performance of GAO in handling optimization tasks is evaluated in order to solve the CEC 2017 test suite for problem dimensions equal to 10, 30, 50, and 100. The optimization results show that GAO is able to achieve effective solutions for optimization problems by benefiting from its high abilities in exploration, exploitation, and balancing them during the search process. The quality of the results obtained from GAO is compared with the performance of twelve well-known metaheuristic algorithms. The simulation results show that GAO presents superior performance compared to competitor algorithms by providing better results for most of the benchmark functions. The statistical analysis of the Wilcoxon rank sum test confirms that GAO has a significant statistical superiority over competitor algorithms. The implementation of GAO on the CEC 2011 test suite and four engineering design problems show that the proposed approach has effective performance in dealing with real-world applications.

Local geological and tectonic processes have been pivotal in shaping the diverse sedimentation patterns observed in Jordan, forming sub-basins characterized by elevated organic matter content (TOC). This study aims to characterize the Maastrichtian basin, focusing on sedimentation rates using calcareous nannofossils and understanding paleoecological and paleo-oceanic conditions. It offers insights into the paleoenvironmental factors impacting oil shale deposition in the late Maastrichtian–Paleocene period. It employs classical biostratigraphical, semi-quantitative, and statistical methodologies to achieve its objectives of age determination and paleoecological insights. A total of 116 smear slides from two sites were obtained: the first, consisting of WA-1 (23 samples), WA-2 (18 samples), and WA-3 (11 samples), and the second, with 60 samples. Notably, the sites exhibit varying topography. WA-1 and WA-2, situated at lower elevations, have the highest Total Organic Carbon (TOC) levels, while areas with higher elevations in section four are visually identified by a light color. The study revealed varying patterns of calcareous nannofossil richness in the two investigated sites. These patterns were instrumental in defining biozones, with the utilization of marker species such as Lithraphidites quadratus, Micula murus, Micula prinsii, and Cruciplacolithus tenuis. Chronologically, these sections were classified as Maastrichtian–Paleogene, encompassing the following biozones in sequential order: UC-20a, UC-20b, UC-20c, UC-20d, and NP-2. Furthermore, the study identified two hiatus intervals, observed in sections WA-1 and KAS-1. The absence of certain biozones in the analyzed sections suggests that these sections correspond to distinct geological blocks within the basin, underscoring the role of tectonic forces during the deposition period. The sedimentation rate initially commenced at low levels but gradually increased due to topographic alterations. Notably, the biozone UC-20c demonstrated a clear trend toward warming and enhanced nutrient availability. In this context, the abundance and diversity of species were associated with increased continental influx into the sub-basin, resulting in rising nutrient levels and the number of calcareous nannofossils. This study enhances the understanding of the local and global effects such as tectonic and climates of the continuity of basins by deciphering calcareous nannofossil patterns and their correlation with sedimentation factors.

Transglutaminase (TG) isoforms control diverse normal and pathophysiologic processes through their capacity to cross-link extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Their functional and signalling roles in cardiac fibrosis remain poorly understood, despite some evidence of TG2 involvement in abnormal ECM remodelling in heart diseases. In this study, we investigated the role of TG1 and TG2 in mediating fibrotic signalling, collagen cross-linking, and cell proliferation in healthy fibroblasts by siRNA-mediated knockdown. siRNA for TG1, TG2 or negative control was transfected into cultured neonatal rat ventricular fibroblasts and cardiomyocytes. mRNA expression of TGs and profibrotic, proliferation and apoptotic markers was assessed by qPCR. Cell proliferation and soluble and insoluble collagen were determined by ELISA and LC-MS/MS, respectively. TG1 and TG2 were both expressed in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes and fibroblasts before transfection. Other TGs were not detected before and after transfection. TG2 was predominantly expressed and more effectively silenced than TG1. Knocking down TG1 or TG2 significantly modified profibrotic markers mRNA expression in fibroblasts, decreasing connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and increasing transforming growth factor-β1 compared to the negative siRNA control. Reduced expression of collagen 3A1 was found upon TG1 knockdown, while TG2 knockdown raised α-smooth muscle actin expression. TG2 knockdown further increased fibroblast proliferation and the expression of proliferation marker cyclin D1. Lower insoluble collagen content and collagen cross-linking were evidenced upon silencing TG1 or TG2. Transcript levels of collagen 1A1, fibronectin 1, matrix metalloproteinase-2, cyclin E2, and BCL-2-associated X protein/B-cell lymphoma 2 ratio were strongly correlated with TG1 mRNA expression, whereas TG2 expression correlated strongly with CTGF mRNA abundance. These findings support a functional and signalling role for TG1 and TG2 from fibroblasts in regulating key processes underlying myocardial ECM homeostasis and dysregulation, suggesting that these isoforms could be potential and promising targets for the development of cardiac fibrosis therapies.

