Search

Parapharyngeal space (PPS) tumors are a rare entity and account for less than 1% of all head and neck tumors. Although they exhibit a benign behavior, malignant neoplasms may arise from any of the structure contained in the space. Differential diagnosis of a PPS mass can be determined based on its origin from the prestyloid or poststyloid space. Furthermore, the choice of surgical approach is dictated by the size of the tumor, its location, its relationship to the great vessels, and suspicion of malignancy. Chordomas are rare, slow-growing tumors arising from remnants of the notochord. They are locally aggressive malignant neoplasms. The majority of head and neck chordomas arise in the skull base with a small minority arising along the cervical spine. In this report, we describe the first case of a patient with a chondroid chordoma of the PPS with no direct involvement of the axial skeleton.

This study was carried out to quantitate the expression levels of microRNA-17, -19a, -34a, -155, and -210 (miRs) expressed in nine clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) and one chromophobe renal cell carcinoma cell line with and without sarcomatoid differentiation, and in six primary kidney tumors with matching normal kidney tissues. The data in the five non-sarcomatoid ccRCC cell lines—RC2, CAKI-1, 786-0, RCC4, and RCC4/VHL—and in the four ccRCC with sarcomatoid differentiation—RCJ41T1, RCJ41T2, RCJ41M, and UOK-127—indicated that miR-17 and -19a were expressed at lower levels relative to miR-34a, -155, and -210. Compared with RPTEC normal epithelial cells, miR-34a, miR-155, and miR-210 were expressed at higher levels, independent of the sarcomatoid differentiation status and hypoxia-inducible factors 1α and 2α (HIFs) isoform expression. In the one chromophobe renal cell carcinoma cell line, namely, UOK-276 with sarcomatoid differentiation, and expressing tumor suppressor gene TP53, miR-34a, which is a tumor suppressor gene, was expressed at higher levels than miR-210, -155, -17, and -19a. The pilot results generated in six tumor biopsies with matching normal kidney tissues indicated that while the expression of miR-17 and -19a were similar to the normal tissue expression profile, miR-210, -155, -and 34a were expressed at a higher level. To confirm that differences in the expression levels of the five miRs in the six tumor biopsies were statistically significant, the acquisition of a larger sample size is required. Data previously generated in ccRCC cell lines demonstrating that miR-210, miR-155, and HIFs are druggable targets using a defined dose and schedule of selenium-containing molecules support the concept that simultaneous and concurrent downregulation of miR-210, miR-155, and HIFs, which regulate target genes associated with increased tumor angiogenesis and drug resistance, may offer the potential for the development of a novel mechanism-based strategy for the treatment of patients with advanced ccRCC.

Selenium has been extensively evaluated clinically as a chemopreventive agent with variable results depending on the type and dose of selenium used. Selenium species are now being therapeutically evaluated as modulators of drug responses rather than as directly cytotoxic agents. In addition, recent data suggest an association between selenium base-line levels in blood and survival of patients with COVID-19. The major focus of this mini review was to summarize: the pathways of selenium metabolism; the results of selenium-based chemopreventive clinical trials; the potential for using selenium metabolites as therapeutic modulators of drug responses in cancer (clear-cell renal-cell carcinoma (ccRCC) in particular); and selenium usage alone or in combination with vaccines in the treatment of patients with COVID-19. Critical therapeutic targets and the potential role of different selenium species, doses, and schedules are discussed.

The purpose of the study was to investigate the impact of integrating flipped learning and information and communication technology on secondary school students' academic achievement and attitudes. The study was based on a quasi-experimental approach where the sample of the study consisted of 40 students from Mashrek International School in Amman, Jordan, who were randomly assigned into either an experimental group (20 students) or control group (20 students). An academic achievement test was used with both groups as a pre-test and post-test, and an attitude scale was implemented only on the experimental group. The validity and reliability of the study were ensured. The findings revealed the effectiveness of the flipped learning approach, statically significant differences were found between the experimental and control group in terms of the students' academic achievement. As for the experimental group the students' attitudes towards peers, teacher, environment and learning process were positive.

