Research Title: Drug-Receptor Interactions

Author: Yazan Mohammad Al-Thaher, Published Year: 2020

Faculty: Pharmacy

Abstract: Conventional treatment of any disease can be achieved by administration of drugs of natural and synthetic origin. The drugs exhibits its pharmacological action by altering cellular signalling or the biochemical events associated with the respective target proteins such as receptors or enzymes.

Keywords: Drug-receptor complex, H-bonding, VdW interaction, Antangonist, Agonist

Research Title: LbL-assembled gentamicin delivery system for PMMA bone cements to prolong antimicrobial activity

Author: Yazan Mohammad Al-Thaher, Published Year: 2018

Plos One,

Faculty: Pharmacy

Abstract: Introduction Antibiotic-loaded poly(methyl methacrylate) bone cements (ALBCs) are widely used in total joint replacement (TJR), for local delivery of antibiotics to provide prophylaxis against prosthetic joint infections (PJI). One of the shortcomings of the current generation of ALBCs is that the antibiotic release profile is characterized by a burst over the first few hours followed by a sharp decrease in rate for the following several days (often below minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC)), and, finally, exhaustion (after, typically, ~ 20 d). This profile means that the ALBCs provide only short-term antimicrobial action against bacterial strains involved PJI. Rationale The purpose of the present study was to develop an improved antibiotic delivery system for an ALBC. This system involved using a layer-by-layer technique to load the antibiotic (gentamicin sulphate) (GEN) on silica nanoparticles, which are then blended with the powder of the cement. Then, the powder was mixed with the liquid of the cement (NP-GEN cement). For controls, two GEN-loaded brands were used (Cemex Genta and Palacos R+G). Gentamicin release and a host of other relevant properties were determined for all the cements studied. Results Compared to control cement specimens, improved GEN release, longer antimicrobial activity (against clinically-relevant bacterial strains), and comparable setting time, cytocompatibility, compressive strength (both prior to and after aging in PBS at 37 oC for 30 d), 4-point bend strength and modulus, fracture toughness, and PBS uptake. Conclusions NP-GEN cement may have a role in preventing or treating PJI.

Keywords: bone cement, ALBC, Gentamicin, TJR, PJI

Research Title: Role of processing parameters on surface and wetting properties controlling the behaviour of layer-by-layer coated nanoparticles

Author: Yazan Mohammad Al-Thaher, Published Year: 2018

Current Opinion in Colloid & Interface Science, 36

Faculty: Pharmacy

Abstract: Wetting phenomena at surfaces and interfaces is an important field of research with numerous commercial applications. As example, superhydrophobic surfaces are used as self-cleaning, antibiofilm forming and antimicrobial materials nowadays. Given the potential impact, creating surfaces with tailored wetting characteristics employing various fabrication techniques is of great interest. One very promising fabrication technique, for creating such materials is the layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly. LbL is a versatile technique allowing incorporation of different types of drugs and materials and the ability to coat substrates of complex geometries. This review summarises recent progress in preparation of Layer-by-layer constructs and a role of surface and wetting parameters in this technique. Effect of various physicochemical properties on LbL construct characteristics also was discussed.

Keywords: Nanoparticles,Layer-by-layer,Wetting,Surface properties

Research Title: Role of poly-beta-amino-esters hydrolysis and electrostatic attraction in gentamicin release from layer-by-layer coatings

Author: Yazan Mohammad Al-Thaher, Published Year: 2018

Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 526

Faculty: Pharmacy

Abstract: Layer-by-layer (LbL) deposition is a versatile technique that has been employed in numerous industrial applications i.e. biomaterials, drug delivery and electronics to confer peculiar properties to the system. When LbL is employed for drug delivery, the active molecule is sandwiched between layers of polyelectrolytes and the release is controlled by the diffusion of the drug through the layers and the possible hydrolysis of the coating (delamination). Poly-beta-amino-esters (PBAEs) are a class of hydrolysable polyelectrolytes that have been widely used in DNA delivery and for LbL on medical devices. Their use allowed the controlled release of antibiotics and other bioactive compounds from the surface of medical devices without cytotoxic effects. The general accepted consensus is that drug released from LbL coating assembled using PBAEs is the results of the polymer hydrolysis; however, no attention has been paid to the role of the electrostatic attraction between PBAE and the other polyelectrolyte utilised in the LbL assembly. In this work, we prepared LbL coatings on the surface of silica nanoparticles entrapping gentamicin as model drug and demonstrated that the drug release from PBAEs containing LbL coatings is predominantly controlled by the electrostatic attraction between opposite charged electrolytes. The positive charge of PBAE decreased from pH = 5 to pH = 7.4 while alginate negative charges remained unchanged in this pH range while PBAE hydrolysis kinetics was faster, as determined with Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC), in acidic conditions. When PBAE were employed in the LbL construct higher levels of drug were released at pH = 7.4 than at pH = 5; additionally, replacing PBAE with chitosan (the charge of chitosan is not influenced in this pH range) resulted in comparable gentamicin release kinetics at pH = 5.

