All Articles in april, 2024

Exposure to microplastics is unavoidable, and a vast amount of microplastics are traveling around the oceans. Microplastics are considered one of the major potential pollutants due to their exposure and interference with the health of humans, animals, aquatic species, agriculture, etc. Shockingly, the microplastic was also detected in the human placenta (fetal and amniochorial membranes), which could cause long-term effects on human health. The disposal of plastic into the oceans is the most happening process across the globe; thereby, microplastic pollution is evident, leading to a huge risk to marine species. Also, the accumulation of microplastics on soil or land leads to an increase in pH value, thereby affecting the surface water and soil-groundwater medium, eventually affecting plant and human health. At the same time, microplastics and their particles are found in milk, meat, and other edible items, which directly affects human health. The appearance of microplastic particles in insects, birds, animals, and even human blood indicates its adverse effect on the environment. This review has discussed the impact of microplastic on the health of humans, aquatic species, and agriculture.

The Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) technique is based on cuffs connected to a pressure device that induces partial arterial inflow. BFR combined with exercise has already been proven to increase strength, muscle mass, and muscular endurance. However, some BFR devices with pneumatic air bands, such as KAATSU (KA), are expensive and less accessible, making either a Sphygmomanometer Cuff (SC) or Elastic Band (EB) an interesting alternative. However, vascular parameters in response to blood flow restriction during KA, EB, and SC have not yet been compared. Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the brachial blood flow behavior during restriction using bands such as KA, SC, and EB on the same perceived tightness. Methods: Thirty healthy men participated in a prospective crossover study. Participants underwent blood flow measurements before and during KA, SC, and EB use, with KA-perceived tightness taken as a reference. The brachial blood flow volume, the diameter of the artery, and blood flow velocity were measured before and immediately after the cuff’s inflation at a specific tightness. Results: Blood flow volume was significantly reduced in KA (52%, ES: 1.38), SC (61.7%, ES: 1.29), and EB (41.5%, ES: 1.22) (p

Background: Endometrial morular metaplasia, a clinical conundrum from a diagnostic and management angle given its rarity and low oncogenic potential, has been linked to endometrial hyperplasia and carcinoma. Case report: A 77-year-old woman with no significant past medical history, was found to have an asymptomatic thickened endometrium on pelvic imaging, after presenting with lower abdominal pain, 3yrs ago. Diagnostic hysteroscopy identified an endometrial polyp within a pyometra. Histopathology showed focal complex endometrial hyperplasia without atypia with superimposed morular metaplasia(EMM) with a negative microbiology assay.Following conservative management with multidisciplinary team(MDT) overview, as-per patient choice with 6-monthly follow-up hysteroscopy, endometrial biopsies and a short use of the Mirena® Intrauterine system (discontinued following poor tolerance), histopathology shows resolved hyperplasia with persistent EMM. Due to persistent disease, a hysterectomy is under consideration.Discussion: Current evidence suggests that a sub-type of EMM, a likely histological manifestation of beta-catenin (CTNNB1) gene mutation: could be a precursor of endometrial hyperplasia and low-grade endometrioid-endometrial carcinoma sub-type. Though low-grade in nature, the increased recurrence risk raises significant concerns.Prognostication following gene mutation identification can help with management options which include conservative, hormonal therapy with adjunct repeat endometrial sampling: or hysterectomy. The optimal frequency of endometrial sampling when uterine-sparing, is unclear, leading to a management conundrum, whilst persistent disease may require a hysterectomy.Conclusion: Management of endometrial morular metaplasia can be difficult but must reflect the woman’s choice with a MDT-overview. Immuno-histochemical tools utilizing new molecular biological advances, can simplify the diagnostic and prognostication processes, aiding clinical management.

In the realm of dental surgery, implants are essential for replacing missing teeth. To facilitate implant placement, techniques such as bone grafting and sinus lifts are utilized to augment the volume of atrophied alveolar bone in candidates for dental implants. Typically, patients undergo a period of recovery following bone grafts before proceeding with implant placement. This study investigates the efficacy of Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) in measuring the residual bone volume and assessing bone quality after the healing phase. A texture analysis was conducted on CBCT scans from 42 patients requiring maxillary sinus lift reconstruction. These patients were categorized into two groups based on the type of grafting material used: Xenograft or allograft. The study analyzed the distribution of various texture parameters and conducted a Mann-Whitney U test to identify significant statistical differences between the groups. Results indicated non-normal distributions for specific variables such as Area_S(1,0) and S(1,0)SumOfSqs, while others like S(1,0)Entropy displayed normal distributions. The findings revealed no significant statistical differences in the primary outcomes between the xenograft and allograft groups. However, the average values of the gray shades of pixels in the allograft group were statistically significantly higher compared to the xenograft group, suggesting differences in bone texture post-procedure.

Background: Acute leukemia is the result of clonal transformation and proliferation of a hematopoietic progenitor giving rise to poorly differentiated neoplastic cells. Reactive oxygen species play a role in maintaining the quiescence, self-renewal, and long-term survival of hematopoietic stem cells, but it is unclear how they would affect disease onset and progression. The aim is to evaluate, at the transcriptional and systemic level, the oxidative-inflammatory status in newly diagnosis acute leukemia patients. Methods: Seventy acute leukemia patients [26 acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), 13 Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL), and 31 Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)] and forty-one healthy controls were analyzed. Malondialdehyde and catalase activity were evaluated. Gene expression of NRF2, SOD, PRDX2, CAT, IL-6, and TNF-α was analyzed by real-time PCR.Results: Malondialdehyde concentration was similar in all groups studied. Catalase activity was significantly higher in AML and APL patients compared to controls, while ALL showed similar activity to the healthy group. NRF2, CAT, and PRDX2 expression levels were similar between groups, SOD expression was downregulated in all acute leukemia patients. TNF-α expression was lower in AML groups than in healthy individuals, and IL-6 mRNA expression was downregulated in ALL and APL.Conclusion: This is the first report that correlates transcriptional and systemic parameters associated with the oxidative inflammatory status in newly diagnosed acute leukemia. Some of the parameters evaluated could be used as biomarkers in the selection of an effective therapeutic strategy and will open new directions for the follow-up and evolution of this disease.

Gynecological laparoscopy has to be analyzed also in the context of complications that occur during the surgical procedures. Complications occur daily. For this reason, emphasis should be placed on lifelong continuous education and training. Given the risks and complications we face, we must be trained to deal with them. This improves the safety of laparoscopic operations. Without such certainty, gynecological laparoscopy would not be the method of choice in a minimally invasive approach. This requires significant commitment, effort, and responsibility. In this way, we provide our patients with the best and highest quality healthcare service. Likewise, with such an approach, the frequency of complications is reduced to a minimum. New perspectives and possibilities are associated with the application of robotic surgery.