This study investigated the levels of social presence, online learning self-efficacy, and student satisfaction among undergraduate students taking online courses from the School of Educational Sciences at the University of Jordan during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was hypothesized that the relationships between these variables and the degrees of social presence and online learning self-efficacy could predict student satisfaction in these online learning settings. To this end, we used a stepwise multiple regression model for student satisfaction involving social presence and online learning self-efficacy. Data were collected from a sample of 435 participants, all of whom were undergraduate students enrolled in the summer semester at the University of Jordan in 2020 Academic Year. The results demonstrated that the undergraduate students had high levels of online learning self-efficacy and moderate levels of social presence and student satisfaction. The study also revealed a significant positive relationship between social presence, online learning self-efficacy, and student satisfaction. The findings revealed that social presence and online learning self-efficacy impact and significantly predict student satisfaction in higher education institutions in Jordan in online learning settings. Based on these results, the authors recommend that instructors at these institutions foster social presence to enhance student satisfaction.

This study examined the effect of a Pedagogical Hypermedia Environment in the Science Discipline (PHFSD) on the acquisition of scientific concepts among fifth-graders during the 2019-2020 school years. The study adopted a quasi-experimental method with 50 fifth-grade students from a private school in Amman, Jordan, divided into two groups of 25 each. Students were randomly assigned to either a control group that was taught using traditional methods or an experimental group that was taught using PHFSD. A scientific concept test was conducted before and after the Motion and Force unit was taught. The data gathered was analyzed using ANCOVA. The results revealed a statistically significant difference at the alpha=0.05 level between the mean scores of the two groups on the scientific concepts test. Most of the variation (70%) in the fifth-grade students' posttest scores was attributed to the effects of the teaching method. Such positive results affirm that this pedagogical hypermedia environment had a positive impact on the fifth-graders. These findings support the use of a pedagogical hypermedia environment to enhance the acquisition of scientific concepts among fifth-graders in Jordan. The ministry of education and teachers can use these findings to enhance teaching and learning scientific concepts.

