Resumen: Este trabajo describió un procedimiento espectrofotométrico simple y sensible para estimar el clorhidrato de fenilefrina en estado puro y en sus formas farmacéuticas usando ácido sulfanílico diazotado como agente de acoplamiento en medio alcalino de solución de carbonato de sodio. El colorante azoico amarillo resultante mostró un máximo de absorción a 441 nm. El gráfico de calibración fue lineal y compatible con el mínimo de Beer en el intervalo de concentración de 0.2-20 µg/mL con determinación del coeficiente (r2=0.9996). Los valores de absortividad molar y la sensibilidad del índice de Sandell fueron calculados y fueron de 8.51×103 l/mol.cm y 0 0239 µg/cm2, respectivamente. Los valores del límite de detección (LOD), el límite de cuantificación (LOQ) y el rango del porcentaje de error relativo se estimaron y resultaron ser 0.0050, 0.0166 µg/mL y -0.374 % a -0.147 %, respectivamente. También se calculó la precisión (representada por RSD) y se encontró que estaba en el rango de ±0.037 a ±0.28. El procedimiento sugerido fue útil con éxito para el ensayo de clorhidrato de fenilefrina en inyección, gotas y jarabes. No se observaron interferencias de los aditivos comunes que se encuentran en las preparaciones farmacéuticas. El color amarillo del producto fue muy estable y no mostró cambios significativos en la absorbancia hasta los 60 min.

Abstract: This work described a simple and sensitive spectrophotometric procedure for estimating phenylephrine hydrochloride in pure and in its pharmaceutical using diazotized sulphanilic acid as a coupling agent in alkaline medium of sodium carbonate solution. The resulting yellow azo-dye displayed an absorption maximum at 441 nm. The calibration graph was linear and compatible to Beer's law over the concentration range 0.2-20 µg/mL with coefficient estimated (r2=0.9996). The values of molar absorptivity and the sensitivity of Sandell's index were calculated and equal to 8.51×103 l/mol.cm and0.0239 µg/cm2, respectively. The values of detection limit (LOD), quantification limit (LOQ) and the range of relative error percentage were estimated and found to be 0.0050, 0.0166 µg/mL and -0.374% to -0.147%, respectively. The precision (represented by RSD) was also calculated and found to be in the range ±0.037 to ±0.28. The suggested procedure was useful successfully to the assay of phenylephrine hydrochloride in injection, drops and syrups. No interferences were observed from common additives found in pharmaceutical preparations. The yellow color of the product was highly stable and did not show a significant change in absorbance up to 60 min.

Abstract Metals can contaminate the environment and increasingly affect ecological systems and public health worldwide. Cu(II) and Pb(II) ions play a significant part in increasing the cancer rate, since their amounts are higher in cancerous patients than in healthy individuals. Electrochemical methods have been extensively used for analyzing biological, beverages and food samples to estimate Cu(II) and Pb(II). The present study has employed LSASV for Cu(II) and Pb(II) determination in female patients (suffering from breast-cancer) cancerous blood serum samples. Optimized conditions for analysis have required: Gc, with an eacc of -0.2 V and a tacc of 400 s, as WE; 0.1 M AB (pH 5.1) as SE, at a stirring rate of 9 rpm and SR of 100 mV/s-1; Ag/AgCl as RE; and a Pt wire as CE. Under the optimized conditions, the cost-effective procedure was successfully applied for Cu(II) and Pb(II) determination in cancerous human serum. LOD was in the range of ppb. The analysis indicated higher Cu(II) and Pb(II) levels in cancerous female patients than in the healthy ones. Therefore, a strictly controlled diet is recommended.

Abstract Purpose: This study analyzes the static and dynamic risk spillover between US/Chinese stock markets, cryptocurrencies and gold using daily data from August 24, 2018, to January 29, 2021. This study provides practical policy implications for investors and portfolio managers. Design/methodology/approach: The authors use the Diebold and Yilmaz (2012) spillover indices based on the forecast error variance decomposition from vector autoregression framework. This approach allows the authors to examine both return and volatility spillover before and after the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. First, the authors used a static analysis to calculate the return and volatility spillover indices. Second, the authors make a dynamic analysis based on the 30-day moving window spillover index estimation. Findings: Generally, results show evidence of significant spillovers between markets, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, cryptocurrencies and gold markets are net receivers of risk. This study provides also practical policy implications for investors and portfolio managers. The reached findings suggest that the mix of Bitcoin (or Ethereum), gold and equities could offer diversification opportunities for US and Chinese investors. Gold, Bitcoin and Ethereum can be considered as safe havens or as hedging instruments during the COVID-19 crisis. In contrast, Stablecoins (Tether and TrueUSD) do not offer hedging opportunities for US and Chinese investors. Originality/value: The paper's empirical contribution lies in examining both return and volatility spillover between the US and Chinese stock market indices, gold and cryptocurrencies before and after the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. This contribution goes a long way in helping investors to identify optimal diversification and hedging strategies during a crisis.