Background: Globally, severe acute malnutrition (SAM) remains a major killer of children under 5 years of age. The highest magnitude is seen in sub-Saharan Africa, including Ethiopia. Hypoglycemia is the most common complication of severe acute malnutrition (SAM) and the most life-threatening condition in pediatric society. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of hypoglycemia and its associated factors among under-five children with severe acute malnutrition.Methods: A cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted among 378 randomly selected samples who were admitted to public hospitals in the East Gojjam zone from 2018 to 2021. Data was extracted from the medical records of the children and entered into SPSS version 26, Variables with a p – value < 0.25 in the Bivariate analysis were candidates for multivariable logistic regression and those with a p – value < 0.05 in the multivariable analysis were considered as having a statistically significant association with hypoglycemia among severe acute malnutrition.Results: Out of 378 respondents, 50 (13.2%) had hypoglycemia with severe acute malnutrition patients. Children admitted between the ages of 0-6 months were 2.93 (AOR = 1.57-6.25, p = 0.000), shocks were 4.6 (AOR = 1.25-17.42, p = 0.034), and fully immunized children were (AOR: 2.61 (1.01- 6.77, p = 0.048) was significantly associated with hypoglycemia with severe acute malnutrition. Conclusion and recommendation: The prevalence of hypoglycemia with severe acute malnutrition was 13.2%. We also recommend a longitudinal study should be done among children who develop hypoglycemia with severe acute malnutrition to determine the long-term consequences, especially the neurodevelopmental sequelae associated with this condition.

This manuscript presents a compelling case of renal tuberculosis in a 15-year-old male, elucidating the intricate diagnostic hurdles and strategic management approaches encountered. The patient initially presented with nonspecific symptoms, including intermittent low-grade fever, weight loss, fatigue, and diffuse skin rashes, which were initially managed as suspected enteric fever. However, as the patient’s condition deteriorated, a comprehensive diagnostic exploration revealed renal tuberculosis. The report meticulously outlines the clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, and therapeutic trajectory, emphasizing the enigmatic nature of symptoms and advocating for a multidimensional diagnostic paradigm integrating clinical, radiological, microbiological, and histopathological assessments.Furthermore, this case report provides a comprehensive review of urogenital tuberculosis, discussing its epidemiological underpinnings, clinical manifestations, diagnostic methodologies, and therapeutic tenets. It underscores the paramount significance of early recognition and prompt initiation of treatment in forestalling complications and optimizing patient outcomes.This case report enriches the medical discourse by shedding light on the diagnostic intricacies and therapeutic imperatives pertinent to renal tuberculosis, especially in the younger demographic. We believe that the findings will contribute significantly to the understanding and management of this disease.

The background of this novel study is how to apply an empirically adjusted Passive House concept in the tropics - beyond its otherwise prevailing global standards. Even though well-insulated houses have been on the planet since people settled down in some of their first dwellings, passive in the 21st century is different. It includes strict rules for airtightness and fitting of windows along with a sophisticated concept for artificial ventilation. Fresh air reachable from outside by filtered ventilation with heat recovery describes the heart of the system - if natural outside air is not preferable, it is convenient just in seasons with thermal comfort.Hence, the purpose and aim of the study presented here is to use a less common and at the same time more cost-saving approach: It might seem that the modern type of passive house entails the same standards that have been developed firmly on its own global market niche. However, this article tries to contribute toward a new development of modern passive homes for low-cost affordable tropical and subtropical houses in their entirety.As a concluding note, the author states that nobody has ever disproven this evolving concept as a combination of airtightness and a new way of forced ventilation without heat- or coolness recovery which is highly applicable for low-cost residential areas in tropical countries. By generating lower temperatures, it can help to surpass the overheating caused by climate change in certain tropical climate zones in higher altitudes and during cooler seasons. The condition is that the occupants are willing to accept a thermal comfort of up to 28 °C and humidity in its 70s and 80s.

Sexual dimorphism exists in Homo sapiens in many systems. Lately, it was found that it also exists in autoimmune disorders. Generally, it was known that the two genders in humans have different endocrine systems, and therefore hormone hormone-regulated systems show sexual dimorphism. However, in the case of autoimmune disorders, it is not due to directly on hormonal milieu but depends on X-chromosome inactivation in males. Whereas every cell in a woman’s body produces Xist; this ribonucleoprotein contains about 81 proteins. This chromosomal inactivation in males and formation of Xist ribonucloprotein in females is responsible for sexual dimorphism in autoimmune disorders in humans.

Microchip implants have emerged as transformative tools in the realm of oral health and craniofacial science, offering novel solutions to longstanding challenges. This paper aims to explore the diverse applications of microchip technology in dentistry and craniofacial medicine, envisioning a future where these implants play a pivotal role in diagnostics, treatment modalities, and ongoing patient care. The integration of microchips enables real-time monitoring of oral conditions, facilitating early detection of dental issues and providing personalized treatment strategies. Additionally, these implants open avenues for smart prosthetics and orthodontic devices, optimizing patient comfort and treatment outcomes. However, ethical considerations, patient perceptions, and the societal impact of such technology should also be addressed. By examining the multifaceted implications and applications of microchip implants in oral health and craniofacial science, this research overview seeks to contribute valuable insights to the intersection of technology and healthcare in the dental domain.

Recent studies have shown that long-term uses of herbs have been associated with a rise in morbidity and mortality rates. While most researches are focused on bioactivity investigations, the toxicity of many plants has not been reported. There is a paucity of data on the potential toxicity of the following plants: Harungana madagascariensis (HM), Pterocarpus osun (PO), Phoenix dactylifera (PD), Annona muricata (AM), and Rutidea parviflora (RP). To evaluate the toxicity of the above-mentioned plants; two tests were employed namely: The Brine shrimp lethality test (BSLT) and the Allium cepa test. A correlation between the oral acute toxicity assay in mice and the LC50 obtained from BSLT has been established. Allium cepa test measures the potential genotoxic effects of plant extracts exerted on the root meristem of A. cepa (onions). Plant extracts were administered in concentrations ranging from 100 to 2500 µg/ml to the A. cepa for 72 h to obtain their Mitotic Indices (MI) and EC50. Results of the MI at 2500 µg/ml for HM, PO, PD, AM, and RP were 3.75, 4.96, 5.96, 6.10, and 6.71 while 281.81, 398.11, 501.19, 630.96, and 707.9 µg/ml were obtained as the respective EC50 values. Furthermore, 10-1000 mcg/ml concentrations were administered in the BSLT and the obtained LC50 values were 116.3, 250, 581.5, 581.5, and 750 µg/ml. The toxicity result demonstrated that the five plants were moderately toxic, with RP exhibiting minimal toxicity values and thus potentially having a good safety profile. The phytochemical screening of these plants revealed the presence of some pharmacologically important classes of compounds that are abundant. Several bioactive and toxic compounds were identified in the GC-MS analysis for some of the plants.

Compacted bentonite or sand-bentonite mixtures are considered buffer/backfill materials in the engineering barriers of deep geological repositories for high-level nuclear waste (HLW) disposal in many countries. The design and long-term functionality of nuclear repositories have critical importance for environmental safety and public health. The initially unsaturated buffer material could become re-saturated long after following the sealing of the repository. Although the saturation degree of the buffer might decrease due to high temperatures and evaporation, it tends to increase with groundwater intrusion. Therefore, the soil water characteristic curves (SWCCs) for these unsaturated soils are a key factor in geotechnical engineering. Yet, the determination of SWCCs can be time-consuming and prone to inaccuracies. The HYPROP (Hydraulic Property Analyzer) evaporation technique is a preferred method for accurately determining water retention curves of soils. This reliable method was applied to estimate the water retention curves for sand-bentonite mixtures in the presence of boron minerals. Known for their minimal thermal expansion and commonly used in various industries, boron minerals may improve the thermal stability of sand-bentonite mixtures. The findings revealed that the boron addition increased the water retention capacity of the 10% bentonite mixtures but had a negligible impact on the 20% bentonite mixtures.

