Severe depressive symptoms in patients with hypertension: Are antihypertensive medications implicated?

OBJECTIVE: This study examined whether antihypertensive medications and other patient characteristics are associated with severe depressive symptoms in patients with hypertension. METHODS: Patients with a diagnosis of hypertension were recruited from the internal medicine outpatient clinics of a hospital in Amman, Jordan, into this cross-sectional study. Depression severity was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9); anxiety by the General Anxiety Disorder-7; sleep quality by the Insomnia Severity Index; and psychological stress by the Perceived Stress Scale. Multivariable binary logistic regression was used to examine the association between the different classes of antihypertensive medication and depressive symptoms. RESULTS: Of the 431 participants, 282 (65.4%) were men; 240 (55.7%) reported having type 2 diabetes; 359 (83.3%) had dyslipidemia; 142 (32.9%) were on beta-blockers; 197 (45.2%) were on ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers; 203 (47.1%) were on metformin; and 133 (30.9%) were taking sulfonylurea. Severe depressive symptoms, indicated by scoring above the cut-off of 14 on the PHQ-9, were present in 165 (38.3%) patients. Severe depression was associated with younger age (<55 years) (OR = 3.15, 95% CI = 1.83-5.41, P < 0.001), unemployment (OR = 2.15, 95% CI = 1.15-4.00, P = 0.01), diabetes (OR = 1.81, 95% CI = 1.09-3.02, P = 0.02), severe anxiety (OR = 6.40, 95% CI = 3.64-11.28, P < 0.001), and severe insomnia (OR = 4.73, 95% CI = 2.85-7.82, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Severe depressive symptoms were not associated with antihypertensive medications or other drugs used by hypertensive patients. Younger age, diabetes, anxiety, and insomnia were the primary correlates of depression.

A new modified limited incision for superficial parotidectomy compared to modified Blair's incision.

Background: Many incisions have been used to perform parotidectomy, but they result in a visible scar on the neck and may cause patient dissatisfaction by producing disfigurement sometimes. Aim of Study: The aim of this study is to use a modified limited incision for superficial parotidectomy as an alternative to the classical incision, with no obvious scarring and without affecting the identification of the facial nerve, resulting in better cosmesis. Patients and Methods: A prospective comparative study on 100 patients has undergone superficial parotidectomy using a modified limited incision and another 100 patients who have undergone superficial parotidectomy using the modified Blair's incision (control group) for variant benign pathologies. The surgeries were conducted in four hospitals (three private and one public) in Baghdad, Iraq, from January 2016 to September 2022. In both groups, the patients were followed up through outpatient visits to assess the cosmetic result of the incision and detect postoperative complications. Results: All tumors were removed with no need for extending the skin incision. The cosmetic result of the incision was very satisfactory and only a nominal scar could be seen 6 months after surgery. Five percent of patients only developed postoperative complications. Conclusion: A modified limited incision for superficial parotidectomy provides better patient satisfaction compared to a modified Blair's incision. The modified limited incision can be performed safely with a better cosmetic appearance of the surgical scar compared to the standard incision.

Factors contributing to the carbon footprint of cataract surgery.

The healthcare sector is a significant greenhouse gas emitter. Cataract surgery is a procedure that results in a large amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. We sought to review the literature for factors contributing to the carbon footprint of this procedure. The literature, although limited, varies greatly by region. The carbon footprint of cataract surgery ranged from approximately 6 kg CO2 equivalents in a center in India to 181.9 kg CO2 equivalents in a center in the United Kingdom. Factors contributing to the carbon footprint of cataract surgery included the procurement of materials, energy use, and the emissions associated with travel. Factors facilitating a lower carbon footprint include the reuse of surgical materials and more efficient autoclave settings. Potential areas for improvement to consider include the reduction in packaging material, the reuse of materials, and potentially reducing travel emissions by performing simultaneous bilateral cataract surgery.

Evaluation of the antinociceptive effect of valerian and hops combination in experimental animal models: Involvement of the opioid system.