BACKGROUND: Trauma experiences, particularly in childhood, have been associated with criminality and mental illness. There is a paucity of research into the crime of murder, trauma and mental illness. AIM: This research study focused on state patients charged with murder and sought to determine associations with prior trauma experiences, and specific types of traumas (sexual, physical and emotional) SETTING: The study was conducted at a forensic psychiatric hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa. METHODS: The records of state patients admitted over a 21-year period on a charge of murder were reviewed and analysed with respect to sociodemographic variables, clinical profiles, trauma experience and victim characteristics RESULTS: Experience of trauma in this population, with a much higher number of males compared with females, was lower than previous studies. Neurocognitive disorder was significantly associated with physical trauma. Physical trauma was found to have a significantly negative association with psychotic disorders, compared with other mental disorders. CONCLUSION: Although trauma is common in psychiatric patients, the study's findings are lower than previous studies. Noting the male bias in state patients that commit murder, greater sample sizes are needed to adequately address issues of specific types of traumas, the development of mental illness and murder. CONTRIBUTION: Exploring and managing prior trauma in state patients who commit murder is important while considering rehabilitation efforts, such that reintegration into the community and non-recidivism are encouraged.

RESUMEN Introducción: La resiliencia en la adolescencia se relaciona con la capacidad de resolver el problema de la identidad, en contextos en los cuales esta no posee las condiciones para construirse de modo positivo. Objetivo: Diseñar un instrumento para evaluar resiliencia en adolescentes de 15 a 19 años de edad. Métodos: Investigación de tipo instrumental, en el Instituto Preuniversitario “Martín Dihigo” de Cienfuegos, de marzo a septiembre de 2022. Muestreo no probabilístico (n= 450). La validez de contenido se llevó a cabo a través del criterio de expertos, la validez de constructo a partir del análisis factorial y la validez de criterio mediante correlación con la Escala de Resiliencia de Connor-Davidson. La fiabilidad se realizó a través de la consistencia interna y la estabilidad temporal mediante el test-retest. Resultados: El instrumento presenta validez de contenido. El análisis factorial arrojó 7 factores que explican el 64,8 % de la varianza. La correlación con la Escala de Resiliencia de Connor-Davidson fue de 0,333 (p< 0,01). Se obtuvo un alfa de Cronbach global α= 0,839; se demostró la estabilidad temporal. Conclusiones: La Escala de Resiliencia en Adolescentes Cubana tiene adecuados criterios de validez y fiabilidad que justifican su aplicación en la población de adolescentes de Cuba.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Resilience in adolescence is related to the ability to solve the problem of identity in contexts where it does not have the conditions to be built in a positive way. Objective: To design an instrument to assess resilience in adolescents from 15 to 19 years of age. Methods: Instrumental research, at the Martín Dihigo Pre-University Institute in Cienfuegos, from March to September 2022. Non-probabilistic sampling (n= 450). Content validity was carried out through expert criteria, construct validity from factorial analysis and criterion validity through correlation with the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale. Reliability was carried out through internal consistency, and temporal stability through test-retest. Results: The instrument presents content validity. The factorial analysis yielded 7 factors which explain 64.8% of the variance. The correlation of the instrument with the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale was 0.333 (p< 0.01). A global Cronbach's alpha α= 0.839 was obtained; temporal stability was demonstrated. Conclusions: The Cuban Adolescent Resilience Scale has adequate validity and reliability criteria that justify its application in the population of Cuban adolescents.

