Research Title: Biallelic variants in consanguineous families causing neurodevelopmental disorders

Author: Tawfiq Froukh, Published Year: 2024

ASHG2024, USA

Faculty: Science

Abstract: Since the introduction of whole exome sequencing (WES) and new genetic variants linked to neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) are continuously identified, published and catalogued to be used in routine genetic diagnostics. In our continuous research, WES was used for ten unrelated consanguineous families from Jordan characterized by one or two affected members with NDD. Six homozygous variants were identified by cross-link to the pathogenic variants in ClinVar and in our in-house database. Three of them were previously reported in Jordan in unrelated families compared to the families in this study, the variants are: NM_018359.5:c.344T>A, p.Val115Glu in the gene UFSP2, NM_000487.6:c.256C>G, p.Arg86Gly in the gene ARSA and NM_017882.3:c.144G>A, p.Trp48* in the gene CLN6. The new bi-allelic variants are missense NM_001457.4:c.609G>T, p.Gln203His and NM_152722.5:c.503G>A, p.Cys168Tyr in the genes FLNB and HEPACAM respectively, frameshift NM_022725.4:c.109dup, p.Trp37Leufs*54 in the gene FANCF and one in the splice acceptor NM_000191.3:c.498-1G>A in the gene HMGCL. The results of this study stress the importance of continuous research using WES for NDD in Jordan to identify new variants.

Keywords: Genetic testing ; Neurogenetics ; Metabolic disorder ; Phenotype ; Genotype-phenotype correlations

Research Title: The influence of infant characteristics on postpartum depression among mothers with hospitalized infant in NICU

Author: Mariam Mofleh Kawafha, Published Year: 2024

Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics, 310

Faculty: Nursing

Abstract: Purpose The purpose of the study to determine the prevalence of mother postpartum depression and to examine the association between infant characteristics and postpartum depression in the neonatal intensive care unit. Methods A quantitative cross-sectional survey design was conducted in three government teaching hospitals in Jordan. A convenience sample of 188 mothers with hospitalized 188 infants in NICU was recruited. Questionnaires were used to collect the quantitative data, which include Infant Demographic Data Questionnaire, Mother Demographic Data Questionnaire and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). The study revealed that infant characteristics such as gestational age, medical condition classification, and birth weight are found to be significant factors that influence depression among mothers. Results The results showed that mothers with infants admitted to NICU experience postpartum depression with a mean of 3.82 and median of 4.04. There were significant differences based on gestational age, birth weight, and classification of medical condition and mothers’ postpartum depression. Conclusion Knowing the relationship of certain infant’s characteristics and postpartum depression can help to focus on relevant infant characteristics so that timely interventions to improve mothers’ well-being can be developed.

Keywords: Postpartum depression · NICU · Mother · Infant · Characteristic

Research Title: Does Vitamin D Have an Effect on Patients With Depression?

Author: Mohammad Abdel Qaedr Al-Maani, Published Year: 2014

MIDDLE EAST JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY AND ALZHEIMERS, 5

Faculty: Nursing

Abstract: Aim: This paper aims to address the question “does vitamin D have an effect on patients with depression?” and searches the literature to provide an understanding of the previous studies regarding effect of vitamin D on patients with depression; in addition to focusing on the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and depression. Finally recommendations for the approaches to vitamin D deficiency are outlined. Background: Vitamin D is a steroid, a hormone important in cognitive function and mental health, and in addition, affects on mood health, and affects patients with depression. Method: A literature search was performed in PUBMED and EBSCO with the following key words used to search the electronic databases: vitamin D, Depression, vitamin D deficiency, and relationship between vitamin D and depression. The key words were used in multiple combinations to conduct an extensive search of these databases; also a manual search of the reference lists of relevant articles was performed . Conclusion: In summary the author did find an association between low level of vitamin D and depressive symptoms in addition to focusing on the impact of vitamin D on depressed patients.

Keywords: Vitamin D, Depression Inpatients, Vitamin D Deficiency.

Research Title: The Effect of Contact-Based Interventions on the Attitudes and Behaviors of Nursing Students towards People with Mental Illness: A Literature Review

