Research Title: The genetic landscape of autism spectrum disorder in an ancestrally diverse cohort

Author: Raida W. Khalil, Published Year: 2024

npj Genomic medicine , 9

Faculty: Science

Abstract: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) comprises neurodevelopmental disorders with wide variability in genetic causes and phenotypes, making it challenging to pinpoint causal genes. We performed whole exome sequencing on a modest, ancestrally diverse cohort of 195 families, including 754 individuals (222 with ASD), and identified 38,834 novel private variants. In 68 individuals with ASD (~30%), we identified 92 potentially pathogenic variants in 73 known genes, including BCORL1, CDKL5, CHAMP1, KAT6A, MECP2, and SETD1B. Additionally, we identified 158 potentially pathogenic variants in 120 candidate genes, including DLG3, GABRQ, KALRN, KCTD16, and SLC8A3. We also found 34 copy number variants in 31 individuals overlapping known ASD loci. Our work expands the catalog of ASD genetics by identifying hundreds of variants across diverse ancestral backgrounds, highlighting convergence on nervous system development and signal transduction. These findings provide insights into the genetic underpinnings of ASD and inform molecular diagnosis and potential therapeutic targets.

Keywords: autism spectrum disorder

Research Title: Antioxidant activity of jambu bol [Syzygium malaccense (L.) Merr. and Perry] leaf extract

Author: Hani Jameel Mohammad Hamad, Published Year: 2024

Faculty: Allied Medical Sciences

Abstract: Jambu bol [Syzygium malaccense (L.) Merr. and Perry] is well known to be used in folk medicine and reports are proving the biological activity of each part of this plant. This study aimed to determine the antioxidant activity of S. malaccense L. leaf extract. The methods used in this study were total phenolic content (TPC) assay, 2,2-Diphenyl-1picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS•) radical scavenging activity assay and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. The results showed that the extract contained TPC of 44.10±0.06 mg GAE/g. The IC50 scavenging activities of DPPH and ABTS• were 0.0334 mg of Ascorbic acid E/g and 0.1352 mg of TE/g, respectively, while the antioxidant reducing power was 1013.50±0.07 mM Fe2+ /g. In conclusion, S. malaccense L. leaf extract was found to possess antioxidant activity, and this extract has potential to be developed to be used in food as a natural antioxidant agent.

Keywords: Antioxidant activity, ABTS•, DPPH, FRAP, Jambu bol, Syzygium malaccense (L.) Merr. and Perry

Research Title: Cytotoxic, a ntioxidant and αlpha amylase inhibitory activities of wild and N abali olive leaf extracts from Jordan

Author: Hani Jameel Mohammad Hamad, Published Year: 2024

Faculty: Allied Medical Sciences

Abstract: Abstract Olive leaf extracts contain several phytochemical and pharmacological properties. This study evaluated the cytotoxic, antioxidant, α amylase inhibitory activities of aqueous, ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts fro m the Nabali, Muhassan and wild olive leaves grown in Jordan. Total polyphenols, flavonoids and flavonols contents, chelating power activity, total antioxidant activity and DPPH free radical scavenging activity of each extract were evaluated. The α amylase inhibitory activity of each extract was evaluated using CNP G3 assay while cytotoxicity was assessed against viability of MCF7 and MB MDA 231 breast cancer cell lines by MTT. The results showed that total polyphenol content was the highest in the ethanoli c wild leaf extract (113.97 mg gallic acid equivalent/g of dry extract). At a concentration of 100 µg/ml, the extracts from ethanolic wild leaf, ethyl acetate of wild leaf, and ethanolic Nabali leaf exhibited the highest chelating activity for ferrous ions (52.4%, 50.5%, and 47.2%). A ll olive leaf extracts significantly reduced MCF7 cell growth, while ethyl acetate wild leaf extract decreased MB MDA 231 viability. The findings revealed a robust correlation between the antioxidant, cytotoxic, and α amylase in hibitory activities of various olive leaf extracts. Further investigations are needed to identify cytoprotective effects of olive leaf extracts and the evaluation of its efficacy in vivo.