Introduction: Olanzapine (OLZ) is one of the second-generation antipsychotics drugs (APDs) used to treat several psychiatric illnesses. Olanzapine treatment is often associated with many metabolic side effects in a dose dependent manner such as obesity, dyslipidemia and insulin resistance, induction of type II diabetes and acute pancreatitis in some patients.Methods: Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy (HBOT) was investigated as a tool to mitigate olanzapine metabolic side effects in rats. Thirty-six female Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were divided into 4 groups; rats on olanzapine treatment either exposed to hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOOLZ) or left without exposure (OLZ) then non-treated rats that either exposed to hyperbaric oxygen therapy or left without exposure (control). Rats received Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy for 35 days at 2.4 atmospheres absolute (ATA) for 2.5 h daily followed by intraperitoneal injection of olanzapine at 10 mg/kg or placebo.Results: Rats on either hyperbaric oxygen therapy or olanzapine had a significant loss in body weight. Olanzapine treatment showed a decrease in serum insulin level, triglyceride, highdensity lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and lipase level but an increase in fasting blood sugar (FBS), insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) and amylase, while rats’ exposure to hyperbaric oxygen therapy reversed these effects. The Pancreatic Langerhans islets were up-regulated in both hyperbaric oxygen therapy and olanzapine treatments but the combination (HBOOLZ) doubled these islets number.Discussion: This study advocated that hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be an alternative approach to control or reverse many metabolic disorders (MDs) associatedwith olanzapine treatment. In addition, it seems that hyperbaric oxygen therapy positively affect the pancreatic Langerhans cells activity and architecture.

This paper explores the state of the art in the cryptocurrency literature, with a special emphasis on the links between financial dimensions and ESG features. The study uses bibliometric analysis to illustrate the history of cryptocurrency publication activity, focusing on the most popular subjects and research trends. Between 2014 and 2021, 1442 papers on cryptocurrencies were published in the Web of Science core collection, the most authoritative database, although only a tiny percentage evaluated ESG factors. One of the most common criticisms of cryptocurrencies is the pollution derived from energy consumption in their mining process and their use for illicit purposes due to the absence of effective regulation. The study allows us to suggest future research directions that may be beneficial in illustrating the environmental effect, studying financial behavior, identifying the long-term sustainability of cryptocurrencies, and evaluating their financial success. This study provides an in-depth examination of current research trends in the field of cryptocurrencies, identifying prospective future research directions.

This study focused on a current study on Islamic finance and financial technology as well as prospective topics for future research. As a bibliometric and visualization tool for the Web of Science core collection database and viewer-based literature, 918 papers dealing with Islamic finance and financial technology authored between 1999 and 2022 were analyzed. Cluster analysis, all-keyword co-occurrence analysis, and bibliographic coupling mapping are all investigated in the study. This research enables us to propose future research paths that may be useful in reflecting on the significant impact that technology will have on the growth of Islamic finance and financial technology. The survey discovered four main research trends: the first trend shown is “Financial Inclusion and Corporate Governance in Islamic Fintech”. The second trend focuses on “information technology and future financial Islamic services”. The third trend is “The Transformation of Islamic Finance: How Fintech is Changing the Game”. The fourth trend is related to “Islamic Finance: A Growing Force in the Digital Age”. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of research trends at the intersection of Islamic finance and financial technology, identifying future research directions.

