Striking enhancement at the site of radiation for nivolumab-induced Stevens-Johnson syndrome

Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a rare adverse cutaneous drug reaction characterized by epidermal detachment of <10% body surface area with an average mortality rate of 1-5%. The mechanism of SJS is not fully understood. Nivolumab is a monoclonal antibody directed against programmed cell death-1 protein (PD-1), a receptor with immune checkpoint inhibitory and antineoplastic activities. We present a case of SJS in a patient being treated with anti-PD-1 therapy nivolumab for metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx. This case is unusual because of the severe accentuation with striking enhancement at his prior radiation site and in the cutaneous region with heavier tumor burden from his metastatic disease. This reaction may give insight to the underlying pathophysiology of SJS, suggesting that immune checkpoint inhibitors can activate T-cells to target keratinocytes and that external factors may be involved in creating distinct epitopes for T-cell recognition. We hope this case adds to the body of knowledge in the pathogenesis of Stevens-Johnson syndrome and cutaneous adverse events seen with checkpoint inhibitors

Educational Dimension of Woman's Character in the Narration's of Prophets as Stated in the Holy Qur'an

The Holy Qur'an has addressed the needs of women and their status in a way never done before in any other religious text. Woman's exalted position in Islam is due, primarily, to her role as a child rearer. It is she who is considered the "first madrasah" (first school) by Islam, and it is from her that children will learn about their responsibility as future 'standard bearers' of Islam and society. The research examines stories and biographies of women in the Qur'an, narrated by various prophets (peace be upon them) through the ages. These stories have been drawn from sound Islamic sources. not the doubtful narrations of Israelite scriptures, showing, through their life stories, women's attitude nature, some positive and others negative. This provides an authentic and comprehensive view of Muslim women from the Qur'anic perspective. It puts forward an educational model for women to realize their true role in the challenging times in which we live. By studying the attitudes and dispositions of women in the Holy Qur'an and the Sunna of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) the research illustrates the merits. morals and role of women as educators in the family, as well as society. It also shows the extent to which a Muslim women can harm or benefit each member of her family. The study also shows the scope of educational techniques in the Holy Qur'an and their impact on the attitudes and character of women. It delineates the educational role of women and the features of women's character through investigation of previous religions and comparison with those in Islam. In this way, we can become more acquainted with the characteristics of women, her tasks, rights, duties and the type of work suited to her outside the family

Coping Strategies of Jordanian Adolescents With Cancer: An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis Study

Interpretive phenomenological analysis methodology was used to explore coping strategies used by hospitalized Jordanian adolescents with cancer. In-depth face-to-face interviews were conducted with 10 Jordanian adolescents, aged 13 to18 years, who were receiving chemotherapy for cancer. During treatment, participants were confronted with physical, psychosocial, and emotional distresses resulting from the disease process, the treatment, and its associated side-effects. To cope with the impact of their illness, participants utilized 4 coping strategies: "Strengthening spiritual convictions," "Being optimistic and rebuilding hope," "Enhancing appearance," and "Finding self again." The findings of this study can assist health team members to promote positive psychological care to Arab Muslim adolescents with cancer in a supportive and therapeutic treatment environment

Immunomodulatory effect of anise (Pimpinella anisum) in BALB/c mice

Purpose: The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of anise decoction consumption on lymphocytes activity, complete blood count (CBC) and nitric oxide (NO) production in BALB/c mice.Methods: BALB/c mice were given anise tea instead of drinking water and the effect on selected immune parameters was analyzed after 1 and 2 weeks of treatment.Results: Cell activity of anise treated mice was significantly higher than control group at week 2 as revealed by mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR2. The spleen cells of anise treated mice showed a significant higher lymphocyte proliferative response to in vitro challenge with phytohaemagglutinin (PHA).compared to controls at week two of treatment. The increase in mouse foot thickness as indicator of delayed type of hypersensitivity (DTH) was less in anise treated mice compared to control group. Nitric oxide production by peritoneal macrophages in response to activation with lipopolysaccharides (LPS) was reduced by anise treatment after 1 and 2 weeks of treatment andno significant changes in CD4 and CD8 were noticed either at week 1 or 2 of treatment.Conclusion: This study provides preclinical evidence that anise possesses immunomodulatory activity when administered orally in mice and selectively activates cell-mediated immune mechanismsKeywords: Immunomodulatory, Anise, Traditional medicin

Validating HCS and SIDRA Software for Estimating Delay at Signalized Intersections in Jordan

The main objective of this research was to validate the Highway Capacity Software (HCS) and the Signalized and Unsignalized Intersection Design and Research Aid (SIDRA) Software which are widely used for estimating delay at signalized intersections in Jordan. Fifty four hours of data from eighteen legs at five signalized intersections were collected from Irbid city; the second largest city in Jordan. Traffic volumes and control delay were measured during peak and off-peak periods using video cameras. Data on geometric design elements, signal timings and phasings and vehicular speeds were measured through a field survey. The results of the analysis indicated that both models can be improved significantly by calibrating the basic saturation flow rate or bus PCE factor. However, the best improvement was obtained by calibrating both the basic saturation flow rate and the bus PCE factor simultaneously. It was also found that the two software are good predictors for control delay at signalized intersections in Jordan after calibration. However, SIDRA was found to be better than HCS 2000