Keywords: Olea europaea , c ytotoxicity, MTT, a ntioxidant activity, D PPH, CNP G3, p henolic

Research Title: Midwives’ attitudes toward the use of cardiotocograph (CTG) machines in labor units: A study in Jordan

Author: Maha Mohammed Wahbi Atout, Published Year: 2024

Midwifery , 132

Faculty: Nursing

Abstract: Background: The purpose of cardiotocograph (CTG) usage is to detect any alterations in fetal heart rate (FHR) early before they are prolonged and profound. However, the use of CTG machines on a routine basis is not an evidence-supported practice. There is no Jordanian study that assesses the midwives’ attitudes toward this machine. This study aimed to identify Jordanian midwives’ attitudes towards the use of cardiotocograph (CTG) machines in labor units, alongside examining the relationships between midwives’ personal sociodemographic characteristics and such attitudes. Methods: A descriptive research design was used to identify Jordanian midwives’ attitudes towards the use of CTG machines in both public and private labor units in Jordan. Data were collected using the valid and reliable tool designed by Sinclair (2001), and these were used to identify midwives’ attitudes towards CTG usage. A total of 329 midwives working in the labor units of governmental and private hospitals in the center and north of Jordan participated in the study from May to July 2022. Results: The total mean score for the attitude scale was M = 3.14 (SD = 0.83). More than half of the sample (N = 187, 58.4 %) demonstrated a mean score greater than 3.14, however, which indicates generally positive attitudes toward CTG usage in labor units. Midwives working in private hospitals and those holding Bachelor’s degrees had more positive attitudes toward the use of CTG machines. Conclusion: This study provides new insights into the attitudes of Jordanian midwives towards CTG use in labor units. These suggest that it is critical to conduct training courses for registered midwives to help them develop and/or regain confidence and competence with respect to various key aspects of intrapartum care, including intermittent auscultation and the appropriate use of CTG.

Keywords: Midwife Attitudes Cardiotocograph Labor Jordan

Research Title: Hematological cross sectional study of the anemia types in children in Al-Zahraa hospit

Author: Khadeejha Fawzi AlAbrouni, Published Year: 2017

Faculty: Science

Abstract: This study determined the cytotoxicity, antioxidant activity, total phenolic and flavonoid contents of hydroethanolic and aqueous extracts of aerial parts of Anchusa strigosa Banks et Sol, Cardaria draba, Marrubium vulgare, Sarcopoterium spinosum and Capparis spinosa. These medicinal plants were collected from Jordan. Hydro-ethanolic and aqueous extracts displayed a strong scavenging capacity for DPPH radical; IC50 values ranging from 11 to 57, and from 13 to 464 g/mL, respectively. Total phenolic contents, expressed as gallic acid equivalent, varied from 3.4 to 16 mg/g dry plant in hydro-ethanolic extract and from 1.8 to 15.1 mg/g in aqueous extracts. Total flavonoids in the same extracts, expressed as quercetin equivalent, ranged from 2.55 to 10.1 and from 0.68 to 9.4 mg/g dry plant, respectively. There was a strong correlation between antioxidant activities and phenolics for aqueous extracts (r= 0.893), but moderate correlation for hydro-ethanolic ones (r=0.581) implying the contribution of other non-phenolic compounds to the antioxidant activity in the latter. Both hydro-ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Sarcopoterium Spinosum showed the highest antioxidant activity, reducing power, phenolic, and flavonoid contents. Therefore, Sarcopoterium Spinosum is a promising candidate for antioxidants from a natural source Furthermore. Hydro-ethanolic extracts of all plants were not toxic to HCT116 or SW480 cell-lines.

Keywords: Jordan, Antioxidant, Cytotoxicity, DPPH, Phenolics, Flavonoids.