Background and Objectives: Type two diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic disease with debilitating complications and high mortality. Evidence indicates that good glycemic control delays disease progression and is hence a target of disease management protocols. Nonetheless, some patients cannot maintain glycemic control. This study aimed to investigate the association between serum leptin levels and several SNPs of the LEP gene with the lack of glycemic control in T2DM patients on metformin therapy. Materials and Methods: In a hospital-based case-control study, 170 patients with poor glycemic control and 170 patients with good glycemic control were recruited. Serum leptin was measured. Patients were genotyped for three SNPs in the LEP gene (rs7799039, rs2167270, and rs791620). Results: Serum leptin was significantly lower in T2DM patients with poor glycemic control (p < 0.05). In multivariate analysis, serum leptin levels significantly lowered the risk of having poor glycemic control (OR = 0.985; CI: 0.976–0.994; p = 0.002); moreover, the GA genotype of rs2167270 was protective against poor glycemic control compared to the GG genotype (OR = 0.417; CI: 0.245–0.712; p = 0.001). Conclusions: Higher serum leptin and the GA genotype of the rs2167270 SNP of the LEP gene were associated with good glycemic control in T2DM patients on metformin therapy. Further studies with a larger sample size from multiple institutions are required to validate the findings.

Cirsimaritin is a dimethoxy flavon that has different biological activities such as antiproliferative, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities. This study aims to investigate the anti-diabetic effects of cirsimaritin in a high-fat diet and streptozotocin-(HFD/STZ)-induced rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). Rats were fed HFD, followed by a single low dose of STZ (40 mg/kg). HFD/STZ diabetic rats were treated orally with cirsimaritin (50 mg/kg) or metformin (200 mg/kg) for 10 days before terminating the experiment and collecting plasma, soleus muscle, adipose tissue, and liver for further downstream analysis. Cirsimaritin reduced the elevated levels of serum glucose in diabetic rats compared to the vehicle control group (p < 0.001). Cirsimaritin abrogated the increase in serum insulin in the treated diabetic group compared to the vehicle control rats (p < 0.01). The homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was decreased in the diabetic rats treated with cirsimaritin compared to the vehicle controls. The skeletal muscle and adipose tissue protein contents of GLUT4 (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively) and pAMPK-α1 (p < 0.05) were upregulated following treatment with cirsimaritin. Cirsimaritin was able to upregulate GLUT2 and AMPK protein expression in the liver (p < 0.01, p < 0.001). Cirsimaritin reduced MDA, and IL-6 levels (p < 0.001), increased GSH levels (p < 0.001), and reduced GSSG levels (p < 0.001) in diabetic rats compared to the vehicle control. Cirsimaritin could represent a promising therapeutic agent to treat T2D.

Event detection in electrical grids is a challenging problem for machine learning methods due to spatiotemporally nonstationary systems and the inability to automate event labeling in high-volume data such as PMU measurements. As a result, the existing historical event logs created manually do not correlate well with the corresponding PMU measurements due to scarce and temporally imprecise labels. Trying to overcome this problem by extending event logs to a complete set of labeled events is very costly and often infeasible. We focused on utilizing a transfer learning model to reduce the need for additional data labeling by leveraging some labeled data instances available from a small number of well-defined event detection task. To demonstrate the feasibility, we tested our approach on a large dataset collected by 38 PMUs from the Western Interconnection of the U.S.A. over two years. The model evaluation performed based on varying percentages of labeled source data corresponding to $\sim 20$ -700 characteristic events on different sizes of time windows ranging from 2-seconds to 1-minute demonstrates that the developed method can significantly improve automated event detection based on PMU measurements when extensive labeling is costly or impossible to obtain. When compared to the state-of-the-art machine learning algorithms (unsupervised, semi-supervised, and supervised), the results show that the transfer learning method has significantly better performances when detecting events by learning from as low as 20 representative labeled data instances.