Blended learning (BL) has recently been extensively utilized as an effective instructional method in the educational field. Despite its benefits, few studies investigate its impact on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training programs for non-medical students and staff. The importance of CPR training lies in its contribution to achieving the third sustainable development goal (SDG) by enhancing survival rates. Nevertheless, some obstacles have hindered university students from participating in these courses. This study aims to identify the impact of blended learning, which integrates asynchronous online learning with face-toface instruction, on CPR knowledge and attitudes among non-medical undergraduates. Using a true experimental design, the experimental group (n = 41) received the BL CPR training program while the control group (n = 40) received the convolutional CPR training program. Data were collected using a developed CPR knowledge test and an attitude measure toward performing CPR before and after the program. The analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) analysis at the 5% significance level (p < 0.05) revealed a significant positive influence of the BL method on enhancing students' CPR knowledge and their attitudes toward performing it. These results recommend that decision-makers employ BL programs to enhance students' CPR knowledge and attitudes toward performing it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence (AI)-based chatbot that has expanded in popularity among users in several fields. It could transform education and support achieving sustainable development goals. Providing counseling and mental health services is a vital national goal for maintaining sustainable goals. As evidence of innovative technology's ability to support sustainability in the digital era, no study has been found to investigate ChatGPT in counseling and mental health education based on students' perceptions and experiences. Consequently, this study aimed to explore undergraduates' perceptions in terms of the benefits and challenges of using ChatGPT in counseling and mental health education. The study adopted a descriptive quantitative approach using a purposive sample comprising 210 respondents who enrolled in the counseling and mental health program at the University of Jordan and experienced ChatGPT in their learning. The results reported that 81.9 percent of respondents perceived ChatGPT as a beneficial learning tool for counseling and mental health (M = 4.10); they perceived their ability to support most of the primary counseling skills and therapeutic conditions as the counseling dispositions and behaviors expected for reflection on meaning skills, empathic care, setting boundaries with colleagues, openness to feedback, congruence and genuineness, ability to record-keeping and task completion, and non-verbal skills. Furthermore, the findings reported that students experienced moderate challenges and concerns while utilizing ChatGPT (M = 3.21). The study's findings suggest educators in counseling and mental health employ ChatGPT in the teaching and learning process. In addition, it proposes that decision-makers at the University of Jordan consider student concerns about ChatGPT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims to examine students' attitudes toward using ChatGPT as a learning tool using a quantitative approach with a descriptive study design. For data collection, researchers have developed attitude measures that utilize the ABC model, which encompasses three components of attitudes (affective, cognitive, and behavioral). The study was conducted among a random sample of 623 undergraduates who enrolled at the University of Jordan, consisting of 476 females and 147 males. The results of the descriptive statistics indicate that there is a high level of positive attitude toward utilizing ChatGPT as a learning tool. Furthermore, the findings confirm moderate affective and high behavioral and cognitive components of attitudes toward using ChatGPT as a learning tool among undergraduate students. A proportion of respondents (73.2%) agreed on the potential ability of ChatGPT to facilitate the learning process. In comparison, 20.7% of the study participants raised apprehensions regarding the precision of the data produced by ChatGPT, while an equivalent percentage (20.7%) reported feeling uncomfortable utilizing the platform; conversely, 14.6% of those surveyed acknowledged experiencing anxiety when unable to access ChatGPT's services. The results of this study encourage decision-makers and educators at the University of Jordan to incorporate ChatGPT into curricula and instructional practices, considering student concerns and the risk of misuse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the physical education literature, E-learning in terms of online or blended learning has been lacking and facing several challenges which highlighted a need to conduct more research to investigate modern instruction in the context of physical education. This study is one of the few to determine the impact of Mobile Application-Assisted Instruction (MAAI) on intrinsic motivation and sports nutrition knowledge in a blended learning setting. The "KI-coach" app has been used as a state of an art mobile application based on artificial intelligence. This study adopted quasi experimental approach. Students were randomly assigned into a control group (n=25) that received the convolutional instruction method and an experimental group (n=25) that received MAAI. Study groups adopted a blended learning approach. Measures of intrinsic motivation and sports nutrition knowledge were administered to both groups before and after teaching the nutrition and physical performance course. The ANCOVA analysis revealed a statistically significant difference between the mean scores of the two groups on intrinsic motivation and sports nutrition knowledge. These findings indicated that using MAAI in blended learning promoted the development of intrinsic motivation and enhanced sports nutrition knowledge among physical education students. These findings encourage the decision-makers at the ministry of higher education and physical education instructors to improve blended learning instruction and practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In terms of mobile apps, mHealth technology might enhance public health. However, despite the development of hundreds of health-related mobile applications, few studies have studied their relationship to psychological constructs. This study aimed to evaluate the association between the intensity of mHealth app use and nutrition knowledge, healthy-eating self-efficacy, and positive body image among Jordanian students and to measure their levels. In the first semester of the academic year 2022-2023, a structured, self-administered web-based questionnaire containing valid and reliable measures (i.e., positive body image scale, healthy eating self-efficacy, general nutrition knowledge questionnaire, and the adopted intensity use of mHealth apps scale) was administered to 414 undergraduates. The findings reported that their usage of mHealth-related mobile applications was low, as they had inadequate nutrition knowledge, low healthy-eating self-efficacy, and a moderate positive body image. The Pearson correlation analysis revealed a significant and positive correlation between the degree of usage of health-related mobile applications and nutrition knowledge, healthy eating self-efficacy, and positive body image (p < 0.01). These findings underscore the need to promote healthy eating self-efficacy and positive body image among students and to improve their nutrition knowledge. In addition, these results advise decision-makers to encourage students to include mHealth applications in their daily routines to benefit their health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study was carried out to detect the effect of the environmental temperature on the postmortem histological and molecular changes and their synchrony with the time since death (TSD). A total of 30 male, albino mice were sacrificed by decapitation. Carcasses have been divided into two groups, 15 in each group. The first group left at room temperature (25±3 °C) and the second one kept in the refrigerator (4 °C). Tissue specimens from livers and kidneys have been taken at a definite time interval (0, 6, 12, 24, and 36 hours after death). Tissue specimens were processed into paraffine-embedded sections stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin to investigate the histological changes. Liver and kidney taken directly after death from both animal groups showed the normal structures. However, time-dependent degenerative changes have been seen in both organs throughout the postmortem time periods (6, 12, 24, and 36 hours after death). These changes influenced both the tissue architectural configuration and the cellular integrity. The cellular changes involved cytoplasmic and nuclear elements. The cytoplasmic changes ranged from partial to complete vacuolation. The nuclear changes included pyknosis, karyorrhexis, and karyolysis. Preserving animal carcasses at a lower temperature delayed the progression of these changes. Also, the molecular findings showed that the integrity of DNA from liver and kidney either kept at room temperature or in refrigerator (4 °C) was lost in a time-dependent manner. Yet, DNA degradation occurred at a slower rate at low temperatures. In conclusion, it was evident that holding the carcasses of mice at lower temperatures may delay degenerative changes and DNA degradation. Moreover, the association of both histological and molecular testing may support each other in the determination of the TSD, especially in the earlier postmortem periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was carried out to quantitate the expression levels of microRNA-17, -19a, -34a, -155, and -210 (miRs) expressed in nine clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) and one chromophobe renal cell carcinoma cell line with and without sarcomatoid differentiation, and in six primary kidney tumors with matching normal kidney tissues. The data in the five non-sarcomatoid ccRCC cell lines—RC2, CAKI-1, 786-0, RCC4, and RCC4/VHL—and in the four ccRCC with sarcomatoid differentiation—RCJ41T1, RCJ41T2, RCJ41M, and UOK-127—indicated that miR-17 and -19a were expressed at lower levels relative to miR-34a, -155, and -210. Compared with RPTEC normal epithelial cells, miR-34a, miR-155, and miR-210 were expressed at higher levels, independent of the sarcomatoid differentiation status and hypoxia-inducible factors 1α and 2α (HIFs) isoform expression. In the one chromophobe renal cell carcinoma cell line, namely, UOK-276 with sarcomatoid differentiation, and expressing tumor suppressor gene TP53, miR-34a, which is a tumor suppressor gene, was expressed at higher levels than miR-210, -155, -17, and -19a. The pilot results generated in six tumor biopsies with matching normal kidney tissues indicated that while the expression of miR-17 and -19a were similar to the normal tissue expression profile, miR-210, -155, -and 34a were expressed at a higher level. To confirm that differences in the expression levels of the five miRs in the six tumor biopsies were statistically significant, the acquisition of a larger sample size is required. Data previously generated in ccRCC cell lines demonstrating that miR-210, miR-155, and HIFs are druggable targets using a defined dose and schedule of selenium-containing molecules support the concept that simultaneous and concurrent downregulation of miR-210, miR-155, and HIFs, which regulate target genes associated with increased tumor angiogenesis and drug resistance, may offer the potential for the development of a novel mechanism-based strategy for the treatment of patients with advanced ccRCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Higher land surface temperature (LST) in cities than their surrounding areas presents a major sustainability challenge for cities. Decision-makers and planners use the LST measurements to monitor the urban environment to reduce the urban climate’s main challenges. Therefore, there is an urgent need to examine the impacts of urban features and changes on the LST. This study focused on the relationship between LST and urban land changes and the impact of these changes on LST during different periods. Although a set of studies explored the relationship between landscape features and urban LST, several aspects still need further discussion. Here, the study aims to explore the influence of landscape features and land cover patterns on land surface temperature LST in two cities (Amman and Zarqa) in Jordan, and identify which of these features (vegetation cover, built-up and population density) has the most effective and influence on LST values. Therefore, this paper is the first study about land surface temperature LST and its relations with these aspects in Jordan. This study used a mixed method approach using quantitative method (GIS) and qualitative method (comparative case studies). This study revealed that the most important features affecting the LST values were: (1) Population density; (2) Built-up; and (3) Vegetation, and in descending order from the strongest to the least effective. It is also concluded that in the city in which the population density is high, the effect of built-up areas on the values of LST is as high as possible and positive more than the cities with medium and low population density. As for the city in which the population density is medium to low, the effect of vegetation cover on the values of LST is greater, and this can be more positive than in cities with a high population density. Therefore, the study contributes to improving the planners' and policymakers’ suitable future decisions for making sustainable cities.