Pain is a common undertreated worldwide complaint. The need to explore the antinociceptive potential of alternative herbal products is essential. Although used as a mild sedative, limited evidence focused on the potential antinociceptive effect of valerian and hops combination. The present study was carried out to evaluate the in vivo anti-nociceptive effect of the valerian-hops combination to justify its use as an effective and safe analgesic agent. Anti-nociceptive effects of valerian-hops combination (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) were assessed in swiss albino mice for performing the acetic acid-induced writhing test, the paw licking test using formalin, the paw licking test using glutamate, and the tail immersion test. The effects were compared to those of diclofenac or morphine in the presence or absence of the opioid receptor antagonist naloxone. Valerian-hops" extract of 100 and 200 mg/kg demonstrated a significant reduction in the number of writhing episodes induced by acetic acid compared to the control (p < 0.05), a significant reduction in the licking number at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg in the late phase formalin-induced paw licking, significantly reduced the number of lickings after glutamate injection compared to control (p < 0.05). And significantly increased pain reaction after 60 and 90 min of tail immersion test, this effect was opposed by naloxone treatment. The valerian-hops combination produced a significant antinociceptive effect that involved the opioid system. Further studies are required to fully uncover the underlying active constituents and their mechanisms.

Xanthones: A Class of Heterocyclic Compounds with Anticancer Potential.

Xanthones (9H xanthen-9-one) are an important class of heterocyclic compounds containing oxygen and a moiety of gamma-pirone, dense with a two-benzene ring structure, distributed widely in nature. Naturally occurring xanthones are found in micro-organisms and higher plants as secondary metabolites in fungi and lichens. Compounds of the family Caryophyllaceae, Guttiferae and Gentianaceae, are the most common natural source of xanthones. The structure of the xanthones nucleus, coupled with its biogenetic source, imposes that the carbons are numbered according to the biosynthetic pact. The characteristics oxygenation pattern of xanthones earlier is mixed shikimateacetate biogenesis. The major class of xanthones includes simple oxygenated, non-oxygenated, xanthonolignoids, bisxanthones, prenylated and related xanthones, miscellaneous xanthones. Their great pharmacological importance and interesting scaffolds were highly encouraged by scientists to investigate either the synthesis design or natural products for cancer treatment. Because currently used antitumor drugs possess high toxicity and low selectivity, efficacious treatment may be compromised. This review is limited to the antitumor activity of xanthones and the chemistry of xanthone core, which may help provide fundamental knowledge to the medicinal chemist for new and advanced research in drug development.

Nanoparticles in clinical trials of COVID-19: An update.

Once the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the COVID-19 (Coronavirus Infectious Disease-19) outbreak to be pandemic, massive efforts have been launched by researchers around the globe to combat this emerging infectious disease. Strategies that must be investigated such as expanding testing capabilities, developing effective medicines, as well as developing safe and effective vaccines for COVID-19 disease that produce long-lasting immunity to human system. Now-a-days, bio-sensing, medication delivery, imaging, and antimicrobial treatment are just a few of the medical applications for nanoparticles (NPs). Since the early 1990s, nanoparticle drug delivery methods have been employed in clinical trials. Since then, the discipline of nanomedicine has evolved in tandem with expanding technological demands to better medicinal delivery. Newer generations of NPs have emerged in recent decades that are capable of performing additional delivery tasks, allowing for therapy via novel therapeutic modalities. Many of these next generation NPs and associated products have entered clinical trials and have been approved for diverse indications in the present clinical environment. For systemic applications, NPs or nanomedicine-based drug delivery systems have substantial benefits over their non-formulated and free drug counterparts. Nanoparticle systems, for example, are capable of delivering medicines and treating parts of the body that are inaccessible to existing delivery systems. As a result, NPs medication delivery is one of the most studied preclinical and clinical systems. NPs-based vaccines delivering SARS-CoV-2 antigens will play an increasingly important role in prolonging or improving COVID-19 vaccination outcomes. This review provides insights about employing NPs-based drug delivery systems for the treatment of COVID-19 to increase the bioavailability of current drugs, reducing their toxicity, and to increase their efficiency. This article also exhibits their capability and efficacy, and highlighting the future aspects and challenges on nanoparticle products in clinical trials of COVID-19.