Successful endodontic treatment is achieved by a combination of factors which include acceptable instrumentation, optimal irrigation and disinfection of the root canal system. It is vital that a suitable antimicrobial agent be used during irrigation and sodium hypochlorite emerges as the optimal agent to be used as it complies with most of the criteria of an ideal irrigant. Sodium hypochlorite is a popular choice as an endodontic irrigant due to its solvent activity as well as its antimicrobial action. The tissue dissolving ability of sodium hypochlorite depends on its concentration, volume, contact time of solution with tissue remnants, refreshment and/or activation cycles of solution, as well as the surface area of exposed tissue. instrumentation system action concentration volume remnants andor or

Abstract Introduction: Increasing abdominal pressures could affect pulmonary compliance and cardiac performance, a fact based on which the aim of the present study to detect the cardiopulmonary burden of multiple retractors application during supine versus lateral abdominal surgeries. We hypothesized that surgical ring multiple retractors application would affect the pulmonary and cardiac functions during both lateral and supine abdominal surgeries. Methods: Prospective observational comparative study on forty surgical patients subdivided into two groups twenty each, comparing pulmonary compliance and cardiac performance before, during and after retractors application, group (S) supine position cystectomy surgery, and group (L) lateral position nephrectomy surgery under general anesthesia, Composite 1ry outcome; dynamic compliance C-dyn and cardiac index CI and Other outcome variables ICON cardio-meter were also recorded. Results: C-dyn and C-stat were significantly decreased late during retractor application in lateral compared to supine surgery with significant decrease compared to basal values all over the surgical time. CI was significantly increased after retractor removal in both of the study groups compared to basal values. PAW P was significantly increased in -lateral compared to supine surgery -with significant increase compared to basal value all over the surgical time in both of the study groups. significant increase in DO2I compared to basal value during both supine and lateral positions. Conclusion: Surgical retraction results in a short-lived significant decreases in lung compliance and cardiac output particularly during the lateral-kidney position than the supine position compliance. Introduction surgeries Methods each before S (S L (L anesthesia ry Cdyn C dyn cardiometer cardio meter recorded Results Cstat stat DOI DO I positions Conclusion shortlived short lived lateralkidney kidney

BACKGROUND. The high HIV prevalence and incidence in South Africa makes it suitable for recruitment of participants for large-scale HIV preventive vaccine trials. However, fear of vaccine-induced seropositivity (VISP) may be a barrier for community acceptability of the trial, for volunteers to participate in HIV preventive vaccine trials and for uptake of an efficacious vaccine. Prior to 2015, when the first phase 1 safety HIV vaccine trial was undertaken at Setshaba Research Centre, Soshanguve, the local community stakeholders and healthcare workers were naive about HIV vaccine research and HIV preventive vaccines. OBJECTIVE. To explore knowledge and perceptions regarding VISP among community stakeholders and healthcare workers in peri-urban Soshanguve, Tshwane. METHODS. Using a quantitative-qualitative mixed-methods study design, surveys (n=50) and in-depth interviews (n=18) were conducted during July - August 2015. Participants included community stakeholders, community advisory board members and healthcare workers, who were >18 years old and had attended community educational workshops during September 2014 - May 2015. Audio recordings of interviews were transcribed verbatim and coded using content thematic analysis. Data were further analysed by sex, age and educational level. RESULTS. Of a maximum score of 2 on knowledge on VISP, the 50 survey participants (mean age 33.78 years; 45 females) obtained an average of 0.88 (44%). Of 17 in-depth interviewees (one interview could not be transcribed; mean age 30.9 years; 12 females), 8 (47%) displayed some knowledge about VISP, of whom only 5 defined VISP correctly. Women were more knowledgeable about VISP than men; 5 of 12 women (42%) came close to defining VISP correctly, while none of the 5 men did so. The main fear of trial participation expressed by most participants (n=6) was testing HIV-positive as a result of the vaccine. While some participants believed that the community's perceptions of VISP would negatively affect HIV vaccine trial support and recruitment efforts, others noted that if trial participants understand the concept of VISP and are part of support groups, then they would have the information to combat negative attitudes within their community. CONCLUSION. Most participants had an inaccurate and incomplete understanding of VISP. Many feared testing HIV-positive at clinics; therefore, education on improving a basic understanding of how vaccines work and why VISP occurs is essential. In addition, assessing participant understanding of HIV testing, transmission and VISP is critical for recruitment of participants into HIV vaccine trials and may improve acceptability of an HIV preventive vaccine.