The present review highlights some of the very important contributions to non-alignment ways of comparing biological sequences, which may be genome sequences of nucleotides, protein sequences of amino acids, or sequences of protein secondary structures. The discussion centers around specific methods applicable to the comparison of three types of sequences. The methods of comparison of genome sequences are based on three pairs of biological groups of nucleotides; the same for protein sequences are based on either physio-chemical property values of amino acids or on classified groups of amino acids of different cardinalities obtained from the physio-chemical properties; the same for sequences of secondary structures of proteins are based on their sequential expressions of structure elements of cardinality three and four. Comparison is made in the time domain and also in the frequency domain. Different taxa of known phylogeny are considered for comparison. It tries to find out the specific method of comparison, which can show the exact phylogeny of the taxa. If a new sequence appears in the database, it becomes essential to know its phylogeny. For this purpose, a phylogenetic tree is drawn on the sequences of the known taxa together with this new sequence using the best possible method. If the species having this new sequence belongs to the old taxa, there is nothing to worry about. Otherwise, the species with the new sequence has to be studied separately. This is the general reason for the construction of a phylogenetic tree in any form of biological sequence comparison.

The electrical, mechanical, and thermodynamic properties of cubic structured rare earth sesqui-chalcogenides RE2X3 (RE = La-Lu, X = O, S) are examined in this work using the chemical bond theory of solids. For these materials, the values of the homopolar gaps (Eh), ionic gaps (Ec), and average energy gaps (Ep) have been assessed. It has been discovered that the calculated values of the homopolar gap (Eh) and average energy gap (Ep) are in great agreement with the values derived from the Penn and Phillips models. The electrical, mechanical, and thermodynamic properties of these materials (RE2O3), such as their bulk modulus and heat of formation, have been estimated using the bond ionicity values. The computed values accord very well with the theoretical results that have been published thus far.PACS No.: 71.20.Eh, 71.15.Mb, 61.50.Ks, 71.15.Mb

The genesis of the youth Community Health Worker (CHW) and Citizen/Community Science (CS) training is rooted in interdisciplinary research and the lived experiences of families in Chicago and Urbana-Champaign. Dr. Mendenhall and colleagues’ (Drs. Robinson, Roberts and Rodriquez-Zas) South Chicago’s Black Mothers’ Resiliency Project provide dinsights into Black women’s experiences with genomics, trauma, and community science. Black women’s testimonies highlighted the health impacts of living in neighborhoods with high levels of gun violence and the resilience strategies they employ. This led to the development of a youth-centered CHW and CS training program, aimed at addressing health disparities. The program trained high school students and young adults (up to age 24) as CHWs and CSs, focusing on the objectives of (1) embedding culturally competent health workers in marginalized communities; (2) amplifying community voices; (3) collecting, analyzing, and quantifying observational data to inform policy decision-making; (4) amplifying community voices in healthcare discussions and (5) creating community health care worker training certification for youth. Over three years, the program trained over 50 participants, incorporating elements of wellness, art, and entrepreneurship.Based on ethnographic notes participants reported increases in wellness such as reduced anxiety and increased empowerment. The program’s long-term goals include creating employment opportunities for graduates and contributing to improved community health outcomes. This initiative represents a step towards addressing racial trauma and promoting community healing through youth-led innovation and empowerment.

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) in sickle cell disease (SCD) is associated with a mortality rate of 37%. There is an upregulation of adhesion molecules which leads to the expression of endothelin-1, a potent vasoconstrictor. A prospective, descriptive study was done to determine the safety and efficacy of macitentan in patients with SCD and PH. Continuous variables were reported as mean ± SEM or percentage where appropriate. We screened 13 patients and recruited five. All five patients were adults. Data were analyzed as appropriate by student t - test. Statistical significance was assumed at p < 0.05. Baseline pulmonary hemodynamics obtained by right heart catheterization and systemic hemodynamics were (± SEM): mean pulmonary artery pressure (MPAP) 32 ± 8 mmHg, right atrial pressure (RAP) 9 ± 4 mmHg, pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) 257 dynes-sec/cm5 and CI 3·7 ± 0.39 l/m2. Of all parameters, only PVR and 6-min walk distance changed significantly. For the group, MPAP decreased by 15.6%, PVR by 22.5% and RAP by 25.5%. The 6-minute walk distance increased over sixteen weeks except in Patient 4 who had a 3% decrease. The mean walk distance increased in the total distance, from 464 ± 158 meters to 477 ± 190 meters (p .123). In four patients, the adverse events were mild to moderate and did not lead to study drug discontinuation. Significant improvement in pulmonary hemodynamics and exercise capacity in patients with SCD-related pulmonary arterial hypertension. We found that macitentan was safe and well tolerated.

Anxiety is also a very common disorder, both in patients and their family members. Anxiety and stress can compromise the quality of life of cancer patients and their families. Feelings of anxiety and anguish can occur at various times of the disease path: during screening, waiting for test results, at diagnosis, during treatment or at the next stage due to concern about relapses. Anxiety and distress can affect the patient’s ability to cope with diagnosis or treatment, frequently causing reduced adherence to follow-up visits and examinations, indirectly increasing the risk of failure to detect a relapse, or a delay in treatment; and anxiety can increase the perception of pain, affect sleep, and accentuate nausea due to adjuvant therapies. Failure to identify and treat anxiety and depression in the context of cancer increases the risk of poor quality of life and potentially results in increased disease-related morbidity and mortality [1]. From all this we deduce the need and importance of dedicated psychological and psychiatric support for these patients within the Breast Unit. The fact that the psycho-oncologist who is dedicated to the care of patients with breast cancer must be an integrated figure in the multidisciplinary team of the Senological Center and not an external consultant is enshrined in the same European Directives that concern the legislation concerning the requirements that a Breast Unit must have in order to be considered a Full Breast Unit (Wilson AMR, et al. 2013).One of the most complex situations you find yourself dealing with is communication with the patient. This communication is particularly complex in two fragile subpopulations that are represented by women. [Menditto L. T (Tirannie) Cancer of the Breast. Am J Psychol & Brain Stud, 2023; 1(1):26-30].

Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury (IRI) is the outcome of two intertwined pathological processes resulting from the shortage of blood flow to tissues and the subsequent restoration of circulation to a previously ischemic area. IRI (sometimes just one side of the dyad) remains one of the most challenging problems in several branches of emergency medicine. Mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum dysfunction is a crucial pathological factor involved in the development of IRI. The sigma-1 receptor (Sig1-R) is an intracellular chaperone molecule located between the mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum with an apparent physiological role in regulating signaling between these cell organelles and serves as a safety mechanism against cellular stress. Therefore, amelioration of IRI is reasonably expected by the activation of the Sig1-R chaperone. Indeed, under cellular stress, Sig1-R agonists improve mitochondrial respiration and optimize endoplasmic reticulum function by sustaining high-energy phosphate synthesis. The discovery that N, N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is an endogenous agonist of the Sig1-R may shed light on yet undiscovered physiological mechanisms and therapeutic potentials of this controversial hallucinogenic compound. In this article, the authors briefly overview the function of Sig1-R in cellular bioenergetics with a focus on the processes involved in IRI and summarize the results of their in vitro and in vivo DMT studies aiming at mitigating IRI. The authors conclude that the effect of DMT may involve a universal role in cellular protective mechanisms suggesting therapeutic potentials against different components and types of IRIs emerging in local and generalized brain ischemia after stroke or cardiac arrest.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) combined with Synthetic Biology has the potential to change the way we approach medicine, agriculture, and manufacturing. AI automates tasks, optimizes experimental designs, and predicts biological behaviours, resulting in more efficient design and engineering of biological systems. However, there are challenges such as data limitations, interpretability issues, and ethical considerations like biosafety and biosecurity concerns that need to be addressed. AI can be used to analyze vast amounts of data and identify patterns. This has led to successful applications of AI in high-throughput screening and biomanufacturing, which can drive innovation and address critical challenges. AI-powered closed-loop systems for real-time monitoring and control of biological processes also show promise in providing real-time feedback and optimizing systems on the fly. Despite these advancements, it's important to consider ethical implications to ensure the responsible development and application of AI in synthetic biology. Proper consideration of challenges and ethical considerations can help leverage the power of AI to drive innovation and tackle pressing societal challenges. Overall, the potential of AI in synthetic biology is significant. By addressing challenges and ethical considerations, we can use them effectively to solve pressing problems.

Primary melanocytic neoplasms of the central nervous system are rare entities and can present in different clinical forms with mild and non-specific symptoms (such as headache and tinnitus) to severe and limiting symptoms (focal deficits and intracranial hypertension), mimicking the most diverse pathologies. In addition to the peculiar changes in imaging tests, diagnosis is always a challenge given the multitude of possible differential diagnoses, including aseptic meningitis. Given this, we bring here the case of a 59-year-old patient who attended care due to headache and vertigo followed by involvement of the cranial nerves and spinal cord, corroborated by physical examination and imaging study suggesting diffuse involvement of the meninges, which was subsequently confirmed by anatomopathological examination as a primary melanocytic neoplasm of the central nervous system but ended up dying due to complications resulting from late diagnosis. The objective of this work is to raise awareness about the possibility of this pathology as a differential diagnosis in these cases where there are often frustrating clinical manifestations but with changes in imaging tests, to enable an early diagnosis and consequently the possibility of a better therapeutic result, in addition to a brief review of the propaedeutic findings of this pathology.

This study aims to make a database of the birds in the area of Elssuki, Sinnar state - Sudan. The period of study spanning from 2008 to 2023 with a mix of methods used to identify bird species in many sites in the locality, these methods include road count, line transects, and direct count besides registering every strange, rare, or unusual single species seen in the area. All these methods are used by different researchers and applied in such studies in Sudan.The study revealed that the area is one of the important areas enriched of birds in Sinnar state of 19 orders 53 families. The total number of species is 129 species. It included all birds; water birds, tree birds, diving birds, dabbling birds, swimming birds, small waders, and passerines which the most. The study concluded that there is a need for comprehensive and regular studies and short and long-term monitoring to identify, classify, and establish a database for Sudan Birds Atlas.

The burden of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) continues to increase with over one million curable STIs occurring daily worldwide. Sex disparity in the rates of testing for STIs can compromise the efforts to reduce the incidence of STIs. The study aimed to explore the barriers to facility-based screening for STIs among men in Ghana. A qualitative exploratory design was employed in this study. Using a semi-structured interview guide, individual in-depth interviews were conducted among purposively sampled men from November 2019 to January 2020. Data saturation was achieved at the ninth participant. Audio-recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically through Braun and Clarke’s approach. Four themes emerged from the analyses: (1) lack of privacy from healthcare providers, (2) mistrust of healthcare providers, (3) the burden of handling thoughts of positive status, and (4) fear of stigmatisation. These barriers deterred men from seeking clinic-based screening for STIs. The barriers were multi-factorial and a major hindrance to ensuring that people are aware of their STI status through screening and diagnosis. It is imperative to consider these barriers when designing STI screening interventions and policies to help promote facility-based screening for STIs among men in Ghana.

Los Reyes, Michoacán, Mexico, is one of the main blackberry-producing places in the world, however, the disease located at the root level has caused important economic losses. Currently has been reported that the fungus Fusarium spp., is the main causal agent but actions to control it have failed. The objective of this work was to identify the possible presence of unreported pathogenic fungi in the root system of the blackberry and identify them molecularly. It was sampled in a commercial open-air orchard from Los Reyes, pieces of roots were taken from symptomatic plants with wilting and decay. The fungi were isolated in the laboratory, identified with taxonomic keys, extraction was performed, and the sequences obtained were compared with those reported in the NCBI gene bank. Among the results obtained were Kalmusia italica, Epicoccum nigrum, Microsphaeropsis arundinis, Achizophyllum commune, and, as expected, some species of Fusarium spp.

Biofungicides are prepared based on living micro/organisms or on matters prepared from them. They are based on the antagonism of fungal pathogens and their antagonists. Their effect depends on weather conditions (temperature and moisture) in comparison with chemical fungicides which are effective in all conditions but they let the residues in plants, animals, and men. The future of agriculture will be pure food without chemicals.

Introduction: Hypoglycemia affects patient safety and glycemic control during insulin treatment of both type 1 (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). It is still a major clinical problem in the treatment of type 1 diabetes that impairs metabolic control. This study aimed to assess hypoglycemia and associated factors among type 1 diabetes mellitus patients attending the outpatient clinics of Debra–Tabor Comprehensive and Specialized Hospital, in 2021.Method: institutional-based cross-sectional study design was conducted among 204 selected type I DM, from June 1/2021 to August 30/2021. The study participants were selected by systematic sampling method from monthly follow-up lists and lists of registration. Data were cleaned and entered into Epi Data and then exported into SPSS version 20 for analysis. Data were presented with texts, graphs, diagrams, and tables but an analytic form of findings will be presented by text form of the odds ratio. Bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression models were fitted to identify factors associated with hypoglycemia p – value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant and reported as a 95% confidence interval (CI).Results: A total of 204 participants participated with a response rate of 100%, and prevalence of self-reported hypoglycemia was 88.7% (95%, CI: 83.8-92.6) and the prevalence of hypoglycemia was significantly associated with occupation [AOR: 4.01 (95% CI:1.86-9.35)], higher educational status [AOR: 2.13 (95% CI:1.92-13.15)], diabetic duration < 1 [AOR: 3.80 (95% CI:1.32-9.28)], poor knowledge [AOR: 4.91 (95% CI:1.09-11.06)] and favorable attitude [AOR: 5.86 (1.10-6.07)]. The current study revealed that the knowledge, attitude, and practice of respondents were 81.9% (95%, CI, 76-86.8), 73% (95% CI, 66.7-78.9), and 91.2% (95% CI, 86.8-94.6) respectively.Conclusion and recommendation: Hypoglycemia was highly prevalent among diabetic patients treated at Debra-Tabor Comprehensive and Specialized Referral Hospital. To reduce the higher prevalence of hypoglycemia the health professionals working in the hospital had better provide appropriate patient advice about, BGL monitoring, medication adherence, self-injection as well as oral hypoglycemic agent administrations.

