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Background and Aims: A ping pong fracture is a rare depressed skull fracture (DSF) observed in infants. It occurs due to the inward buckling of the calvarium, creating a cup‐like shape. Trauma during childbirth, particularly from instrumental delivery or the application of pressure by physicians or midwives during challenging deliveries, is the primary cause. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiologic characteristics associated with DSF in newborns and to identify the main factors related to its incidence and the type of hematoma involved. Methods: This is a retrospective case‐control analysis of all newborns delivered with DSF at King Abdulla University Hospital in Jordan between January 2008 and December 2020. The medical records were reviewed, and clinical data were collected and analyzed. Results: Out of 42,955 live births delivered at King Abdulla University Hospital, 13 cases of DSF were observed, giving an incidence of 3.0 in 10,000 live births. All cases were delivered at full term. Of the 13 cases, nine cases were associated with the use of instrumental delivery. Seven of those nine cases were delivered vaginally, while the other two cases required cesarean section following unsuccessful instrumental delivery. Four cases were spontaneous, with no history of trauma or instrument use, and delivered by cesarean section. Only 3 of the 13 cases required neurosurgical elevation of DSF. The outcome was excellent in all cases, both cosmetically and neurologically. Conclusion: Ping‐pong skull fractures are seen in newborns infrequently in the Jordanian population, with an incidence of 0.03%. Most of the cases have resulted from difficult deliveries though spontaneous fractures can be encountered rarely. The treatment is usually conservative with spontaneous resolution. The overall prognosis is excellent both neurologically and cosmically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tacrolimus is a widely used immunosuppressant that prevents solid organ transplant rejection. The pharmacokinetics of Tacrolimus show considerable varia - bility. Interleukin-10 (IL-10), in the host's immune response after transplantation, contributes to the variable CYP3Adependent drug disposition of Tacrolimus. In the current study, we aim to evaluate the impact of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the promoter region of IL-10 on Tacrolimus dose requirements and the Dose Adjusted Concentration (DAC) of Tacrolimus among kidney transplantation recipients. Methods: Blood levels of Tacrolimus were measured using Microparticle Enzyme Immunoassay (MEIA) for six months post-transplantation. Genotyping analysis was utilized using specific Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) followed by sequencing methods for 98 Jordanian kidney transplant recipients. Results: Genotyping frequencies of IL-10 (-592) were (CC/CA/AA: 38, 46.7, 15.2%); IL-10 (-819) were (CC/CT/TT: 40.4, 44.1, 15.1%); and IL-10 (-1082) were (AA/AG/GG: 42.6, 44.7, 12.8%). The impact of IL-10 (-1082) on Tacrolimus DAC was gender dependent. Men carrying at least one A allele had significantly lower DAC than men carrying GG genotyping only in the first month post-transplantation 88.2±32.1 vs. 117.5±22.5 ng/mL per mg/kg/day, p=0.04 . Conclusions: Our current study showed that the interaction between gender and IL-10 -1082 affects Tacrolimus DAC in Jordanian kidney transplant recipients during the first month post-transplantation.

Calligonum is a shrubby and aphyllous C4 eudicot lineage, employing green cylindrical shoots for carbon acquisition; however, comprehensive assessments of C4 photosynthesis within the genus are limited. One species, C. comosum, grows in Jordan, offering an opportunity for evaluating features of C4 photosynthesis in Calligonum. Light microscopy showed that C. comosum exhibits a variation of the classical salsoloid Kranz type (Calligonum variant). Transmission electron microscopy revealed traits typical of the NAD-malic enzyme (NAD-ME) subtype. Bundle sheath cells had numerous large mitochondria and mitochondria:chloroplast ratios were greater than those of mesophyll cells. Moreover, bundle sheath chloroplasts had developed grana, whereas mesophyll chloroplasts were deficient of grana. Enzyme activity and western blotting further supported NAD-ME as the principal decarboxylase. Immunolocalization of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) and pyruvate-phosphate dikinase (PPdK) showed strict intercellular compartmentation patterns, with Rubisco confined to bundle sheath and PEPC and PPdK to mesophyll. Labeling for PEPC was observed in both the mesophyll and hypodermis, while PPdK was restricted to the mesophyll. We suggest classifying C. comosum as a NAD-ME subtype C4 species and propose a mechanism of C4 photosynthesis, suggesting a tractable C4 model for further insights and studies on the biochemical intricacy of C4 photosynthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metformin is the most prescribed oral hypoglycemic drug and is considered by many health practitioners as the first-line treatment for non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (T2DM). It is used either as a monotherapy or adjuvant to other anti-hyperglycemic agents. Most of its side effects are usually mild and self-limiting. However, several studies have shown an association between the use of metformin and low vitamin B12 levels in diabetic patients. The current review aimed to provide a literature review of the current published reports on the association, the possible mechanisms, and the related individualized risk factors that might lead to this incidence. The most accepted mechanism of the effect of metformin on vitamin B12 level is related to the absorption process where metformin antagonism of the calcium cation and interference with the calcium-dependent IF-vitamin B12 complex binding to the ileal cubilin receptor. In addition, many risk factors have been associated with the impact of metformin on vitamin B12 levels in diabetic patients such as dose and duration where longer durations showed a greater prevalence of developing vitamin B12 deficiency. Male patients showed lower levels of vitamin B12 compared to females. Black race showed a lower prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency in metformin-treated