Modified Halsted's operation for inguinal hernia repair: A new technique.

BACKGROUND: Inguinal hernia is a frequent problem presented to surgical clinic in Iraq. Surgical treatment options for inguinal hernia are numerous, selecting the appropriate method or technique depends on different factors. AIM OF STUDY: To find a new technique for open inguinal hernia repair with no recurrence even in recurrent cases, without major complications during or after surgery, and can be used even by new surgeons with little experience. PATIENTS & METHODS: A retrospective cross sectional study conducted in the Medical City teaching hospital and Private Hospitals in Baghdad, during the period from January 1, 2000, to December 30, 2016 on convenient sample of 408 Iraqi patients with inguinal hernia. The patients were treated by modified Halsted's technique by open surgery applying polypropylene mesh. The patients were followed up through frequent visits and phone calls to assess the recurrence and complications. RESULTS: No recurrence of inguinal hernia was reported after 5-10 years follow up, while 94.9% of patients reported postoperative complications commonly oedema of spermatic cord. There was a highly significant association between male gender hernia patients and post Modified Halsted operation complications (p < 0.001). A highly significant association was observed between direct hernia and post Modified Halsted operation complications (p < 0.001). The significant risk factors related to complications were anemia and collagen disease. CONCLUSIONS: The modified Halsted's operation for inguinal hernia repair is effective in treatment of inguinal hernia with low recurrence and complications rate.

Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Activities of Dracaena cinnabari Resin.

Dracaena cinnabari (D. cinnabari) is an endemic plant located in Socotra Island, Yemen. Deep red resin attained from different plant species including D. cinnabari is commonly known as dragon's blood. In folk medicine, it is prescribed for the treatment of traumatic dermal, dental, and eye injuries as well as blood stasis, pain, and gastrointestinal diseases in humans. Numerous studies have investigated that this resinous medicine has antidiarrheal, antiulcer, antimicrobial, antiviral, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, wound healing, and antioxidant activity. Several phytochemicals have been isolated from D. cinnabari, including the biflavonoid cinnabarone, triflavonoids, metacyclophanes, chalcones, chalcanes, dihydrochalcones, sterols, and terpenoids. The present review highlights the structures and bioactivities of main phytochemicals isolated from D. cinnabari regarding the botany and pharmacological effects of the resin derived from this plant.

New classification of branching pattern of facial nerve during parotidectomy: A cross sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Parotidectomy is one of the most frequent modes to treate tumors of parotid gland. Previous studies documented a variation in the facial nerve branching which might risk facial nerve injury during Parotidectomy. AIM OF STUDY: To make a new classification system that includes a new branching pattern of facial nerve trunk that has not been described before, also to mention a simple method of how to identify the facial nerve trunk, all that will help the new surgeon in performing parotidectomy with less complications and unpredictable outcome. METHODS: A prospective cross sectional study on 460 patients underwent partial or total parotidectomy for different pathologies were enrolled during the period January 2004 till September 2020. Three investigations were considered; the anatomy of the facial nerve trunk (FNT), exact site of facial nerve trunk in relation to fixed landmarks, finally we observed any communications between the branches. We made a new classification based mainly on the anatomical variations in the branching pattern of the FNT; namely, types (I, II and III). Each type subdivided according to the length of facial nerve trunk and also according to the communication between the branches. RESULTS: Type I reported in majority of cases; 78.26%. type II (15.2%) which is the newly discovered branching pattern, and type III (6.6%). Total FNT length was 1-10 mm in more than half (54.35%) of cases. In 64.35% of cases FNT was in the midpoint between the tragal pointer (TP) and tip of mastoid's process (TMP). In 50 (10.87%) of the cases there was anastomotic connection between the buccal and mandibular branches, and in 20(4.34%) the communication was always a loop between the upper and lower divisions of FNT. CONCLUSION: There is a profound variation in the facial nerve branching pattern that has not been previously reported. Awareness about differences in the anatomy of the facial nerve assisted useful information to surgeon to preserve FN during parotidectomies.