Food Safety Knowledge among Chicken Shawerma Food Handlers in Amman- Jordan

Aims: Several food poisoning outbreaks in Jordan were due to Salmonella species isolated from chicken shawerma. This study aimed to assess the food safety knowledge among chicken shawerma food handlers in Jordan.  Methods: Forty chicken shawerma restaurants in Amman were selected randomly and 120 food handlers (Egyptians 53%, Jordanians 26% and Syrians 19%) were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive and multivariate data analysis was conducted to assess their knowledge about food safety. Results: Low overall mean score of food safety knowledge (40%); the mean percent of correct answers about transportation, receiving of chicken shawerma, storage, preparation, selling, and controlling microorganisms were: 63%, 54%, 45%, 31%, and 26%, respectively. Ninety percent of the participants had no previous training in food safety concepts.  Better food safety knowledge was significantly associated (p &gt; 0.05) with higher educational levels, receiving special training in food safety and having a Jordanian nationality.  Conclusions: This study recommends establishing a comprehensive food safety program in Jordan to build the capacity of the food handlers and enforce periodic evaluation of their food safety knowledge and evidence-based best practices

Geological Alterations and Chemical Treatment of a Polluted Limestone Foundation

A large factory for the production of concentrated sulphuric acid is constructed in 1977 and located in the west of Iraq near Al-Kaim city. The footings carrying the installations rest on calcareous rocks which extend deep into the ground. For many years, about 1.5 tons per day of acid seeped and percolated into the ground apart from frequent accidents when larger amounts took their path down into the ground. A record of the footings movement revealed that the footings experienced significant heave and settlement indicating a cyclic movement which depends on the frequency of seepage. The results of the past geotechnical and geochemical investigations have been carefully studied in order to trace the geological alterations occurring in the ground due to the percolation of sulphuric acid over years. It appeared that at certain depths the limestone rock has been almost converted to dough and that a significant amount of dolomitization has taken place in the factory ground. Contaminated samples have been obtained from boreholes executed in the factory site. Many chemical materials have been chosen to treat the contaminated samples. Among these materials are sodium silicate, sodium carbonate, sodium silicate plus calcium chloride, barium sulfate, aluminum oxide, ferric oxide and bentonite. Unconfined compression, ultrasonic wave, physical, wet chemical and XRD tests were performed on intact, contaminated and treated specimens. The results proved that sodium silicate is the best alternative to be used for chemical grouting of the ground. The use of calcium chloride with sodium silicate did not show an additional advantage. Samples contaminated to the degree of having the form of dough have almost regained their original solid state strength when treated with sodium silicate

Awareness of sustainability issues among science education and vocational education students at the Hashemite University in Jordan : an empirical investigation

The primary purpose of this study was to assess the level of students’ awareness about sustainability issues at the Hashemite University in Jordan. A 30-item instrument, adapted from Dunkerly-Kolb (1998), was used to collect data from a sample of 230 preservice science and vocational teachers during the academic year 2005-2006. Results indicated that preservice science and vocational teachers showed medium level of awareness about sustainability issues. Additionally, results indicated that participants appeared to be independent from their natural surroundings. The study suggested few practical solutions for faculty members and for the university administration to incorporate sustainability principles into university curricula.peer-reviewe

Attitudes toward Communication Skills among Students’-Teachers’ in Jordanian Public Universities

The present study was carried out to determine the positive and negative attitudes among 289 students of class teachers and childhood teachers\u27 disciplines using the communication skills attitude scale (CSAS) in Jordanian public universities. GPA, year level of students were recorded. Overall results of study revealed that the mean of positive attitude score was 4.03. The mean of negative attitude scale score was 3.63. There were no significant differences between class teachers and childhood teachers students in their positive and negative attitudes toward communication skills. Students with grade point averages 2 and more have positive attitudes toward communication skills than students with grade point average less than 2. Senior students have high positive and less negative attitudes toward communication skills than sophomore and junior students

Evaluating Carbon Footprint in the Life Cycle Design of Residential Concrete Structures in Jordan

The construction industry is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions, and there is a growing global interest in reducing the environmental impact of carbon dioxide emissions associated with building construction and operation. Concrete, the most commonly used material in construction, is known to release a substantial amount of environmentally harmful waste throughout its life cycle, including production, construction, operation, and demolition. The worldwide production and consumption of concrete contribute to approximately 5% of all human-related CO2 emissions each year. To assess the carbon footprint of concrete manufacturing and its application in construction projects, a comprehensive approach called life cycle assessment (LCA) is necessary. This paper presents a new process-based LCA approach to analyze carbon emissions and evaluate the carbon footprint of concrete from raw material extraction to the end-of-life stage. To address carbon emissions throughout the life cycle of concrete structures in the Middle East, the study adopts a case study approach, focusing on selected concrete structures in Jordan. The findings from these case studies highlight that the operational phase of concrete structures is the primary contributor to carbon emissions. By thoroughly examining the carbon cycle within structures and their interactions with the surrounding ecosystem, significant reductions in CO2 emissions, environmental deterioration, and its consequences can be achieved. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-2023-09-07-07 Full Text: PD