New educational technologies in terms of robots and hypermedia have growing considerations in education. They have been characterized as promising instructional technologies to enhance learning and rapid 21st-century skill acquisition, which has increased the theoretical literature in educational robots (ER) and hypermedia and their practical implementation in the context of education. Despite the educational interest in these technologies, there are limited studies that have examined their effect on primary students' acquisition of scientific concepts. This study's novelty is based on integrating ER with hypermedia to improve the acquisition of scientific concepts. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of integrating ER with hypermedia in the acquisition of scientific concepts among fifth-grade students (N = 50) utilizing a quasi-experimental design with a control group (CG) and an experimental group (EG). The EG was taught using ERs and hypermedia, while the CG was taught using traditional instruction. Data were collected through administration of the presently developed scientific concept test as pretest and posttest. The findings revealed a significant development in the acquisition of scientific concepts among these fifth-grade students. These findings support that integrating ERs with hypermedia positively impacts students' acquisition of scientific concepts. Education ministries in general and science teachers, in particular, can use these results to improve opportunities for students to acquire scientific concepts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The negative impact of vaccine conspiracies is linked with negative health behavior. The aim of the current study was to examine the association between attitudes toward booster COVID-19, influenza, and monkeypox (mpox) vaccinations with post-COVID-19 vaccine side effects, vaccine conspiracies, and attitude towards mandatory vaccination among nurses and physicians in Jordan. Methods: A structured closed-ended questionnaire was used to collect data on demographics, COVID-19 history, COVID-19 vaccine type and doses received, self-reported side effects post-COVID-19 vaccination, acceptance of booster COVID-19, seasonal influenza, and mpox vaccinations, attitudes towards mandatory vaccination, and beliefs in vaccine conspiracies. Results: The study sample comprised a total of 341 participants. Acceptance of yearly booster COVID-19 vaccination was expressed by 46.6% of the sample, while 73.3% accepted seasonal influenza vaccination, and only 37.0% accepted mpox vaccination. A higher frequency of self-reported side effects following the first COVID-19 vaccine dose was associated with embrace of vaccine conspiracies and vaccine type. For the second vaccine dose, a higher frequency of self-reported side effects was associated with the embrace of vaccine conspiracies, older age, and affiliation to private sector. In multinomial logistic regression analyses, the lower embrace of vaccine conspiracies was associated with lower odds of reporting side effects post-COVID-19 vaccination. The lower embrace of vaccine conspiracies and favorable attitude towards mandatory vaccination were associated with the willingness to get COVID-19, influenza, and mpox vaccinations. Conclusion: The study findings highlighted the negative impact of embracing vaccine conspiracies on health-seeking behavior among nurses and physicians. The findings indicated that the willingness to get vaccinated was associated with lower endorsement of vaccine conspiracies. Additionally, the lower embrace of vaccine conspiracies was associated with a lower frequency of self-reported side effects following COVID-19 vaccination. These results emphasize the importance of addressing vaccine misinformation and promoting accurate information to ensure optimal vaccine uptake and public health outcomes.