Author: Mohammad Abdel Qaedr Al-Maani, Published Year: 2020

Open Journal of Nursing, 10

Faculty: Nursing

Abstract: Background: Student nurses and other healthcare students are the future mental health professionals and have the potential for changing the future of mental healthcare. Therefore, their negative attitudes and behaviors should be screened and corrected by effective anti-stigma interventions. Otherwise, they would likely withhold some health services and practice coercive treatments once planning care to people with mental illness. However, little is known on effective approaches to correct these negative attitudes and behaviors, despite the previous reviews that have shown that contact-based interventions have demonstrated positive attitudinal and behavioral changes for nursing students towards people with mental illness. Aim: The aim of this literature review was to compile the available research evidence on contact-based interventions that have targeted the attitudes and behaviors of nursing students towards people with mental illness. Methods: The relevant literature was extracted by searching electronic databases (MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and CINAHL) and by hand checking reference lists of past similar reviews. Results: Eleven studies were retrieved and included in this review. The included studies in this review either have employed social contact interventions, video- based social contact interventions, or both types for the aim of combining or comparing. Furthermore, the included studies either have targeted the attitudes of nursing students towards people with mental illness (including prejudice), or a combination of attitudinal and behavioral outcomes (including behavioral intentions and social distance). No studies have targeted behavioral outcomes solely. Conclusions: From the available literature, the current authors cannot draw conclusions on the most effective type, form, or in-gredients of contact-based interventions among nursing students, as previous literature has large variations. No consistency was found in the previous studies regarding the types or contents of effective contact-based interventions. The compiled evidence in this review, has suggested that contact-based interventions (both social contact and video-based social contact) have been effective in changing the attitudes and behaviors of nursing students favorably, similarly to what previous reviews have found.

Keywords: Contact-Based Interventions, Attitudes, Behaviors, Nursing Students, Mental Illness

Research Title: Integrating evidence-based interventions in clinical settings in Jordan: a policy brief.

Author: Mohammad Abdel Qaedr Al-Maani, Published Year: 2021

F1000Research, 10

Faculty: Nursing

Abstract: Background: Evidence-based nursing practice (EBNP) is considered a major and very important global paradigm shift. Unfortunately, most healthcare providers and researchers embrace the concept of evidence-based practice (EBP) without integrating this concept in clinical settings. The current situation of EBP and new practice guidelines utilization in Jordan are scarce. This policy brief aimed to discusses the process of utilizing nursing EBP in clinical settings in Jordan. Methods: The authors adopted an action plan utilizing a systematic approach to develop and implement specific strategies and policies to integrate EBP in clinical settings in Jordanian hospitals. We present an experience of one country in terms of introducing a policy brief to establish an EBP policy accompanied by developing an EBP unit in the hospital's country. Results: A comprehensive description of this policy is provided with reference to the eminent steps of policy analysis and evaluation. In fact, EBP policies and clinical practice guidelines should keep a live document and revise regularly or as needed. Overall, the authors suggest the development of a unit for EBP to deal with issues related to clinical practice guidelines. Conclusions: Expected outcomes for the introduction of the EBP unit and its policy include increase research utilization and accelerated adoption of new evidence, increase the quality of care provided, increase patient, staff, and managers satisfaction, and decrease staff workload by reducing complications associated with medical errors and outdated interventions.

Keywords: Policy Brief, EBP, Nursing, Healthcare Professionals, Clinical Practice Guidelines, Jordan.

Research Title: The Effect of Contact-Based Intervention on the Attitudes and Intended Behaviors of Nursing Students in Jordan toward People with Mental Illness: A Quasi-Experimental study.

Author: Mohammad Abdel Qaedr Al-Maani, Published Year: 2022

Health Science Reports, 5

Faculty: Nursing

Abstract: Background and Aim: Although nursing students are professionally and ethically trained and educated to respect patients with a variety of medical and mental problems, they continue to exhibit negative attitudes and behaviors toward mental disease and patients with mental illness. The accumulated evidence indicates that contact‐based intervention (CBI) is helpful in enhancing nursing students' attitudes and behaviors toward patients with mental illness. Although evidence found to support the CBI, culture and settings might play a significant role to decide its effectiveness. This would call for testing further the effectiveness of CBI across cultures and healthcare settings. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of a CBI on the attitudes and intended behaviors of nursing students in Jordan toward people with mental illness. Methods: A quasi‐experimental, pre–post, design was used. Data were collected from 81 nursing students from two nursing schools implementing the CBI using selfreported questionnaires to measure students' attitudes and intended behaviors toward people with mental illness. Data were collected during the first semester of the academic year 2019/2020. The paired‐samples and independent‐samples t tests were used to test the study's hypotheses. Results: At baseline, the results indicated that there were no statistically significant differences between the experimental and control groups in terms of their attitudes and intended behaviors toward people with mental illness. At posttest, statistically significant improvements in the attitudes and intended behaviors of nursing students found in the experimental group and between control and experimental groups toward people with mental illness compared with baseline pretest measures (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The CBI did improve the attitudes and intended behaviors of Jordanian nursing students toward people with mental illness. Significant implications for nurses were discussed.