In Vivo Antinociceptive, Muscle Relaxant, Sedative, and Molecular Docking Studies of Peshawaraquinone Isolated from Fernandoa adenophylla (Wall. ex G. Don) Steenis.

Fernandoa adenophylla (Wall. ex G. Don) Steenis is traditionally used to cure various diseases and can be included as an ingredient in massage oils, which are supposed to comfort muscular tension and pain. This study was designed to assess the antinociceptive, muscle relaxant, and molecular docking properties of a novel compound, namely, (5aR,5a1R,6R,7aS,14bR,15R)15-hydroxy-7a-methyl-6-(2-methylprop-1-en-1-yl)-7,7a,14b,15-tetrahydro-5H-t-5a,15methanobenzo[g]benzo[5,6]azuleno[1,8-bc]chromene-5,9,14,16(5a1H,6H)- tetraone (peshawaraquinone), isolated from the methanolic extract of F. adenophylla in an animal model. The chemical structure of the isolated compound was elucidated using advanced spectroscopic techniques and further confirmed by XRD analysis. Compound 1 was tested against hot plate-induced noxious stimuli at various doses (2.5, 5, 10, and 15 mg/kg i.p.). The muscle relaxation potency of compound 1 was evaluated in the inclined and traction test, while the open-field test was used for the determination of sedative potential. The isolated compound was also subjected to acute toxicity analysis. The compound was then subjected to molecular docking analysis to determine the exact mechanism of action. Compound 1 demonstrated significant (p < 0.05) analgesic effect in a dose-dependent manner. A noticeable muscle relaxant effect was observed with the passage of time in both experimental models. The compound 1 showed a significant (p < 0.05) sedative effect, and in an acute toxicity study, the compound 1 was devoid of any noxious effects. The docking studies showed preferential affinity for µ-opioid and GABAA receptors. Hence, the prospective antinociceptive and muscle relaxant and sedative properties are probably mediated through these two target interactions.

Relationship between anxiety, post-traumatic stress, insomnia and fibromyalgia among female refugees in jordan: A cross-sectional study.

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a syndrome of chronic widespread pain, typically associated with fatigue, sleep, cognitive dysfunction and disordered mood. FM may limit an individual's ability to participate in everyday work and social activities, thereby making it difficult to maintain normal relationships with other individuals. While it has been studied in different populations and settings, the impact of FM and associated psychological factors has not been previously studied among female war refugees. WHAT DOES THE PAPER ADD TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: The study showed the high impact of FM on female refugees in Jordan; approximately three quarters of the participants had a moderate to severe FM impact. Refugees settled in Irbid city, Iraq, showed increased age, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder correlated with a higher FM impact. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: The study recommends evaluation of the impact of FM among all female refugees living in Jordan, along with its neighbouring countries hosting refugees. Healthcare providers, including mental health nurses, should be aware of the role of PTSD and anxiety on the impact of FM. Accordingly, healthcare workers should design appropriate mental health treatment plans to help to decrease the impact of FM. Mental health nurses should evaluate FM impact among all refugees worldwide. Nurses in Jordan are recommended to share their experience with nurses outside of Jordan as this may help with funds being obtained and the implementation of advanced psychological interventions. ABSTRACT: INTRODUCTION: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a syndrome of chronic widespread pain. While it has been studied in different populations and settings, the impact of FM and its associated psychological factors has not been previously studied among female war refugees. AIM: To assess the impact of FM and its associated factors in female refugees. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted. The impact of FM, anxiety, post-traumatic stress (PTSD) and insomnia was investigated. RESULTS: 288 refugees previously diagnosed with FM were recruited. The results showed that 73.62% of the participants had a moderate to severe FM impact. Refugees settled in Irbid city were six times more likely to have a higher FM impact than refugees settled in Zarqa, and Iraqi refugees were more likely to have a higher impact than Syrian. Increased age, anxiety and PTSD were correlated with a greater impact. CONCLUSION: Mental health nursing services should be directed towards female refugees, particularly those with increased age, anxiety and PTSD. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Mental health nurses should evaluate the FM impact among all refugees worldwide. Furthermore, nurses in Jordan are recommended to share their experiences with nurses outside of Jordan, as this may help to raise funds and implement advanced psychological interventions.