Research Title: New terpenes from Salvia palaestina Benth. And Salvia syriaca L. growing wild in Jordan

Author: Khadeejha Fawzi AlAbrouni, Published Year: 2012

J Asian Nat Prod Res, 2012 Jul; 14(7):618-

Faculty: Science

Abstract: The novel seco-ursane-type triterpenoid 3β,11α-dihydroxy-17,22-seco-17(28), 12-ursadien-22-oic acid (1) was isolated for the first time from a natural source from two Salvia species growing wild in Jordan, Salvia palaestina Benth. and Salvia syriaca L. In addition to compound 1, S. syriaca afforded a new sesquiterpene named syriacine (2). S. palaestina also afforded 15 other known compounds, 6 of which are isolated for the first time from the plant, and these include velutin, hyptadienic acid, cirsilineol, 2α,3β-dihydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid, 2α,3α-dihydroxy-24-nor-4(23),12-oleanan-28-oic acid, and 2α,3β,24-trihydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid. S. syriaca also afforded 16 other known compounds, 7 of which are isolated for the first time from the plant. These are 1α,3α-dihydroxyolean-9(11),12-diene, maslinic acid, 2α,3β,24-trihydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid, 11-oxo-oleanolic acid, 11-oxo-ursolic acid, poriferast-5-en-3,7-diol, and pectolinangenin.

Keywords: Keywords: Salvia palaestinaSalvia syriacaE-secoursadiene3β,11α-dihydroxy-17,22-seco-17(28),12-ursadien-22-oic acidsyriacine

Research Title: Corrosion inhibition of aluminum in HBr solutions by nonionic surfactants at different temperature

Author: Khadeejha Fawzi AlAbrouni, Published Year: 2023

Int. J. Corros. Scale Inhib, 2023, Vol. 12, Issue

Faculty: Science

Abstract: Abstract: The influence of nonionic surfactant micelles such as Tween 80, polyethylene glycol 400, and coco glucoside on inhibiting aluminum corrosion in hydrobromic acid solutions was investigated via weight reduction, thermometric, and electrical conductivity techniques. In the absence of inhibitors, the rise in temperature and acid levels has led to a tremendous acceleration in aluminum corrosion in HBr solutions. Intriguingly, coco glucoside, PEG 400, and Tween 80 have shown a remarkable inhibitory action on aluminum corrosion in corrosive solutions at different temperatures. The findings demonstrated that the inhibition efficacy of inhibitors and the extent of surface coverage of the micelles on aluminum rise with higher concentrations of the inhibitor and decline with rising temperature. Notably, Tween 80 was a more effective inhibitor than PEG 400, and coco glucoside at all temperatures. This effect may be explained by the force and type of their micelles’ adsorption on the aluminum surface, which occurs when hydrophilic regions of coherent layers of micelles donate their electrons to the metal surface. Also, the thermodynamic factors (ΔH0, ΔS0, and Ea) for the corrosion and adsorption processes were assessed and addressed. The experimental data were best fit by models of Langmuir, Temkin, and Flory–Huggins adsorption isotherms fit each other well.

Keywords: Keywords: corrosion inhibitor, aluminum, nonionic surfactants, micelles, adsorption isotherms

Research Title: Corrosion inhibition of aluminum in HBr solutions by nonionic surfactants at different temperature