The global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and substance use behaviors has sparked extensive research efforts. The COMET-G international study, organized by the Department of Medicine and the Rectorate of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in collaboration with the World Psychiatric Association, delved into these issues. Running from March 2020 to April 2021, the study collected responses from 55,589 individuals across 40 countries. Through a comprehensive questionnaire, participants provided insights into their mental state, attitudes toward the pandemic, and the resultant changes in their personal and daily lives. Findings revealed, among other things, significant patterns of change in substance use, with notable correlations between reduced usage and the severity of lockdown measures among non-binary individuals. Mental health history emerged as a strong predictor of substance use changes, with influences from anxiety disorders, depression, and self-harm. Additionally, family and social dynamics, including economic expectations and household composition, significantly shaped substance use behaviors during lockdowns. Given these findings, the development of comprehensive approaches targeting the adverse effects of the pandemic on individual behaviors and general welfare is crucial.

Introduction: Spaced fiber bundles, less evident cell striations, deposition of collagen fiber bundles, and increased presence of fibroblasts in the cardiac tissue of rats that voluntarily and chronically ingested ethanol were observed by our research group. In addition, we observed increased proliferation and cell death of cardiomyocytes. To find out whether these changes lead to impaired heart functionality, some clinical tests were performed. Aim: to investigate whether chronic ethanol decreases the left ventricular performance assessed by exercise testing, electrocardiogram, and echocardiogram of male and female UChB strain rats. Material and methods: ten adult males and ten adult females, Wistar strain rats, named UChB (University of Chile), spontaneous high ethanol drinkers (consumption greater than 2 g ethanol / Kg body weight/day), and ten male UChB rats and ten adults female UChB rats, not exposed to ethanol, UChBC rats (controls) were used. Cardiac performance was evaluated by the stress test, electrocardiogram, and echocardiogram. Results: Exposed females showed ventricular morphological changes in the heart. The exposed females and males had the highest heart relative weight with females being larger than males. The exposed females showed altered electrocardiogram and echocardiogram. Conclusion: Chronic ethanol decreases the left ventricular cardiac performance in rats. Females are more sensitive to changes in cardiac electrical conduction.

Oral Cancer (OC) or squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity accounts for approximately 3% of all cancers worldwide, with increased incidence in developing countries. The use of tobacco is directly associated with approximately 80% of oral cancers, especially in older men over 40 years of age. As nearly one-third of the Indian population over 15 years consume smokeless tobacco in one or the other forms, a recent increase has been observed in OC incidence among women and young adults. Lately, the sexual behaviors of young & homosexuals have resulted in the emergence of oropharyngeal cancers due to infection with HPV 16. About 60% of oral cancer cases in India have a five-year survival rate, and this can be improved to 70% to 90% by mere early detection in stages I and II and with various treatment modalities. Despite the well-known benefits of oral cancer screening for the whole population in developing countries remains controversial. It is imperative to address the cultural barriers and societal norms, which limit the acceptability and participation in screening programs in India and many developing countries. This unique challenge of increasing OC morbidity in India and developing countries requires horizontal integration of the health systems with new services focused on cancer control, which gives the best chance for long-term survival, improved outcomes, and affordable care!This article is based on the author’s experience of overseeing 1 case of early detection and 2 cases of delayed diagnosis, outcomes and relevant literature review, and current guidelines for the management of OC.

Today, it is well known that Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has four types of proteins within its structure, between them the spike protein (S). The infection mechanism is carried out by the entry of the virus into the human host cell through the S protein, which strongly interacts with the human cell receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). In this work, we propose an atomic model of the Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) of the S spike protein of the wild-type SARS-CoV-2 virus. The molecular structure of the model was composed of 50 amino acids that were chemically bonded, starting with Leucine and ending with one amino acid Tyrosine. The novelty of our work lies in the importance of knowing the sites and zones of maximum reactivity of the RBD from the fundamental levels of quantum mechanics considering the atomic structure of matter. For this, the local and global reactivity indices of the RBD were calculated, such as frontier orbitals, Highest Occupied Molecular Orbital (HOMO) and Lowest Unoccupied Molecular Orbital (LUMO), Fukui indices, chemical potential, chemical hardness, electrophilicity index; with this, it will be possible to know what type of molecules are more likely to interact with the RBD structure, and in this way, new knowledge will be generated at the quantum, atomic and molecular level to inhibit the virulent effects of wild-type SARS-CoV-2. Finally, in order to identify the functional groups within the most stable structure and thereby verify the future reactions that can be carried out between the RBD structure and biomolecules, the Infrared (IR) absorption spectrum was calculated. For this work, we used Material Studio v6.0 which uses the density functional theory (DFT) implemented in its DMol3 computational code. The IR spectrum was obtained using the Spartan ‘94 computer code. One novelty would be that we found nine amino acids more that could make the RBD and ACE2 binding further the already known. Thus, the Mulliken charge distribution indicates that the highest concentrations of positive and negative charge are found in the zones 477S, 478T, 484E, and 501N amino acids letting ionic or Van der Waals possible interactions with other structures.

Aim: A descriptive-analytical study was done to assess the proportion of the risk of stroke among male patients attending the outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital, in Ernakulam District, Kerala. Objectives: The objectives of the study were to assess the proportion of the risk of stroke among male patients attending outpatient departments and to determine the association of stroke risk level with socio-personal variables. Methods: The research approach of the study is a quantitative approach. The research design selected for the study is a descriptive-analytical design. The convenience sampling method was used for sample selection. The study was done in MOSC Medical College Hospital, Kolenchery among 288 male patients who met the inclusion criteria. Data collection was done using socio-personal proforma and stroke risk scorecards. Results: Collected data were analysed by using descriptive and inferential statistics presented in tables and pie diagrams. The study findings revealed that out of 288 subjects, 43.4% have low stroke risk, 13.9% are in caution and 42.7% have high stroke risk. The findings also revealed that there is a significant association of stroke risk level with age, education, occupation, BMI and place of residence. Statement of the problem: Proportion of risk of stroke among male patients attending outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital, Ernakulam district, Kerala. Proportion of risk of stroke among male patients attending outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital, Ernakulam district, Kerala.