Observation of an Inversion in Photophysical Tuning in a Systematic Study of Luminescent Triazole-Based Osmium(II) Complexes.

In a systematic survey of luminescent bis(terdentate) osmium(II) complexes, a tipping point involving a reversal in photophysical tuning is observed whereby increasing stabilization of the ligand-based lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) results in a blue shift in the optical absorption and emission bands. The complexes [Os(N^N'^N″)2]2+ [N^N'^N″ = 2,6-bis(1-phenyl-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)pyridine (Os1), 2,6-bis(1-benzyl-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)pyrazine (Os2), 6-(1-benzyl-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)-2,2'-bipyridyl (Os3), 2-(pyrid-2-yl)-6-(1-benzyl-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)pyrazine (Os4), 2-(pyrazin-2-yl)-6-(1-benzyl-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)pyridine (Os5), and 6-(1-benzyl-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)-2,2'-bipyrazinyl (Os6)] have been prepared and characterized, and all complexes display phosphorescence ranging from the orange to near-IR regions of the spectrum. Replacement of the central pyridine in the ligands of Os1 by the more π-accepting pyrazine in Os2 results in a 55 nm red shift in the triplet metal-to-ligand charge-transfer-based emission band, while a larger red shift of 107 nm is observed for the replacement of one of the triazole donors in the ligands of Os1 by a second pyridine ring in Os3 (λemmax = 702 nm). Interestingly, replacement of the central pyridine ring in the ligands of Os3 by pyrazine (Os4, λemmax = 702 nm) fails to result in a further red shift in the emission band. Reversal of the relative positions of the pyridine and pyrazine donors in Os5 (λemmax = 733 nm) compared to Os4 does indeed result in the expected red shift in the emission with respect to that for Os3 based on the increased π-acceptor character of the ligands present. However, an inversion in emission tuning is observed for Os6, in which the incorporation of a second pyrazine donor in the ligand architecture results in a blue shift in the optical absorption and emission maxima (λemmax = 710 nm). Electrochemical studies reveal that while incorporating pyrazine in the ligands indeed results in an expected anodic shift in the first reduction potential through stabilization of the ligand-based LUMO, there is also a concomitant anodic shift in the OsII/OsIII-based oxidation potential. This stabilization of the metal-based highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) thus nullifies the effect of stabilization of the LUMO in Os4 compared to Os3, resulting in these complexes having coincident emission maxima. For Os6, stabilization of the HOMO through the incorporation of two pyrazine donors in the ligand structure now exceeds stabilization of the LUMO, resulting in a larger HOMO-LUMO gap and a counterintuitive blue shift in the optical properties in comparison with those of Os5. While it is known that the replacement of ligands (e.g., replacing bipyridyl with bipyrazinyl) can result in a larger HOMO-LUMO energy gap through greater stabilization of the HOMO, these results importantly allow us to capture the tipping point at which this inversion in photophysical tuning occurs. This therefore enables us to explore the limits available in emission tuning with a relatively simple and minimalist ligand structure.

The prevalence and the predictors of insomnia among refugees.

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of insomnia and associated sociodemographic factors among refugees in Jordan. A cross-sectional survey was undertaken with a representative sample of 373 refugees. The majority of refugees had moderate to severe insomnia (n = 196, 52.2%). Older age, living in the city of Mafraq, having secondary education or below, unemployed, and lacking easy access to medication were the predictors of higher insomnia. More attention by health care providers including nurses should be given to older refugees and those with a lower level of education, as these groups tend to be more liable to suffer from insomnia.

Photophysical and Cellular Imaging Studies of Brightly Luminescent Osmium(II) Pyridyltriazole Complexes.