Aim: Pneumothorax (PNX), pneumomediastinum (PMD) and subcutaneous emphysema (SCE) are COVID-19 complications related to positive-pressure ventilation. We analyzed the pathophysiology of these complications without ventilation. Patients & methods: Out of 1845 admitted COVID-19 patients, we retrospectively collected data for 15 patients, from a tertiary medical center, from 1 October 2020 to 31 March 2021. Results: Five patients suffered from spontaneous PNX, 8/15 developed PMD and 8/15 developed SCE. The mean BMI was 29.7, as most patients were obese or overweight. Most patients had lymphocytopenia and increased C-reactive protein, ferritin and lactate dehydrogenase levels. Eleven patients succumbed to the disease. Conclusion: Risk factors of spontaneous PNX, PMD and SCE in COVID-19 patients need further investigations by conducting more comprehensive case–control studies.

Purpose. Oxytocin has been suggested to play a vital role in modulating maternal behavior and stress-related disorders. However, the relationship between antenatal oxytocin and postpartum depression is not well established. We aim to investigate the association between serum oxytocin level in the late third-trimester and early-onset postpartum depression symptoms. Materials and Methods. A total of 172 healthy pregnant women participated in this cross-sectional descriptive study. The serum oxytocin level was measured between 34 and 37 weeks. A validated Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was used to assess symptoms of depression four to six weeks postpartum. Participants who scored more than 12 on the EPDS were considered having depressive symptoms. Independent sample t-test and Pearson r were used to examine differences in depression scores. The level of significance was set at α=0.05. Results. 30.8% of the participants experienced depressive symptoms. There was no association between EPDS scores and oxytocin level r170=0.10, p=0.23. The association also did not exist even among women with a lifetime history of depression r43=−0.13, p=0.37. Participants with low education, low income, previous history of depression, positive family history of depression, positive family issues, and absent emotional family support have scored significantly higher on EPDS scores than their counterparts. The strongest association was with previous lifetime history of depression t170=−4.40, p

Petrological, geochemical, and biostratigraphical investigations have been conducted on seventy-nine samples from four selected sections in Jordan to understand the factors that influenced the enrichment and deposition of massive phosphorite deposits. The calcareous nannofossil marker species Broisonia parca constrica and Reticulofenestra bisecta, from the assigned sections 1 and 2 (Hawar and Al Dhahikiyya), were indicative of the Campanian and Eocene periods, respectively. The enrichment of some ecological marker species such as Kamptnerius magnificus indicates that there were cold periods during phosphate precipitation. All thin sections of the phosphate samples are of grainstone and packstone textures and are composed of skeletal fragments and peloids. Skeletal fragments appeared to be the main component of Hawar phosphates with the existence of peloids, while peloids were the component in sections 2 and 3 (section 3: Al Hisa). At least three intervals of high phosphorous values appeared in the Hawar section, showing variations in the Ca and Nd isotopes and in the terrigenous inputs. Four periods of phosphate enrichment are observed in Sections 2 and 3. These are deep water circulation periods of the early and late Campanian period, interrupted by two periods of submarine and continental weathering. Deep water circulation was initiated during cooling in the Campanian period and indicated by high phosphorous and Ca isotope components and a decline in terrigenous indicators (Al, Si, Ti, and Fe). Submarine weathering during warmer deep-sea periods is indicated by a rising Nd isotope ratio when many of the igneous provinces were subjected to weathering. Continental weathering took place in the warmer periods, with the hydrologic cycle and enhancement of terrigenous indicators (Al, Si, Ti, and Fe) being observed. The effect of the hydrologic cycle was at its highest in the south during the Campanian period and in the Eocene, as both represented shallower settings.