Keywords: Poly beta amino esters,PBAE,Layer-by-layer,Drug release,Gentamicin,Silica nanoparticles

Research Title: Nano-carrier based drug delivery systems for sustained antimicrobial agent release from orthopaedic cementous material

Author: Yazan Mohammad Al-Thaher, Published Year: 2017

Advances in Colloid and Interface Science, 249

Faculty: Pharmacy

Abstract: Total joint replacement (TJR), such as hip and knee replacement, is a popular procedure worldwide. Prosthetic joint infections (PJI) after this procedure have been widely reported, where treatment of such infections is complex with high cost and prolonged hospital stay. In cemented arthroplasties, the use of antibiotic loaded bone cement (ALBC) is a standard practice for the prophylaxis and treatment of PJI. Recently, the development of bacterial resistance by pathogenic microorganisms against most commonly used antibiotics increased the interest in alternative approaches for antimicrobial delivery systems such as nanotechnology. This review summarizes the efforts made to improve the antimicrobial properties of PMMA bone cements using nanotechnology based antibiotic and non-antibiotic delivery systems to overcome drawbacks of ALBC in the prophylaxis and treatment of PJIs after hip and knee replacement.

Keywords: PMMA,Nanotechnology, Bone cement, Nanoparticles,Antimicrobial,TJR,PJI

Research Title: السؤال البرلماني في دستور المملكة الأردنية الهاشمية لسنة ١٩٥٢ وتعديلاته

Author: Moayd Husni Al-Kawaldah, Published Year: 2021

مجلة العلوم الإسلامية للدراسات الشرعية والقانونية , المجلد ٢٩ العدد ١

Faculty: Law

Abstract: تتطرق هذه الدراسة إلى السؤال البرلماني من حيث شروطه وإجراءاته ومدى فاعليته في العمل الرقابي من أَعضاء مجلس النواب في الأردن, والإشكالية في مدى كفاية التنظيم التشريعي الأردني وأثر ذلك في تحقيق الإصلاح الحكومي, وأُتْبِعَ المنهج الوصفي والتحليلي بوصف نصوص الدستور الأردني لسنة 2591 وتحليلها وما طرأ عليه من تعديلات وأثرها في آليات ووسائل الرقابة البرلمانية، وكذلك نصوص الأنظمة الداخلية وأحكامها لكل من مجلسي النواب والأعيان, وقُس ِمَ هذا البحث إلى مبحثين؛ المبحث الأول: ماهية السؤال البرلماني والمبحث الثاني: الآثار المترتبة على توجيه السؤال البرلماني, وأهم النتائج والتوصيات؛ فالنتائج أنه بموجب نص المادة )221 /أ( من النظام الداخلي لمجلس النواب، أَنه عند رد الوزير المختص على السؤال المقدم من عضو البرلمان وعرضه عليه، يعلن النائب السائل اكتفاءه بالرد حيث يغلق عندها بحث الموضوع - أَو أَ ن يُ بدي العضو رغبته بالكلام - إِذْ يُعطى له وحده حق ُ الر َدِ على الوزير وبإيجاز، أما التوصيات فأتمنى تعديل النص السابق وإشراك جميع النواب في المناقشة؛ لأَن َ النائب لا يمثل نفسه، بل يمثل الشعب الذي انتخبه

Keywords: السؤال البرلماني، الرقابة البرلمانية، التشريع الاردني

Research Title: Antibiotics use and appropriateness in two Jordanian children hospitals a point prevalence study