The series of complexes [Os(bpy)3- n(pytz) n][PF6]2 (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridyl, pytz = 1-benzyl-4-(pyrid-2-yl)-1,2,3-triazole, 1 n = 0, 2 n = 1, 3 n = 2, 4 n = 3) were prepared and characterized and are rare examples of luminescent 1,2,3-triazole-based osmium(II) complexes. For 3 we present an attractive and particularly mild preparative route via an osmium(II) η6-arene precursor circumventing the harsh conditions that are usually required. Because of the high spin-orbit coupling constant associated with the Os(II) center the absorption spectra of the complexes all display absorption bands of appreciable intensity in the range of 500-700 nm corresponding to spin-forbidden ground-state-to-3MLCT transitions (MLCT = metal-to-ligand charge transfer), which occur at significantly lower energies than the corresponding spin-allowed 1MLCT transitions. The homoleptic complex 4 is a bright emitter (λmaxem = 614 nm) with a relatively high quantum yield of emission of ∼40% in deoxygenated acetonitrile solutions at room temperature. Water-soluble chloride salts of 1-4 were also prepared, all of which remain emissive in aerated aqueous solutions at room temperature. The complexes were investigated for their potential as phosphorescent cellular imaging agents, whereby efficient excitation into the 3MLCT absorption bands at the red side of the visible range circumvents autofluorescence from biological specimens, which do not absorb in this region of the spectrum. Confocal microscopy reveals 4 to be readily taken up by cancer cell lines (HeLa and EJ) with apparent lysosomal and endosomal localization, while toxicity assays reveal that the compounds have low dark and light toxicity. These complexes therefore provide an excellent platform for the development of efficient luminescent cellular imaging agents with advantageous photophysical properties that enable excitation and emission in the biologically transparent region of the optical spectrum.

Efficacy of single dose antihistamine vs. single dose valerian-hops in subjective sleep measures among war refugees: a comparison trial

Abstract Background Many sedatives and anxiolytics are used in single dose or chronically to aid sleep. Clinically important sedatives include valerian-hops and antihistamines as they are used over the counter and are highly accessible and safe agents. Objectives To evaluate and compare a single dose of chlorpheniramine versus valerian-hops combination in modulating subjective sleep measures in insomniac war refugees. Methods Insomnia among refugees was screened using the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). Insomniac subjects were randomized to received a single dose valerian-hops (320/80 mg) (n = 65), or chlorpheneramine (4 mg) (n = 50) or placebo (n = 76) two hours prior sleeping. Participants were instructed to complete Leeds Sleep Evaluation Questionnaire (LSEQ), visual analogue scales of anxiety and sedation. Also sleep latency, total hours slept and self-rated improvement were obtained. Results Almost 75% of screened refugees had insomnia. Chlorpheneramine reduced sleep latency and anxiety significantly, however it resulted in poor sleep quality. Valerian-hops group showed marked anxiolysis one hour after dosing, a sleep quality similar to placebo and better than chlorpheneramine, and better alertness compared to placebo. Participants satisfaction was higher with chlorpheneramine and there was no difference in the total hours slept. Discussion Valerian-hops combination may provide better sleep quality than antihistamines.

Anxiety, stress, and quality of life among Iraqi refugees in Jordan: A cross sectional survey.

This study was conducted to identify the predictors, levels, and prevalence of anxiety and stress and to assess the relationship between these factors and quality of life in recently displaced Iraqis. A cross-sectional design was used. A convenience sample of 171 Iraqi refugees was recruited. The results indicated that more than half of the sample suffered from high anxiety levels, while 42.8% reported high stress. The regression model explained 46.3% of the variance in levels of quality of life. Unemployment, fewer than three family members, and high anxiety significantly predicted low-level quality of life. These three predictors need to be taken into consideration when developing health-related interventions to improve the quality of life of Iraqi refugees.

Predictors of Coping Strategies Employed by Iraqi Refugees in Jordan.

The purpose of this study was to examine coping strategies used by Iraqi refugees in Jordan based on their demographic details. A cross-sectional design was used. A representative sample of 333 refugees living in Jordan participated in the study. The Cope inventory and the demographic details were compiled to produce and collate the relevant data. Being older, female, educated, single, and living with more than three family members was associated with greater use of the problem solving coping strategy. Being female, educated, and unemployed was associated with greater use of the active emotional coping strategy. In addition, being older, male, illiterate, unemployed, and living with less than three family members was associated with greater use of the avoidant emotional coping strategy. This study recommends a multidisciplinary approach intervention as being the best method of addressing and fulfilling the health and socioeconomic needs of older, male, illiterate, unemployed people.