Background: Isorhamnetin is a flavonoid that is found in medical plants. Several studies showed that isorhamnetin has anti-inflammatory and anti-obesity effects. This study aims to investigate the anti-diabetic effects of isorhamnetin in a high-fat diet and Streptozotocin-(HFD/STZ)-induced mice model of type 2 diabetes. Materials and Methods: Mice were fed with HFD followed by two consecutive low doses of STZ (40 mg/kg). HFD/STZ diabetic mice were treated orally with isorhamnetin (10 mg/kg) or (200 mg/kg) metformin for 10 days before sacrificing the mice and collecting plasma and soleus muscle for further analysis. Results: Isorhamnetin reduced the elevated levels of serum glucose compared to the vehicle control group (p < 0.001). Isorhamnetin abrogated the increase in serum insulin in the treated diabetic group compared to the vehicle control mice (p < 0.001). The homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was decreased in diabetic mice treated with isorhamnetin compared to the vehicle controls. Fasting glucose level was significantly lower in diabetic mice treated with isorhamnetin during the intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT) (p < 0.001). The skeletal muscle protein contents of GLUT4 and p-AMPK-α were upregulated following treatment with isorhamnetin (p > 0.01). LDL, triglyceride, and cholesterol were reduced in diabetic mice treated with isorhamnetin compared to vehicle control (p < 0.001). Isorhamnetin reduced MDA, and IL-6 levels (p < 0.001), increased GSH levels (p < 0.001), and reduced GSSG levels (p < 0.05) in diabetic mice compared to vehicle control. Conclusions: Isorhamnetin ameliorates insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Isorhamnetin could represent a promising therapeutic agent to treat T2D.

Oxytocin produces an excitatory effect on gastric muscle through the activation of receptors present on stomach smooth muscle cells. However, the intracellular mechanisms that mediate oxytocin excitatory effects are still largely unknown. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the signaling pathways involved in oxytocin-induced contractions in gastric smooth muscle, shedding light on phospholipase C (PLC)-β1 signaling and its downstream molecules, including inositol 1,4,5- trisphosphate (IP3) and myosin light chain kinase (MLCK). The contractions of gastric smooth muscle from male rats were measured in an organ bath set up in response to exogenous oxytocin 10−7 M, in the presence and absence of inhibitors of the indicated signaling molecules. Oxytocin (10−9–10−5 M) induced dose-dependent stomach smooth muscle contraction. Pre-incubation with atosiban, an oxytocin receptor inhibitor, abolished the oxytocin-induced contraction. Moreover, PLC β1 inhibitor (U73122) and IP3 inhibitor Xestospongin C inhibited oxytocin-induced muscle contraction to various degrees. Verapamil, a calcium channel blocker, inhibited oxytocin-induced contraction, and pre-incubation of the strips, with both verapamil and Xestospongin C, further inhibited the excitatory effect of oxytocin. Chelation of intracellular calcium with BAPT-AM (1,2-bis-(o-aminophenoxy) ethane-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid) significantly inhibited the effect of oxytocin on muscle contraction. Finally, pre-incubation of the strips with the Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase selective inhibitor STO-609 significantly inhibited the contraction induced by oxytocin. These results suggest that oxytocin directly stimulates its cell surface receptor to activate PLC β1, which in turn liberates IP3, which eventually elevates intracellular calcium, the prerequisite for smooth muscle contraction.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely used commercially due to their antimicrobial effects. Little is known about the effect of AgNPs on neural transmission and pain response. The aim of this study was to assess the anti-nociceptive activity of AgNPs. AgNPs were prepared at 16 ug/mL, white albino rats were injected with various doses of AgNPs, and challenged using a hot-plate test and paw withdrawal latency (PWL) was measured. The chronic constriction injury (CCI) model was utilized to evaluate the pedal withdrawal reflex and tail withdrawal reflex. An electrophysiological study was conducted utilizing colon longitudinal muscle strips. AgNPs increased the latency of PWL in a dose-dependent matter over the duration of 6 h. The paw withdrawal threshold in animals with CCI significantly increased after AgNPs administration. In isolated colon longitudinal muscle strips, AgNPs significantly reduced the colonic migrating motor complexes (MMCs) and contraction. This action was completely reversed after removing the AgNPs and adding acetylcholine to the preparation. In this study, AgNPs showed significant anti-nociception properties. To our knowledge, this is the first report to describe this pharmacological action of AgNPs.