Essential oils (EO) are extracted from different plant species and can be present in different plant organs. Rosemary-pepper EO is composed of around 50% to 70% thymol, a phenolic compound proven to be active against fungi and bacteria. The active components present in these compounds can affect the vital functionality of bacterial cells, leading to protein denaturation and cell lysis. Therefore, the present study aims to evaluate in vitro the antibacterial potential of Lippia origanoides EO against gram-negative bacteria. This is an exploratory study, with a technical-experimental procedure, with a quantitative approach, carried out at the Federal University of Campina Grande. The strains used were Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Proteus mirabilis ATCC 25933, and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, using concentrations of 1024, 512, 256, and 128 μg/ml using the disc diffusion method in triplicate. After the incubation period, the formation of halos of bacterial growth inhibition was not observed. There are possible causes for the lack of antibacterial activity of the EO concerning the strains of gram-negative bacteria used in the study, including the possibility of not containing components with antibacterial properties in concentrations sufficient for the expected activity at the concentrations tested. Based on the results obtained, the Rosemary-Pepper EO (Lippia organoids) did not demonstrate antimicrobial activity against the gram-negative bacteria used in the study. Therefore, the development of new research with Lippia origanoides essential oil with gram-positive bacteria is suggested.

Methyl Jasmonate (MeJA) can be used as a signal molecule to regulate the expression of resistance genes in the resistance to abiotic stress, thus improving the salt tolerance of wild jujube. Among the resistance genes combined with methyl jasmonate, transcription factors play an important role in response to salt stress. However, the interaction of transcription factors in different tissues under salt stress and the regulation of transcription factors by MeJA remain unclear. In this study, the effects of MeJA on transcription factor expression in wild jujube under salt stress were investigated, and the differences in transcription factor expression among different tissues were compared. It was found that MeJA could increase the type and quantity of transcription factors responding to salt stress. The types of transcription factors responding to salt stress were roughly the same among different tissues, but the quantity and expression of the transcription factors were significantly different. The results of transcription factor co-expression analysis showed that transcription factors play synergistic roles in the face of abiotic stress, which can provide preferable genes for subsequent transgenic work.

Objective: To identify risk factors among pregnant with COVID-19 for adverse outcomes related to disease severity, maternal mortality, and morbidity.Materials and methods: In this retrospective study, 45 pregnant patients with COVID-19 pneumonia were confirmed by RT-PCR. The inclusion criteria were pregnant patients diagnosed with COVID-19 confirmed by RT-PCR and hospitalized in the gynecology-obstetrics and intensive care unit. Exclusion criteria were non-pregnant patients and pneumonia cases with unconfirmed COVID-19 causes. The study used SPSS software to analyze the data. Results: Our study recorded 45 cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnant women over 2.5 years. The age group most affected was 20-35 years, with 75% of cases. 57% of patients had no known comorbidities. 88.8% of patients were symptomatic at diagnosis. Almost 30% of patients required admission to the ICU, with 60% requiring oxygen supplementation. The study recorded 36 live births (80%), of which 26 cases (72.2%) required no further care and had a favorable outcome.Conclusion: Pregnant women with medical conditions are at higher risk of severe COVID-19, which can cause respiratory distress syndrome and impact delivery and neonatal outcomes. Preventive measures are important.

Caregivers of Children Living with HIV/AIDS experience severe burdens in Africa amidst unmet needs while seeking care from hospitals. This study aimed to explore the diagnosis history, health-seeking behaviour, and care provided by hospitals and whether the services meet caregivers’ expectations. We used a qualitative approach and conducted individual in-depth interviews among purposively sampled caregivers of children living with HIV/AIDS from three hospitals. We achieved data sufficiency after interviewing nine participants. Audio-recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematically analyzed manually through Collaizi’s steps. Four themes developed including; history of pregnancy and poor HIV testing, effective care for caregivers and CLWH, attitude of healthcare providers, and unmet expectations of care. Healthcare providers showed positive attitudes towards caregivers and provided services (counselling, dispensing Anti-retrovirals, health monitoring, and coordination of clinical care). Expectations bordered on financial support (for food, education, health care), and treatment for opportunistic infections. Findings indicate gaps in HIV voluntary testing for pregnant women, enrollment in Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT), and unmet needs. It is imperative to improve coverage of testing for pregnant women and efforts made to meet their needs. Financial support, provision of food security, and assistance for caregivers are essential for care.

What is time? Is it a physical quantity, illusion, or dimension? Defining time is challenging and fascinating. We often consider time as a dimension to help us understand the concept of space-time. Time undeniably exists, but we can only sense its presence through its effects. For instance, if we take two apples, one bought months ago and the other just a day ago, we can tell that one apple was bought a long time ago because it had rotted. We express time as the effect caused by it. If there were no effects of time on this universe, then the concept of time would not exist [1,2].

Worldwide, statistical data of people infected by COVID-19 has been taken until March 29, 2023, which, when correlated, showed a predictive logistic  model. The purpose was to determine the predictive model, which was acceptable, in such a way that the proportionality constant and the correlation and determination coefficients are of great importance to estimating epidemiological and pandemic data; coinciding with what was reported by other authors. Bearing in mind that a mathematical model is a mathematical description through a function or equation of a phenomenon in the real world; whose purpose is to understand infections and make predictions for the future. The stages were: to model the number of people infected as a function of time, formulate, and choose the logistic model, determine the model and obtain mathematical conclusions, and make predictions (estimates) about the number of people infected by COVID-19 worldwide. The logistic model was derived to predict the speed of people infected by COVID-19 and the critical time (tc = 733 days) for which the speed was maximum (1694,7209 infected/day). The Pearson correlation coefficient for the time elapsed (t) and the number of people infected (N) worldwide, based on 32 cases, was r = -0.88; the relationship between time and those infected is real, there is a “very strong correlation” between the time elapsed (t) and the number of people infected (N) and 77.03% of the variance in N is explained by t. 

Neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs) pose a significant global health challenge, impacting millions with a gradual decline in neurons and cognitive abilities. Presently, available NDD therapies focus on symptom management rather than altering the disease trajectory. This underscores the critical necessity for groundbreaking treatments capable of addressing the root causes of neurodegeneration, offering both neuroprotection and neuro-restoration. This in-depth review delves into the forefront of emerging NDD therapies, encompassing gene therapy, stem cell therapy, immunotherapy, and neurotrophic factors. It sheds light on their potential advantages, hurdles, and recent advancements gleaned from both preclinical and clinical studies. Additionally, the document outlines existing NDD treatments, spanning pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, along with their inherent limitations. The overarching conclusion emphasizes the immense potential of emerging therapies in NDD treatment, yet underscores the imperative for continued research and optimization to ensure their safety, efficacy, and specificity.

The rising prevalence of chronic diseases and the aging population globally are diminishing the overall quality of life, especially for those with demanding daily routines. As medical advancements extend lifespans, the proportion of individuals over 60 is set to double by 2050, necessitating societal shifts toward health-responsible citizenship. Despite longer lifespans, evidence suggests that older age often accompanies mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, and substance misuse. Social isolation and loneliness further compound these issues, affecting both physical and mental well-being. Digital wellness empowers individuals to take charge of their health, promoting proactive care and literacy to foster health-conscious citizenship. This paper explores the intersection of mental health, aging populations, preventive wellness initiatives, and health literacy, emphasizing their significance within the Health 5.0 framework, especially for older adults. Traditionally, health regulators offer static workflows for adopting standard procedures in health and well-being, reflecting a reactive approach. However, the evolving landscape of wearable and mobile devices connecting to healthcare IT systems through secure online networks necessitates a shift. Technology now facilitates remote patient monitoring and telemedicine service subscriptions and empowers individuals to manage their health proactively.The BE4YOU project, conducted in Portugal, serves as a case study, facilitating individual maintenance of health and well-being through intelligent and dynamic workflows, which are defined based on analytical models considering each person’s risk profile. By facilitating data sharing, promoting healthy lifestyles, and enabling early detection of mental health issues, the project leverages technology to support personalized monitoring and enhance overall health outcomes. Through technology-driven empowerment, individuals and healthcare professionals are better equipped to assess risks and ensure ongoing wellness monitoring, underscoring the role of technology in fostering personal health and supporting healthcare effectiveness.