Abstract The aim of this research work was to evaluate the nutritional worth of some wild edible medicinal plants of District Harnai, Balochistan. Five wild edible medicinal plants (WEMPs) viz., Ficus carica L., Morus alba L., M. nigra L., Olea ferruginea Royle and Pistacia khinjuk Stocks were collected from study area. Proximate and mineral composition of leaf and fruit samples were quantified. Proximate composition revealed that leaf samples contained significant amount of dry matter, ash and protein content in O. ferruginea and fat content and Crude fiber in F.carica, Total carbohydrates and Organic matter in P. khinjuk comparatively. Further data highlighted fruit samples as rich source of organic matter, fat content and total carbohydrate (F.carica), Dry matter (P. khinjuk), Ash and protein content (M. alba) and Crude fiber (M. nigra). Similarly, mineral composition revealed a wide variability of macro and micronutrients in leave and fruit samples of selected WEMPs. The overall results obtained in this study have showed that F. carica and M. alba. may serve as good source of many important macro-nutrients viz., N, Ca, K, Mg, S and P. Whereas, M. alba followed by M. nigra may be considered as an excellent source of essential micro nutrients including Al, B, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, Sr and Zn. Each selected wild plant manifested variable levels of mineral and proximate compositions representing that all the investigated WEMPs are rich source of nutrients that can fulfil the needs of nutrition while M. alba, M. nigra and F. carica are rich and easily available sources of essential nutrients for human diet.

The antibacterial activity of root canal sealers may contribute to the eradication of remaining bacteria in root canals following canal shaping and debridement. AIM: The aim of the study is to assess the antimicrobial effect of 3 endodontic sealers: Sealapex™, EndoREZ™ and Guttaflow bioseal™ against Enterococcus faecalis Materials and Methods: This was a laboratory-based comparative study testing the antimicrobial activity of three endodontic sealers against Enterococcus faecalis. The endodontic sealers were tested unset 20 minutes after mixing and after setting. Testing after setting enabled the assessment of the antimicrobial activity of aged sealers after 7, 14, 21 and 28 days. A total of 150 samples were used for the study. The tested sealers were divided into 3 groups: • Group 1 (EndoREZ™) n = 45 plates, n = 5 control plates. • Group 2 (Guttaflow bioseal™) n = 45, n = 5 control plates. • Group 3 (Sealapex™) n = 45, n = 5 control plates. RESULTS: All the materials exhibited some activity against the bacteria. The overall greatest antibacterial activity can be seen by Guttaflow bioseal™ (4.46, 0.01) on day 21, followed by Sealapex™ (5.12, 0.05) on day 7 and EndoREZ™ (6.37,0.08) on day 14. CONCLUSION: Under the conditions of this study all the endodontic sealers exhibited some antimicrobial activity against E. faecalis with different behaviour patterns at different times.

Abstract Objective: To assess the BMI among children with Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD) and Idiopathic Short Stature (ISS) and its correlation to ghrelin, Growth Hormone (GH), and Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) levels. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study in which 42 patients attending the Pediatric endocrine clinic were enrolled, allocated into two groups: group I: GHD children; group II: ISS children. Ghrelin, IGF-1 and GH in both groups were measured. Results: Ghrelin was significantly higher among GHD group (p < 0.001). Overall, there was a strong negative correlation between IGF-1 and ghrelin (r = -0.977, p-value = < 0.001) while a moderate positive correlation between ghrelin and BMI (r = 0.419, p-value = 0.006). There was a weak positive non-significant correlation between IGF-1 and BMI (r = 0.276, p-value = 0.077). In GHD group, there was a weak positive non-significant correlation between ghrelin and GHmax measurement (r = 0.052, p-value = 0.824), while a weak negative non-significant correlation between both variables in ISS group (r = -0.243, p-value = 0.288). In GHD group, there was a moderate positive correlation between ghrelin and BMI (r = 0.500, p-value = 0.021), but weak negative non-significant correlation between both variables in ISS group (r = -0.255, p-value = 0.265). Conclusion: There was a negative feedback loop between ghrelin and IGF-1, whereas a positive feedback between ghrelin and BMI. BMI was more affected in the ISS group but was non-signifi-cantly correlated with ghrelin. There was no significant compensatory response of ghrelin suggesting its contribution to the pathogenesis of ISS.