Background: Emotional distress is a major impact of COVID-19 among not only the general public but also healthcare workers including medical students. This study aimed at describing self-reported changes in emotional reactions associated with COVID-19 among medical students in Jordan and to assessing the potential effect of social media utilization on emotional distress among this group. Methods: A cross-sectional design was utilized to collect data early on during the outbreak in Jordan. All medical students in Jordan were eligible to complete an online questionnaire assessing self-reported emotional reactions to COVID-19 that covered four main domains: negative emotion (anxiety, worry, depression, panic, loneliness, and nervousness), positive emotion (happiness, joy, and excitement), sleep disorders (insomnia, shallow sleep, nightmares, and insufficient sleep), and aggression (verbal argument and physical fighting). The frequency of social media utilization as a main source of COVID-19 information was also assessed. Results: 59.9% of participants were females, 64.9% were enrolled at the two major medical schools in Jordan, and 59.6% were in the pre-clinical stage (years). A significant proportion of participants self-reported increased negative emotional levels of anxiety (49.2%), worry (72.4%), depression (23.1%), panic (22.6%), and nervousness (38.2%) and decreased positive emotional levels of happiness (44.8%), joy (47.3%), and feelings of excitement (45.1%). Self-reported sleep disorders were not as common (less than 15% for any of the four items), while arguing with others was at 26.7%. Significant differences by gender and academic year were detected. Almost half of participants reported using social media as a main source of COVID-19 information “most/all-the-times” with a significant effect of such on reducing emotional distress. Conclusion: The results suggest a potential effect of COVID-19 on the emotional distress of medical students. Addressing and mitigating such effects is crucial. The potential buffering effect of social media should be further investigated.

Background: Emotional distress is a major impact of COVID-19 among not only the general public but also healthcare workers including medical students. This study aimed at describing self-reported changes in emotional reactions associated with COVID-19 among medical students in Jordan and to assessing the potential effect of social media utilization on emotional distress among this group. Methods: A cross-sectional design was utilized to collect data early on during the outbreak in Jordan. All medical students in Jordan were eligible to complete an online questionnaire assessing self-reported emotional reactions to COVID-19 that covered four main domains: negative emotion (anxiety, worry, depression, panic, loneliness, and nervousness), positive emotion (happiness, joy, and excitement), sleep disorders (insomnia, shallow sleep, nightmares, and insufficient sleep), and aggression (verbal argument and physical fighting). The frequency of social media utilization as a main source of COVID-19 information was also assessed. Results: 59.9% of participants were females, 64.9% were enrolled at the two major medical schools in Jordan, and 59.6% were in the pre-clinical stage (years). A significant proportion of participants self-reported increased negative emotional levels of anxiety (49.2%), worry (72.4%), depression (23.1%), panic (22.6%), and nervousness (38.2%) and decreased positive emotional levels of happiness (44.8%), joy (47.3%), and feelings of excitement (45.1%). Self-reported sleep disorders were not as common (less than 15% for any of the four items), while arguing with others was at 26.7%. Significant differences by gender and academic year were detected. Almost half of participants reported using social media as a main source of COVID-19 information “most/all-the-times” with a significant effect of such on reducing emotional distress. Conclusion: The results suggest a potential effect of COVID-19 on the emotional distress of medical students. Addressing and mitigating such effects is crucial. The buffering effect of social media should be further investigated.