Alpine skiing is popular at varying levels of competitiveness with many skiers participating recreationally and elite skiers competing in downhill, super-G, giant slalom, slalom, and combined events in the World Cup and in the Winter Olympic Games. The rate of injury in alpine skiing is high both recreationally and competitively and methods to reduce injury rates are needed. Additionally, it is well-established in other sports that the risk of injury for an athlete varies based on gender. The purpose of this review is to determine how injury risk differs for each gender of alpine skier. Injury rates vary throughout the literature but point towards males being at a higher risk for overall injury and upper body injuries while females are at a higher risk for knee injuries. Even the specific knee injuries for which each gender is at risk varies with medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries more common in males and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries more common in females. More studies are needed to confirm the differences in injury risks and how these risks may differ across levels of competition, thus allowing regulations and injury prevention methods that may be tailored specifically to the injuries an alpine skier is most susceptible to.

Purpose: The role of healthcare workers in cervical cancer prevention is pivotal because healthcare workers’ recommendations have been reported to be a key motivational factor for cervical cancer screening among women in Nigeria. Assessing their knowledge, attitudes, and practices on cervical cancer prevention is necessary.Patients and methods: This is a cross-sectional survey involving healthcare workers in Ekiti State, Nigeria. A questionnaire designed for the study was used to obtain data about the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the healthcare workers. Logistic regression was used to assess the determinants of practice and a p - value of less than 0.05 was taken as statistically significant.Results: Out of 188 participants that completed the study, 165(90.7%) had good knowledge about the prevention of cervical cancer while 24(13.2%) had good practice concerning the prevention of cervical cancer. positive attitude (Odds ratio 1.24, 95% CI 1.14 - 1.35, p < 0.001) increased the odds of good practice.Conclusion: There was no association between the knowledge of cervical cancer prevention and the practice of the healthcare workers. Further research is required to explore the incongruence between knowledge and practice of cervical cancer prevention and its practice.

Background: Bile duct injuries have been substantially increased after the introduction of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). These are accompanied by major morbidity and mortality. Studies have shown varying degrees of success in the reduction of bile duct injury (BDI) using the Critical View of Safety (CVS) technique. The aim of this study was to see the efficacy of the CVS technique as the sole method of dissection in laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Methods: 1647 cases of LC were done between January 2012 and January 2022 for a period of 10 years in two hospitals. All were operated by the CVS dissection technique and none by the infundibular technique. Cases included acute cholecystitis, chronic cholecystitis, gangrenous cholecystitis, empyema, and Gallbladder (GB) polyp. Results: The average operating time was 42 minutes and the range was 13 to 80 minutes. In 92% of cases, all 3 criteria of CVS were achieved. In the remaining 8% cases were either converted to open or operated by a division of GB or subtotal cholecystectomy was done. There was only one case of cystic duct stump leak requiring drainage and common bile duct stenting.Conclusion: The excellent outcome of our study suggests that the CVS method will be the gold standard technique in the dissection of the gallbladder in LC. Further dissemination of the technique is necessary to improve safety in LC.

Background: This case study explores an integrated approach to managing a complex cardiac condition, presenting a comprehensive single-session intervention. This includes balloon valvuloplasty using a Nucleus 18 mm balloon, complex angioplasty with rotational atherectomy (rotablator) targeting calcified lesions in the left main and left anterior descending artery, and Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) with a 23 mm Sapien 3 valve, all performed on an 81-year-old woman. Furthermore, this report underscores the strategic left atrial appendage closure conducted three months post-procedure due to the patient’s elevated hemorrhagic risk.Case presentation: Facing critical coronary and valvular pathologies, the patient underwent a meticulously planned, single-session intervention. The process began with a balloon valvuloplasty using a Nucleus 18 mm balloon to address the aortic stenosis. This was followed by a high-risk angioplasty, during which the Impella CP device provided hemodynamic support and rotational atherectomy was employed to address the calcified coronary artery disease effectively. The same session saw the successful execution of TAVI using a 23 mm Sapien 3 valve. The comprehensive approach notably diminished procedural complications, illustrating the benefits of an integrated treatment pathway in managing high-risk patients. Three months later, the patient underwent a left atrial appendage closure, a critical move considering her high risk of hemorrhage. This procedure also provided an opportunity to assess the favorable outcomes of the previous angioplasty.Conclusion: This case validates the feasibility and efficacy of performing multiple advanced percutaneous interventions in a single session for high-risk cardiac patients. It underscores the crucial role of innovative and personalized treatment strategies in improving patient outcomes, particularly in complex clinical scenarios. Moreover, the case exemplifies the essential relationship between immediate, comprehensive intervention and subsequent follow-up procedures in ensuring optimal long-term patient care.

Background: Cancer treatment frequently depends on the intricate and potent effects that are acknowledged for their potential to save lives. Chemotherapy can have adverse effects on both the central and peripheral nervous systems, posing significant challenges.Objective: •    To assess the causative agent, development, and timing of occurrence.•    To improve management of neurological complications.•    To discriminate the iatrogenic effects of cancer therapy and neurological progression.Method: A prospective observational study was conducted in a hospital setting, focusing on the neurotoxic effects of chemotherapy in cancer patients over a span of six months. The research involved participants from both the oncology in-patient and daycare departments. After obtaining informed consent, individuals in the study population were interviewed to gather information about any neurological symptoms they encountered following their chemotherapy sessions.Results and discussion: Within our study population, a predominant 67% comprised female patients, while male patients constituted 33%. Of the total participants, 66% reported experiencing neurological symptoms. Among these symptoms, the majority of patients encountered sensations such as tingling, numbness, and a burning sensation. Other reported symptoms included headaches, distal weakness, myalgia, seizures, and ataxia.Conclusion: In this current study, 66% of the study population encountered neurological side effects. Generally, the presence of comorbidities, vitamin deficiencies, and advanced age can significantly contribute to the development of peripheral neuropathy. Depending on the severity of neuropathy, recommendations for interventions include the prescription of vitamin supplements, calcium supplements, duloxetine, and pregabalin.