Parapharyngeal space (PPS) tumors are a rare entity and account for less than 1% of all head and neck tumors. Although they exhibit a benign behavior, malignant neoplasms may arise from any of the structure contained in the space. Differential diagnosis of a PPS mass can be determined based on its origin from the prestyloid or poststyloid space. Furthermore, the choice of surgical approach is dictated by the size of the tumor, its location, its relationship to the great vessels, and suspicion of malignancy. Chordomas are rare, slow-growing tumors arising from remnants of the notochord. They are locally aggressive malignant neoplasms. The majority of head and neck chordomas arise in the skull base with a small minority arising along the cervical spine. In this report, we describe the first case of a patient with a chondroid chordoma of the PPS with no direct involvement of the axial skeleton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Neurosciences is the property of Neurosciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Dentists could fail to notice periapical lesions (PLs) while examining panoramic radiographs. Accordingly, this study aimed to develop an artificial intelligence (AI) designed to address this problem. Materials and methods: a total of 18618 periapical root areas (PRA) on 713 panoramic radiographs were annotated and classified as having or not having PLs. An AI model consisting of two convolutional neural networks (CNNs), a detector and a classifier, was trained on the images. The detector localized PRAs using a bounding-box-based object detection model, while the classifier classified the extracted PRAs as PL or not-PL using a fine-tuned CNN. The classifier was trained and validated on a balanced subset of the original dataset that included 3249 PRAs, and tested on 707 PRAs. Results: the detector achieved an average precision of 74.95%, while the classifier accuracy, sensitivity and specificity were 84%, 81% and 86%, respectively. When integrating both detection and classification models, the proposed method accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were 84.6%, 72.2%, and 85.6%, respectively. Conclusion: a two-stage CNN model consisting of a detector and a classifier can successfully detect periapical lesions on panoramic radiographs.