Introduction. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common cancer affecting humans. Luckily it has negligible risk for metastasis; however it can be locally destructive to surrounding tissue. The diagnosis of this tumor relies on clinical and dermoscopic features; however confirmation requires biopsy and histologic examination. Based on clinical and pathologic findings, BCC is classified as low or high risk subtype. The clinician requesting pathology examination for BCC should provide the pathologist with detailed information including patient details, relevant clinical and medical history, site and type of the biopsy, and whether this is a primary or recurrent lesion. The pathologist on the other hand should write an adequate report containing a minimum of core set of parameters including type of BCC, depth of invasion, presence of lymphovascular or perineural invasion, and the excision margins. Objectives. The objective of this study is to evaluate whether requests by clinicians and pathology reports of BCC are adequate. Methods. This is a retrospective analysis done at the dermatology department, faculty of medicine at Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan. Reports for the period from January 2003 to December 2017 were retrieved and analyzed for data completeness. Results. Most clinical request forms of BCC provided by clinicians are inadequate and lack important relevant information especially in regard to lesion history, patient medical history, and whether BCC is a primary or a recurrent one. Pathology reports for BCC cases also have significant deficiency especially in describing the histologic subtype, depth of invasion, and presence of lymphovascular and perineural invasion. However, the tumor excision margins are adequately described in almost all reports. Conclusions. The study shows that clinicians do not provide adequate clinical information when submitting a request for histopathologic examination of BCC. Similarly, pathologists write incomplete reports that lack important pathologic features. Having pre-set forms (electronic proforma) can help overcome missing information.

Background and Study Aims: The prevalence of gallbladder cancer (GBC) varies between different parts of the world. This study is a review of literature and an update of a previously published study conducted in our university and aims to reassess the incidence of GBC over the past 2 decades. Patients and Methods: We conducted a retrospective study between 2002 and 2016. Data regarding demographics, clinical presentation, risk factors, histopathology, investigations, and treatments were obtained. A diagnosis of GBC established during surgery or primarily detected in the surgical specimen was classified as incidental. Results: Of 11 391 cholecystectomies performed, 31 cases (0.27%) of GBC were found. The mean age of patients with GBC was 68 years (43-103 years), 74% were women. The annual incidence of GBC was 0.2/100 000 (men: 0.1/100 000; women: 0.3/100 000). Biliary colic and acute cholecystitis were the main presentations. Diagnosis of GBC was “incidental” in 67% of cases. About 75% of patients with GBC had gallstones, 13% had polyps, and 3% had porcelain gallbladder. Adenocarcinoma was the dominant (87%) histologic type. Conclusions: The GBC rate in our region, similar to others parts of the world, is still low and has not changed over the past 2 decades. This study consolidates the previously published recommendations regarding the high index of suspicion of GBC in elderly with cholelithiasis.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common cancer affecting humans. It almost has no tendency for metastasis; however it can be destructive to surrounding tissue. Patients with darker skin colors have lower risk of developing skin cancers and the clinical characteristics may differ from populations with lighter skin colors. Methods. This is a retrospective clinical study (2003–2017). Data on age, gender, and location of tumor were collected and analyzed. Results. 335 cases were identified. Males tend to get BCC at a younger age than females. Face was the most common site in both males and females. Cheeks and nose were the most likely areas of the face to be involved. Scalp was the most common extrafacial site to be involved in males; however in females scalp was much less likely to be involved. Conclusion. BCC is less common in populations with darker skin. Males were more affected and at an earlier age compared to females. Facial skin followed by scalp was the most common site affected. Skin phototype, cultural and religious dress type, and different sun exposure behavior may explain many of the clinical and demographic findings related to BCC in patients with darker skin tones.