Towards Water Soluble Mitochondria-Targeting Theranostic Osmium(II) Triazole-Based Complexes.

The complex [Os(btzpy)2][PF6]2 (1, btzpy = 2,6-bis(1-phenyl-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)pyridine) has been prepared and characterised. Complex 1 exhibits phosphorescence (λem = 595 nm, τ = 937 ns, φem = 9.3% in degassed acetonitrile) in contrast to its known ruthenium(II) analogue, which is non-emissive at room temperature. The complex undergoes significant oxygen-dependent quenching of emission with a 43-fold reduction in luminescence intensity between degassed and aerated acetonitrile solutions, indicating its potential to act as a singlet oxygen sensitiser. Complex 1 underwent counterion metathesis to yield [Os(btzpy)2]Cl2 (1Cl), which shows near identical optical absorption and emission spectra to those of 1. Direct measurement of the yield of singlet oxygen sensitised by 1Cl was carried out (φ (¹O2) = 57%) for air equilibrated acetonitrile solutions. On the basis of these photophysical properties, preliminary cellular uptake and luminescence microscopy imaging studies were conducted. Complex 1Cl readily entered the cancer cell lines HeLa and U2OS with mitochondrial staining seen and intense emission allowing for imaging at concentrations as low as 1 µM. Long-term toxicity results indicate low toxicity in HeLa cells with LD50 >100 µM. Osmium(II) complexes based on 1 therefore present an excellent platform for the development of novel theranostic agents for anticancer activity.

Salivary Nitric Oxide, a Biomarker for Stress and Anxiety?

OBJECTIVE: To investigate if salivary nitrate correlates to the daily psychological stress and anxiety in a group of human subjects. METHODS: The convenient sample recruitment method was employed; data from seventy three subjects were analyzed. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) inventories were used to determine stress and anxiety scores respectively. Salivary nitric oxide was measured through nitrate (NOx) levels using the Griess reaction method. RESULTS: Although stress and anxiety were correlated. No significant correlation exists between salivary nitrate and daily psychological stress and anxiety in the study's participants. CONCLUSION: While all previous studies focused NOx levels in acute stress models. This is the first study to investigate the correlation between salivary nitrates and daily psychological stress and anxiety. Although stress and anxiety were correlated, there is no correlation between salivary nitrates and daily psychological stress and anxiety. Further studies are required to investigate this correlation using other biological samples such as plasma.

Chronic diseases, lack of medications, and depression among Syrian refugees in Jordan, 2013-2014.

INTRODUCTION: Studying mental and physical health problems in refugees facilitates providing suitable health care, thus improving their quality of life. We studied depression tendency in Syrian refugees in Jordan in the light of chronic diseases and medication availability. Also, depression prevalence and depression comorbidity with chronic diseases were identified. METHODS: In this multicenter cross-sectional survey, data from Syrian refugees attending Caritas centers in 6 Jordanian cities from November 2013 through June 2014 were analyzed. Participants' demographics, depression, previously diagnosed chronic diseases, and newly diagnosed chronic diseases and the availability of medications were studied. Logistic regression was used to examine predictors for depression. RESULTS: Of 765 refugees who participated, about one-third demonstrated significant depression as measured by the Beck Depression Inventory. Descriptive analyses showed that depression was comorbid in 35% of participants with previously diagnosed chronic diseases and in 40% of participants with newly diagnosed chronic diseases. Newly diagnosed chronic diseases and lack of medications significantly contributed to depression, but the regression model as a whole explained less than 5% of the variance. CONCLUSION: Because the regression model showed low effect size, we concluded that newly diagnosed chronic diseases and medication shortages could not predict depression in Syrian refugees residing in Jordan. Therefore, further studies of additional factors are recommended. Prompt measures have to be taken to prevent the spread of chronic diseases and improve mental health in this fragile population.