Millets are physiologically and therapeutically healthy with high nutritious value and are in rising demand in emerging markets like India, China, Africa, and other developing countries including the Western world. Germinated Millets have high digestibility and are used as healthy food for children’s growth and development. Climate change resilience technology, high nutritional value, and the announcement of the year 2023 as “International Millet Year” have made it very popular. Bakery items based on Millet, particularly cookies, are becoming more popular in both urban and rural areas. Jaggery is raw sugar prepared from sugarcane juice and is considered superior to white sugar. It offers numerous nutritional and therapeutic benefits, including anti-carcinogenic with antitoxic actions. Hence, this study aimed to prepare healthy food items with germinated finger and pearl Millets for better nutritional quality that are attracting the attention of health-conscious people on a worldwide scale. Cookies made from blends of germinated wheat flour (GWF), germinated finger millet flour (GFMF), and germinated pearl millet flour (GPMF) were examined for their physicochemical qualities, in vitro digestibility, antioxidant activity, and overall acceptability by consumers. In vitro protein digestibility (62.24-82.34%), starch digestibility (47.48-62.41%), total phenolic content (11.45–49.12 mg GAE/100 g), and antioxidant activities significantly increased as the proportion of GFMF and GPMF flour increased in the cookie samples, whereas total starch, dietary fiber, carbohydrate, and phytic acid decreased. The physical qualities of the cookies were also improved by the addition of GFMF and GPMF flours. Cookies with acceptable sensory properties, including taste, aroma, appearance, mouthfeel, crispiness, and overall acceptability, were produced by blending 60% GWF, 20% GFMF, and 20% GPMF (T2). This study demonstrated that GFMF and GPMF flour blends may be used as functional ingredients to create superior goods.

Whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci Genn.) are aggressive hemipteran species that depend primarily on leaf tissue for their nourishment, causing substantial damages and yield losses in their hosts. This study was carried out to assess the effect of whitefly infestation on the growth parameters of one of the commercial eggplant cultivars (round green  Solanum melongena L) under filed conditions. The trial consists of four treatments (T1= 15, T2= 30, T3= 45 and control (T4) = 0 whiteflies/plot) replicated four times. The result revealed that all the parameters assessed are negatively affected by whitefly infestation with plants in treatment (T3) being most affected while those in T1 are least affected. The dry weight recorded least value (1.1 g/leaf) having the highest percentage reduction (69.11%) followed by leaf area with 152.5cm2 (48.83% reduction) while the number of leaves was least affected recording 50.3 leaves/plant (18.09% reduction) at 90 days after infestation in 2022 experiment. In 2023 experiment, similar results were recorded with plants in T3 being most affected. Dry weight of the leaves had the lowest value  (1.3g/leaf) representing the highest reduction (68.30%) followed by the  leaf area with 167.3cm2 (44.8% reduction) with the number of leaves also being least affected, recording 52.1 leaves/plant representing 9.40% reduction with plants in treatment T1,  at 90 days after infestation. The highest reduction in yield was also recorded with plants in T3 (92.10, 90.10%) while the least was observed in T1 (86.8 and 85.70%) for the respective trials (2022 and 2023). The result shows the level of susceptibility of the variety examined to whitefly infestation, demonstrating the urgent needs for the development of eco-friendly and sustainable whitefly management regimes for improved eggplant production in the area.

The present study aims to assess and compare the quality of drinking water according to WHO Standards and then illustrate the resulting diseases. Eight samples have been taken from selective different schools in the Mount Lebanon Region. The laboratory tests of the collected samples were performed to determine various physical (e.g., temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, etc.), chemical (Ca+2, Cl-, Fe, Mg2+, NO3, Na+, SO2-4), and microbial such as E. coli, coliform, and non-coliform. Several techniques were used for the analysis including Atomic Absorption Spectrometry, Flame Photometer, and Total Organic Carbon (TOC). The resulting water quality was compared with the standard limits. Each school has different defects according to specific contamination that existed. To save local residents and according to the results of this study, regular monitoring for water quality was proposed; besides more water filtration plants should be installed to provide safe drinking for children’s health.

This study examines the intricate interplay among poverty, unemployment, education, and rural-urban migration in Nigeria, employing both quantitative and qualitative analyses. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS software, computing descriptive and inferential statistics such as regression analysis. Quantitative findings reveal income inequality, with many individuals earning below average. Education emerges as a key determinant of economic opportunities, with higher education associated with better outcomes. Moreover, poverty and unemployment exhibit a strong positive correlation with adverse outcomes, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions. Qualitative insights delve into the motivations behind rural-urban migration, shedding light on the economic drivers compelling individuals to seek opportunities in urban areas. Participants’ narratives uncover the challenges faced by migrants, from housing to accessing essential services. Additionally, the role of remittances in sustaining sending communities is highlighted, underscoring their significance. This study underscores the multidimensionality of poverty, unemployment, and migration and emphasizes the need for holistic, evidence-based approaches to promote inclusive development. Recommendations include investments in education, job creation, social safety nets, income inequality reduction, and support for migrant integration. These measures can contribute to equitable economic growth and improved well-being in Nigeria.

Susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) is based on a 3D high-spatial-resolution, velocity-corrected gradient-echo MRI sequence that uses magnitude and filtered-phase information to create images. It SWI uses tissue magnetic susceptibility differences to generate signal contrast that may arise from paramagnetic (hemosiderin), diamagnetic (minerals and calcifications) and ferromagnetic (metal) molecules. Distinguishing between calcification and blood products is possible through the filtered phase images, helping to visualize osteoblastic and osteolytic bone metastases or demonstrating calcifications and osteoid production in liposarcoma and osteosarcoma. When acquired in combination with the injection of an exogenous contrast agent, contrast-enhanced SWI (CE-SWI) can simultaneously detect the T2* susceptibility effect, T2 signal difference, contrast-induced T1 shortening, and out-of-phase fat and water chemical shift effect. Bone and soft tissue lesion SWI features have been described, including giant cell tumors in bone and synovial sarcomas in soft tissues. We expand on the appearance of benign soft-tissue lesions such as hemangioma, neurofibroma, pigmented villonodular synovitis, abscess, and hematoma. Most myxoid sarcomas demonstrate absent or just low-grade intra-tumoral hemorrhage at the baseline. CE-SWI shows superior differentiation between mature fibrotic T2* dark components and active enhancing T1 shortening components in desmoid fibromatosis. SWI has gained popularity in oncologic MSK imaging because of its sensitivity for displaying hemorrhage in soft tissue lesions, thereby helping to differentiate benign versus malignant soft tissue tumors. The ability to show the viable, enhancing portions of a soft tissue sarcoma separately from hemorrhagic/necrotic components also suggests its utility as a biomarker of tumor treatment response. It is essential to understand and appreciate the differences between spontaneous hemorrhage patterns in high-grade sarcomas and those occurring in the therapy-induced necrosis process in responding tumors. Ring-like hemosiderin SWI pattern is observed in successfully treated sarcomas. CE-SWI also demonstrates early promising results in separating the T2* blooming of healthy iron-loaded bone marrow from the T1-shortened enhancement in bone marrow that is displaced by the tumor.SWI and CE-SWI in MSK oncology learning objectives: SWI and CE-SWI can be used to identify calcifications on MRI.Certain SWI and CE-SWI patterns can correlate with tumor histologic type.CE-SWI can discriminate mature from immature components of desmoid tumors.CE-SWI patterns can help to assess treatment response in soft tissue sarcomas.Understanding CE-SWI patterns in post-surgical changes can also be useful in discriminating between residual and recurrent tumors with overlapping imaging features.