Keywords: attitudes, behaviors, contact‐based intervention, mental illness, nursing student

Research Title: Clinical Simulation for Psychiatric Nursing Students: A Systematic Review

Author: Mohammad Abdel Qaedr Al-Maani, Published Year: 2022

Azerbaijan Medical Journal, 62

Faculty: Nursing

Abstract: Clinical simulation is increasingly used in the education and training of healthcare professionals. Such professionals include physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, and paramedics. Nurse educators must employ evidence-based practices to ensure high-quality clinical training for nursing students. The purpose of the current review attempted to compile the available research evidence on using and effectiveness of simulation for nursing students. The relevant literature was extracted by searching electronic databases (MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and CINAHL) and hand-checking reference lists of past similar reviews. The search strategy revealed 1544 records. After removing duplicates and screening the titles and content of the abstract, the total number of articles was 19. This article advocates using simulation as a teaching strategy in undergraduate psychiatric nursing education. The review discussed the benefits and ways of enhancing simulation use in the psychiatric nursing specialty.

Keywords: Simulation; Psychiatric Nursing; Nursing Students; Systematic Review

Research Title: Social cognitive elements of mental illness stigma among healthcare professionals currently working in general hospitals: A cross‐sectional study from Jordan

Author: Mohammad Abdel Qaedr Al-Maani, Published Year: 2023

Nursing Open, 10

Faculty: Nursing

Abstract: Aim: To assess the social cognitive elements of the stigma of mental illness (knowledge, attitudes and behaviours) among healthcare professionals (HCPs) in Jordan. Design: A cross-sectional descriptive design. Methods: A total of 206 HCPs were conveniently recruited from general hospitals in Jordan. The mental attitude, knowledge and intended behaviours scales were used to measure stigma elements. Results: Participants reported a moderate level of knowledge, a moderate negative attitude and a moderate or not greater interest to deal with people with mental health illnesses. The bivariate correlation revealed a negative significant correlation between HCPs' knowledge and attitude, indicating that HCPs with more knowledge significantly have more positive attitude (lower average score) towards those suffering from the illness. A more significant correlation was found between HCPs' knowledge and behaviour. The HCPs who had more knowledge were holding more interest and willingness towards dealing with persons with mental illness. Patient or Public Contribution: Negative attitudes among HCPs demand awareness programmes pertaining to the stigma of mental illness to afford higher standards of practice for patients with mental problems.

Keywords: general hospital, healthcare professional, Jordan, mental illness, stigma

Research Title: Unveiling the role of exosomes as cellular messengers in neurodegenerative diseases and their potential therapeutic implications

Author: Balakumar Chandrasekarn, Published Year: 2024

Pathology - Research and Practice, 260

Faculty: Pharmacy

Abstract: Exosomes are a subgroup of extracellular vesicles that function as transmitters, allowing cells to communicate more effectively with each other. However, exosomes may have both beneficial and harmful impacts on central nervous system disorders. Hence, the fundamental molecular mechanisms of the origin of illness and its progression are currently being investigated. The involvement of exosomes in the origin and propagation of neurodegenerative illness has been demonstrated recently. Exosomes provide a representation of the intracellular environment since they include various essential bioactive chemicals. The latest studies have demonstrated that exosomes transport several proteins. Additionally, these physiological vesicles are important in the regeneration of nervous tissue and the healing of neuronal lesions. They also offer a microenvironment to stimulate the conformational variation of concerning proteins for aggregation, resulting in neurodegenerative diseases. The biosynthesis, composition, and significance of exosomes as extracellular biomarkers in neurodegenerative disorders are discussed in this article, with a particular emphasis on their neuroprotective effects

Keywords: ExosomesBiomarkersNeurodegenerative diseasesExosomal therapeuticsNeuroprotective effects

Research Title: The Flexibility of Placing the Subject in Arabic Sentences: A Study of Syntactic Word Order Restrictions and their Application to Arabic Grammar

Author: Yousef Rababa, Published Year: 2024

International Journal of Arabic-English Studies, 2

Faculty: Arts

Abstract: This research addresses the possibility of placing the subject in a pre-verb position in verbal sentences in Arabic, without necessarily stipulating that if the subject is preposed before the verb, it becomes a topic. In this way, the subject is a non-overt pronoun positioned within or after the verb, because the subject is conventionally acknowledged by grammarians to move freely to various post-verbal positions, but never pre-verbally. The research considers the views and opinions of linguists and grammarians who have dealt with this issue in detail, presenting a discussion of these views to reveal the strict restrictions imposed on the movement of the subject. It is hoped that this will contribute to the facilitation of teaching and learning Arabic grammar. It will also revitalize the discussion of views in Arabic grammatical traditions to try to establish new grammatical principles that contemporary linguists may adopt when reformulating the rules of Arabic grammar. This endeavor may simplify the task of learning rules and contribute to presenting them more flexibly and plausibly.

Keywords: nominal sentence, order, subject, topic, verbal sentence