patients. Moreover, chronic diseases including T2DM, hyperlipidemia, coronary artery disease, polycystic ovary disease (PCOD), obesity, and metformin therapy were significantly associated with increased risk of vitamin B12 deficiency. Metformin impacts vitamin B12 by (A) inhibiting calcium-dependent IF-B12 binding. (B) Prolonged use raises deficiency risk. (C) Males have lower B12 levels than females. (D) Black individuals show lower deficiency rates. (E) Conditions like T2DM, hyperlipidemia, coronary artery disease, PCOD, obesity, and metformin use heighten deficiency risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we have successfully synthesized four symmetrical Schiff base ligands (L1, L2, L3 and L4), through the condensation reaction of 2,2'-diamino-4,4'-dimethyl-1,1'-biphenyl with 2-hydroxy-3-methoxy-5-nitrobenzaldehyde, 3-bromo-5-chloro-2-hydroxybenzaldehyde, 2-hydroxy-5-methoxy-3-nitrobenzaldehyde and 3-bromo-2-hydroxy-5-nitrobenzaldehyde, respectively. Characterization of the ligands was accomplished using elemental analysis, and infrared spectroscopy. To elucidate their potential biological activity, the binding affinities of the synthesized compounds towards alpha-glucosidase inhibition were assessed employing induced-fit molecular docking calculations. The docking analysis revealed diverse interactions, such as salt-bridge, hydrogen bonding, p-stacking, and hydrophobic interactions, facilitating a proper fit of these compounds into the binding pocket of a-glucosidase. Additionally, the prepared ligands' anti-cancer potential was evaluated against various cell lines. In the initial investigation, the ICR50R of the synthesized compounds against three cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-231, MCF-7, and A549) and a normal fibroblast cell line (HDF) as a control was determined using the MTT assay. The results demonstrated a decreasing selective cytotoxic effect of compounds L1, L3, and L2 against the MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line. Additionally, compound L1 exhibited the lowest ICR50R value against the A549 lung cancer cell line. Subsequently, the cytotoxic impact of the bis-biphenyl salicylaldehyde Schiff base derivatives were further explored on the MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line using the MTT assay. The results revealed that the derivatives demonstrated noteworthy cytotoxic activity against the cancer cell line, with compound (L3) exhibiting the highest toxic effect at a concentration of 25 µg/ml, resulting in a reduction of cell viability by 34.23% compared to the control group. These findings highlight the promising anti-cancer properties of the synthesized ligands and warrant further exploration of their potential applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is a musculoskeletal disorder and one of the major causes of low back pain leading to the disability with high economic repercussions worldwide. This study applied the candidategene approach to investigate the potential association of selected polymorphisms with IDD development in a Jordanian population. Methods: MRI-diagnosed IDD patients (N=155) and asymptomatic individuals as a control group (N=55). Whole blood samples for four variants in three genes (rs1800587 of IL-1a, rs1143634 of IL-1b and rs2228570 and rs731236 of VDR) were genotyped by PCR-RFLP. Results: There was no significant association between the studied polymorphisms or their allelic frequency and the occurrence of IDD. However, the cohort presented a significant reverse association between rs1143634 C > T of the IL-1b gene and the occurrence of IDD (p < 0.0001). In addition, BMI showed a significant association with the IDD in the study population (p < 0.005). The current study was conceptualized based on the candidate-gene approach to investigate the role of inflammatory and metabolic genes, IL and VDR, respectively, in the occurrence of IDD. Conclusions: While the data presented in this study showed that polymorphisms in these genes were not associated with IDD of the cohort investigated, elevated BMI, as a measure of obesity, is strongly associated with IDD. Investigating potential roles of other structural genes, such as col-IX and aggrecan (ACAN), in IDD and considering a GWAS to elucidate a genomically global look at the basis of IDD development would be of considerable impact on our understanding of IDD.

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is a water-soluble molecule required for the proper functioning of metabolism, blood and DNA synthesis, and neurological development. Vitamin B12 exists in several forms: methylcobalamin (MeCbl), adenosylcobalamin (AdoCbl), hydroxycobalamin (OHCbl), and cyanocobalamin (CNCbl). This study aimed to evaluate the effect of cigarette smoke on the chemical structure of methylcobalamin and hydroxycobalamin forms of vitamin B12. MeCbl and OHCbl were markedly affected by exposure to cigarette smoke. The resemblance of the Rt between MeCbl and OHCbl and CNCbl indicates that exposure to cigarette smoke extracts chemically alters MeCbl and OHCbl to CNCbl, warranting in vivo research investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Among all forms of cancers, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer worldwide. There are several treatment options for HCC ranging from loco-regional therapy to surgical treatment. Yet, there is high morbidity and mortality. Recent research focus has shifted towards more effective and less toxic cancer treatment options. Curcumin, the active ingredient in the Curcuma longa plant, has gained widespread attention in recent years because of its multifunctional properties as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer agent. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Embase and Google Scholar was performed for studies reporting incidence of HCC, risk factors associated with cirrhosis and experimental use of curcumin as an anti-cancer agent. Results: This review exclusively encompasses the anti-cancer properties of curcumin in HCC globally and it's postulated molecular targets of curcumin when used against liver cancers. Conclusions: This review is concluded by presenting the current challenges and future perspectives of novel plant extracts derived from C. longa and the treatment options against cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]