Author: Khadeejha Fawzi AlAbrouni, Published Year: 2023

Int. J. Corros. Scale Inhib, 2023, Vol. 12, Issue

Faculty: Science

Abstract: Abstract: The influence of nonionic surfactant micelles such as Tween 80, polyethylene glycol 400, and coco glucoside on inhibiting aluminum corrosion in hydrobromic acid solutions was investigated via weight reduction, thermometric, and electrical conductivity techniques. In the absence of inhibitors, the rise in temperature and acid levels has led to a tremendous acceleration in aluminum corrosion in HBr solutions. Intriguingly, coco glucoside, PEG 400, and Tween 80 have shown a remarkable inhibitory action on aluminum corrosion in corrosive solutions at different temperatures. The findings demonstrated that the inhibition efficacy of inhibitors and the extent of surface coverage of the micelles on aluminum rise with higher concentrations of the inhibitor and decline with rising temperature. Notably, Tween 80 was a more effective inhibitor than PEG 400, and coco glucoside at all temperatures. This effect may be explained by the force and type of their micelles’ adsorption on the aluminum surface, which occurs when hydrophilic regions of coherent layers of micelles donate their electrons to the metal surface. Also, the thermodynamic factors (ΔH0, ΔS0, and Ea) for the corrosion and adsorption processes were assessed and addressed. The experimental data were best fit by models of Langmuir, Temkin, and Flory–Huggins adsorption isotherms fit each other well.

Keywords: Keywords: corrosion inhibitor, aluminum, nonionic surfactants, micelles, adsorption isotherms

Research Title: Electrolyte Imbalance Among Patients With and With No ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction A Cohort Study

Author: Maha Mohammed Wahbi Atout, Published Year: 2023

Faculty: Nursing

Abstract: Abstract Electrolytes imbalances are highly prevalent and have shown a high impact on mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction. These electrolytes imbalance have prognostic value in predicting mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction. The purpose of this study was to assess the prognostic value of electrolyte imbalances in predicting 1-month mortality among patients with myocardial infarction with and with no ST-elevation. This cohort study was conducted in a referral hospital in the West Bank, Palestine. All patients with confirmed medical diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction and admitted to the medical coronary care unit in the hospital were eligible participants. A convenience sample of 186 participants was obtained. These participants were followed up for 1 month to assess their survival (alive or dead). Demographic and clinical data were recorded by reviewing their health records. The derived data were analyzed using SPSS version 19. About 36% of all patients were found to be hyponatremic, 15% of them have hypokalemia, and 9% of patients had hypocalcemia. There was a significant difference between STEMI and non-STEMI in sodium (t = 4.7, P < .001). A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to predict 1-month mortality for patients with myocardial infarction with and with no ST-elevation. The predictors that were found to be significant are sodium (odds ratio [OR] = 0.789, P = .010), calcium (OR = 0.221, P = .014), diastolic blood pressure (OR = 0.933, P = .047), and blood urea nitrogen (OR = 0.821, P = .005). Electrolyte imbalance was highly prevalent among patients with acute myocardial infarction. Hyponatremia and hypocalcemia were present and associated significantly with predicting 1-month mortality. Health care providers should take into consideration the electrolytes of patients with acute myocardial infarction from the first moment of admission and correct them early to maximize the clinical outcomes and survival for patients.

Keywords: acute myocardial infarction, electrolytes imbalance, hypocalcemia, hypona- tremia, myocardial infarction, ST-segment elevation

Research Title: High-performance speed control for three-phase induction motor based on reverse direction algorithm and artificial neural network

Author: Mustafa Awwad Al Khawaldeh, Published Year: 2024

International Journal of Electrical and Computer Engineering (IJECE) , 14

Faculty: Engineering and Technology

Abstract: This research proposes two approaches for determining the required frequency and modulation index for a pulse-width-modulation (PWM) system in a variable frequency drive (VFD) to control the speed of the three phase induction motor. The first approach which is the reverse direction algorithm (RDA), uses a set of equations to calculate the necessary frequency and voltage for maintaining a constant motor speed under varying load conditions. The second one involves training a neural network (NN) on data collected by the RDA, which can then be used to continuously adjust the motor speed in real time to adapt to changing load torque requirements. Simulation and laboratory models for the three-phase induction motor are built and the proposed RDA-NN controller is examined. Results have proved that the proposed controller is effective in providing a stable and responsive motor speed control system.

Keywords: Induction motors Load torque Neural network Pulse-width-modulation Speed control Variable frequency drive