A ccurate and simple spectrophotometric method has been suggested for the determination ofoxymetazoline hydrochloride (OMCl) in aqueous solution is developed. The present process included coupling of OMCl with diazotized sulphanilic acid reagent in the presence of sodium hydroxide. The orange colored azo dye formed very stable and soluble in water gives maximum absorption at 496 nm. The lineratey is obeyed over the range 20 – 400 mg / 25 ml (0.8 –16µg.ml-1) the molar absorptivity is equate to 2.30 ´ 104 l.mol-1cm-1. The proposed method has been used to the determination of OMCl in two formulations with satisfactories results.

Pelargonium graveolens leaves are widely used in traditional medicine for relieving some cardiovascular, dental, gastrointestinal, and respiratory disorders. They are also used as food and tea additives in Palestine and many other countries. Consequently, this investigation aimed to describe the chemical markers, cytotoxic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, metabolic, and cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes inhibitory characteristics of P. graveolens essential oil (PGEO) from Palestine utilizing reference methods. There were 70 chemicals found in the GCMS analysis, and oxygenated terpenoids were the most abundant group of the total PGEO. Citronellol (24.44%), citronellyl formate (15.63%), γ-eudesmol (7.60%), and iso-menthone (7.66%) were the dominant chemical markers. The EO displayed strong antioxidant activity (IC50 = 3.88 ± 0.45 µg/mL) and weak lipase and α-amylase suppressant effects. Notably, the PGEO displayed high α-glucosidase inhibitory efficacy compared with Acarbose, with IC50 doses of 52.44 ± 0.29 and 37.15 ± 0.33 µg/mL, respectively. PGEO remarkably repressed the growth of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), even more than Ampicillin and Ciprofloxacin, and strongly inhibited Candida albicans compared with Fluconazole. The highest cytotoxic effect of the PGEO was noticed against MCF-7, followed by Hep3B and HeLa cancer cells, with IC50 doses of 32.71 ± 1.25, 40.71 ± 1.89, and 315.19 ± 20.5 µg/mL, respectively, compared with doxorubicin. Moreover, the screened EO demonstrated selective inhibitory activity against COX-1 (IC50 = 14.03 µg/mL). Additionally, PGEO showed a weak suppressant effect on COX-2 (IC50 = 275.97 µg/mL). The current research can be considered the most comprehensive investigation of the chemical and pharmacological characterization of the PGEO. The results obtained in this study demonstrate, without doubt, that this plant represents a rich source of bioactive substances that can be further investigated and authenticated for their medicinal potential.