INTRODUCTION: The use of bioceramic sealers may, on occasion, complicate endodontic retreatment. This is due to their hard setting nature as well as adherence to root dentine which makes them more challenging to dislodge from root canals AIM: The aim of this in vitro study was to determine the retreatability of root canals sealed with a bioceramic calcium silicate-based sealer cement MATERIALS AND METHODS: 120 permanent human single rooted teeth were selected for the study. After working length and apical patency determination, the teeth were prepared using iRace™ Ni-Ti rotary files. Teeth were divided into four groups (n=30) and obturated as follows: • Group 1: TotalFill BC™ points and TotalFill BC™ sealer with the master GP at WL using basic hydraulic technique • Group 2: TotalFill BC™ points and TotalFill BC™ sealer with the master GP 3mm short of WL using basic hydraulic technique • Group 3: GP and AH Plus™ with the master GP at WL using lateral condensation technique • Group 4: GP and AH Plus™ with the master GP 3mm short of WL using lateral condensation technique • D-Race™ retreatment files and Endosolv™ was used to remove obturation material. RESULTS: The Kruskal-Wallis H test, pairwise and comparison between groups showed that the type of sealer cement and the working length influenced both the retreatability of the canal and retreatment time. The differences were statistically significant (p < 0.005) at a 95% CI. CONCLUSION: Fully extended GP will guarantee a passage for retreatment instruments to the apical area of the canal. The sealer and GP application technique during obturation should allow for full extension of the GP within the canal. Improper use of bioceramic sealers diminishes the chances of successful retreatment.

SUMMARY: Osteoporosis is a bone condition marked by a loss of bone mass and a disruption of bone microarchitecture. Men lose bone density as they age, resulting in brittle bones. The loss of free testosterone is one of the key factors. The objective of present study was to evaluate Allolobophora caliginosa extract (AcE) for its anti-osteoporotic and antiapoptotic activity in orchiotomized rat model at two different dose levels. Twenty eight male rats were divided into two groups. The first group represented sham operated rats while the second group underwent bilateral orchidectomy (OCX). After one week of recovery from orchidectomy surgery, the second group was randomly subdivided into 3 subgroups. The first OCX subgroup was administered orally distilled water daily for 10 weeks. The other two OCX subgroups were administered AcE (100 or200 mg/kg body weight/day) orally for 10 weeks. Orchiectomy induces remarkable loss of the cortical as well as trabecular bone loss; which, could be counterbalanced by Allolobophora caliginosa extract (AcE) that prevented cortical as well as trabecular bone loss. Allolobophora caliginosa extract (AcE) at Dose 200 mg/kg/day was found to be effective at a highly significant level in osteoporotic bone, as determined by histological images and immunohistochemical study, where Dose (100 mg/kg/day) was found to be moderately significant.In the present study, it is suggested that AcE may inhibit steroid-induced osteoblasts apoptosis, potentially via upregulation of Bcl-2 and downregulation of caspase-3. Allolobophora caliginosa extract demonstrates anti-apoptotic and anti-oxidant properties. Therefore, AcE may be used for the prevention of steroid-induced bone damage.

RESUMEN: La osteoporosis es una afección ósea caracterizada por una pérdida de masa ósea y una alteración de la microarquitectura ósea. Los hombres pierden densidad ósea a medida que envejecen, lo que resulta en huesos quebradizos. La pérdida de testosterona libre es factor clave en este proceso. El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar el extracto de Allolobophora caliginosa (AcE) debido a su actividad antiosteoporótica y antiapoptótica en un modelo de rata orquiectomizadas con dos niveles de dosis diferentes. Se dividieron veintiocho ratas macho en dos grupos. El primer grupo incluyó ratas con operación simulada, mientras que el segundo grupo se sometió a orquidectomía bilateral (OCX). Después de una semana de recuperación de la orquidectomía, el segundo grupo fue subdividido en 3 subgrupos. Al primer subgrupo de OCX se administró diariamente agua destilada por vía oral durante 10 semanas. Los otros dos subgrupos de OCX se administraron por vía oral AcE (100 o 200 mg / kg de peso corporal / día) durante 10 semanas. La orquidectomía induce una pérdida notable del hueso cortical y trabecular; el cual podría ser contrarrestado por el extracto de Allolobophora caliginosa (AcE) que previno la pérdida de hueso tanto cortical como trabecular visualizado en imágenes histológicas y estudio inmuno- histoquímico, donde se encontró que la dosis (100 mg / kg / día) era moderadamente significativa. En el presente estudio, se sugiere que la AcE puede inhibir la apoptosis de los osteoblastos inducida por esteroides, potencialmente a través de la regulación al alza de Bcl 2 y la regulación a la baja de caspasa 3. El extracto de Allolobophora caliginosa demuestra propiedades anti apoptóticas y antioxidantes. Por lo tanto, AcE puede usarse para la prevención del daño óseo inducido por esteroides.