Author: Asma Ahmad El-Shara, Published Year: 2020

Journal of Pharmaceutical Health Services Research, Vol XX, 1–7

Faculty: Pharmacy

Abstract: Abstract Background Although inappropriate antibiotics prescribing in hospitals is a key factor in accelerating antibiotic resistance, inadequate data are available about antibiotics prescribing rate and appropriateness. Our study aimed to measure antibiotics prescribing rate, indications, appropriateness and predictors. Methods The study was conducted in two public children hospitals (five wards) in Jordan using one-week point prevalence survey to prospectively collect the data. Appropriateness of antibiotics therapy was assessed by a multidisciplinary committee and predictors of inappropriate prescribing were studied through multivariate logistic regression. Key findings The overall antibiotics prescribing rate was 75.6% (n = 501/663), where the highest rate of antibiotics prescribing was in the Pediatrics ward (82.2%, n = 222/270). However, the lowest rate was in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (30.0%, 9/30). The most common antibiotics classes prescribed were: Beta-lactams (57.5%, n = 492/855). The most common underlying condition for antibiotics prescribing was upper respiratory tract infections (25.5%, n = 128/501) followed by pneumonia (20.6%, n = 103/501). Around half of antibiotics were prescribed upon appropriate decision (49.5%, n = 423/855). However, 22.0% (n = 188/855) of antibiotics were wrongly chosen, and 9.5% (n = 81/855) were wrongly applied. Initially inappropriate decision for prescription occurred in 15.3% (n = 131/855) of antibiotics. Ceftriaxone (OR 3.1; 95% CI 2.6–4.1; P = 0.03) and patients with ≥3 medication orders (OR 2.6; 95% CI 1.7–3.5; P = 0.001) significantly predicted inappropriate antibiotics prescribing. Conclusions The incidence of antibiotics prescribing in Jordanian children hospitals was high compared to other countries. Further multi-centric studies are required to enhance the generalisability of results and better develop effective and efficient antibiotic stewardship programmes.

Keywords: Health services research; antibiotic appopriatness; pediatric setting; Jordan

Research Title: IoT Based Remote Laboratory for Solar Energy Experiments: Design and Implementation

Author: Kasim Mousa Al-Aubidy, Published Year: 2021

18th IEEE Intr. Multi-Conf. on Systems, Signals, Devices (SSD21) , Tunisia

Faculty: Engineering and Technology

Abstract: Remote laboratories offer real experiences that students deal with over the Internet using computers or smartphones. This paper presents a technical method for connecting real devices in a laboratory so that students can access them over the Internet to conduct real experiments on devices in the lab from anywhere, anytime. The proposed remote lab includes a set of experiments, and each experiment has a set of devices. Each experiment is designed in a way that allows the learner to select a certain experiment and study the functions of each device to achieve its objective. By using the remote laboratory, students will be able to study the basic characteristics of each component used in the experiment and measure several parameters in order to acquire the necessary skills they need. This paper presents the hardware and software design of a remote solar lab and the results obtained from laboratory experiments conducted online. The next step is to implement the proposed system in the Solar Energy Laboratory at the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Philadelphia University, Jordan. Remote laboratory, IoT, Embedded systems, E-learning, Blended learning.

Keywords: Remote laboratory, IoT, Embedded systems, E-learning, Blended learning.

Research Title: Intelligent Scheduling of Mobile Robots in Flexible Manufacturing Systems

Author: Kasim Mousa Al-Aubidy, Published Year: 2020

17th IEEE Intr. Multi-Conf. on Systems, Signals, Devices (SSD20), Tunisia

Faculty: Engineering and Technology

Abstract: The main objective of this research work is to design and evaluate real time intelligent scheduling algorithms for flexible manufacturing systems. The proposed system has set of programmable CNC machines, load and unload stations, group of mobile robots for material handling, and robot charging station. Each machine, station and robot is considered as a node in a wireless sensor network. Information between FMS units are transferred through a wireless sensor network and used by the main controller. Intelligent algorithms are required to manage and control the FMS environment for tasks scheduling and robot routing. Several simulated case studies will be considered to test and verify the flexibility of the system and the capability of the proposed algorithms to use effectively available machines and mobile robots. Encouraging results are achieved when the performance of the proposed scheduling algorithms is compared with others obtained from similar systems in published literature.

Keywords: Flexible manufacturing systems, Multi-robot scheduling, Intelligent scheduling, Wireless sensor networks, Fuzzy logic.

Research Title: Design and Construction of a Low Cost Portable Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Ventilator Device

Author: Kasim Mousa Al-Aubidy, Published Year: 2020

17th IEEE Intr. Multi-Conf. on Systems, Signals, Devices (SSD20), , Tunisia

Faculty: Engineering and Technology

Abstract: Recently, after the global spread of the new coronavirus (known as COVID-19), the demand for large numbers of ventilators and CPRs has increased in hospitals and health centers. In fact, providing a large number of these devices is difficult, in addition to their high cost and providing a suitable place for them. Therefore, there is an urgent need to use the concepts of reverse engineering in the design and manufacture of low-cost portable devices for use by patients on site. This paper presents an attempt to apply the concepts of reverse engineering to the design and construction of a low-cost portable cardiopulmonary resuscitation and ventilator device. This device can be used in ambulances, health centers, or hard-to-reach remote places. The main parameters of the implemented device can be adjusted directly by the operator or remotely by a specialist. The device is considered as a node in the wireless sensor network that can be accessed by a specialist to update the parameters according to the patient's condition.

Keywords: Mechanical ventilation, Bag volume mask, Low-cost ventilator, Portable ventilator, CPR, Real-time monitoring.