Abstract Background There are no published studies on the comorbidity of common mental conditions (anxiety, depression, and somatization) and physical illnesses in the Arab world. Our aim was to estimate the prevalence of common mental conditions comorbid with physical illnesses among primary care attenders in Kuwait, and the sociodemographic characteristics associated with this comorbidity. Methods The Patient Health Questionnaires for somatization, anxiety and depression (PHQ-SAD) were administered to a representative sample of 1046 attenders (M: F = 429: 617; mean age 37.6, SD 12.7) seen in primary care clinics in Kuwait. Based on well-established cut-off scores, the presence and severity of three mental conditions –depression, anxiety, and somatization—was ascertained; physical diagnoses were ascertained by the attending physicians. Results Of 1046 respondents, 442 (42.3%) had at least one mental condition and 670 (64.1%) had a physical illness diagnosis, viz.: diabetes mellitus (248/670 = 37.0%), hypertension (229/670 = 34.2%), asthma (82/670 = 12.2%), non-chronic physical illnesses (63/670 = 9.4%), or heart disease (48/670 = 7.2%), with 34.4% (360/1046) having mental-physical comorbidity. Male: female ratio for the 670 subjects was 287: 383. The unadjusted odds ratio (OR) for having a mental condition in those with a physical illness vs. those without a physical illness was 4.16 (95% C.I. = 3.12, 5.55). Comorbidity was associated with older age, being divorced or widowed, a lower level of education, and poorer living conditions. Regardless of the physical illness, the most frequent comorbid mental disorder was somatization. The prevalence and severity of mental conditions were associated with the number of physical illnesses. Conclusion As has been reported in other parts of the world, somatization, anxiety, and depression are highly prevalent among primary care attenders in Kuwait and they are typically comorbid with physical illness. Strategies for their prevention and treatment need to take into consideration their association with physical illness and social disadvantage.

Selenium has been extensively evaluated clinically as a chemopreventive agent with variable results depending on the type and dose of selenium used. Selenium species are now being therapeutically evaluated as modulators of drug responses rather than as directly cytotoxic agents. In addition, recent data suggest an association between selenium base-line levels in blood and survival of patients with COVID-19. The major focus of this mini review was to summarize: the pathways of selenium metabolism; the results of selenium-based chemopreventive clinical trials; the potential for using selenium metabolites as therapeutic modulators of drug responses in cancer (clear-cell renal-cell carcinoma (ccRCC) in particular); and selenium usage alone or in combination with vaccines in the treatment of patients with COVID-19. Critical therapeutic targets and the potential role of different selenium species, doses, and schedules are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid and accurate serological analysis of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies is important for assessing immune protection from vaccination or infection of individuals and for projecting virus spread within a population. The quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) is a label-free flow-based sensor platform that offers an opportunity to detect the binding of a fluid-phase ligand to an immobilized target molecule in real time. A QCM-based assay was developed for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibody binding and evaluated for assay reproducibility. The assay was cross-compared to the Roche electrochemiluminescence assay (ECLIA) Elecsys ® Anti-SARS-CoV-2 serology test kit and YHLO's chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA). The day-to-day reproducibility of the assay had a correlation of r 2 = 0.99, p < 0.001. The assay linearity was r 2 = 0.96, p < 0.001, for dilution in both serum and buffer. In the cross-comparison analysis of 119 human serum samples, 59 were positive in the Roche, 52 in the YHLO, and 48 in the QCM immunoassay. Despite differences in the detection method and antigen used for antibody capture, there was good coherence between the assays, 80-100% for positive and 96-100% for negative test results. In summation, the QCM-based SARS-CoV-2 IgG immunoassay showed high reproducibility and linearity, along with good coherence with the ELISA-based assays. Still, factors including antibody titer and antigen-binding affinity may differentially affect the various assays' responses.