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This research focused on assessing the levels of selected metal contamination in seven different rice brands (Jasmine, Basmati, Mapembe, Morogoro, Shinyanga, Mbeya, and Cheju). Cheju rice was obtained from local producers from the Cheju area in Zanzibar, while the remaining rice brands namely, Jasmine, Basmati, Mapembe, Morogoro, Shinyanga, and Mbeya were randomly taken from local markets at Darajani and Mwanakwerekwe in Zanzibar. Samples were prepared in accordance with applicable Safe Operating Procedures (SOPs) and laboratory SOPs using information provided by field sample preparation. The samples were ground to fineness and an aliquot of about 10.0 g was measured on the beam balance and mounted on the sample holders for laboratory analysis. An Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) technique with a Rigaku NEX CG EDXRF model spectrometer was used for metal analysis. The study revealed that the percentage of metal contamination varied considerably from one rice brand to another, with Basmati and Jasmine rice each exhibiting a contamination level of 50%, while Shinyanga, Mbeya, Mapembe, and Cheju rice showed a level of 25% each. Notably, Morogoro rice had no observable heavy metal contamination. Additionally, a significant positive correlation was observed between several metal pairs: Au and Cr (r² = 1.00), Au and Ti (r² = 0.613), Cr and Ti (r² = 0.613), Ni and Pb (r² = 0.748), Ni and Hf (r² = 0.660), Pb and Hf (r² = 0.656), and Ti and Sn (r² = 0.671). The individual occurrence (percentage) for metals across all rice brands were as follows: 71.42% for Sn, and 28.57% for Hf, Ni, Pb, and Ti, while traces of Au, Cr, and Y each had an occurrence level of 14.28%. While Morogoro rice showed no metal discernible analyzed heavy metal contamination, the other rice brands were observed to have a considerable heavy metal contamination trend. The patterns of metal occurrence in each rice brand were observed as follows: Basmati: Sn > Ti > Au > Cr; Jasmine: Sn > Hf > Ni > Pb; Shinyanga: Sn > Pb; Mbeya: Sn > Hf; Mapembe: Sn > Ti; Cheju: Ni > Y. The patterns, then yield the ranking of metal contamination across all seven rice brands from lowest to highest is as follows: Morogoro < (Mapembe, Cheju, Mbeya, Shinyanga) < (Jasmine, Basmati). Furthermore, the data analysis indicated that the concentrations of Cr (1.08 mg/Kg), Ni (4.65 mg/Kg), and Pb (3.05 mg/Kg) detected in the samples surpassed the maximum permissible limits established by WHO/FAO which were 1.0 mg/Kg, 0.10 mg/Kg and 0.20 mg/Kg respectively. Consequently, the study concludes that Morogoro rice is the most superior and considered the safest choice for consumption, while Jasmine and Basmati rice are associated with higher levels of metal contamination. Thus, it is highly recommended that Tanzania intensify its rice cultivation efforts to reduce reliance on rice imports from other nations.

The article describes the gamma activation analysis method used to determine the gold content in rock samples using the Aura measuring complex. The physicochemical basis of gold extraction in the process of cyanide leaching is considered. The technology for extracting gold from solutions of tailing waste “ponds” of tailings dumps of hydrometallurgical plants of the Joint Stock Company “Navoi Mining and Metallurgical Combine” (JSC NMMC) is presented. It has been shown that in the dynamic mode of sorption of tailing waste solutions acidified to pH = 3.3÷3.5 through AM-2B and VP-1P ion exchange resins, gold is sorbed on the AM-2B anion exchanger up to 3.9 mg/g and on the VP-1P anion exchanger up to 1.5 mg/g. It has been shown that when solutions of tailing waste are exposed to ammonia, ammonia complex compounds of base metal impurities are formed, which decompose, while the gold cyanide complex does not decompose and is sorbed on the AM-2B ion exchange resin up to 3.0 mg/g. The mechanisms of the chemical reactions of the process of extracting gold from tailing waste and the technological scheme of the installation for extracting gold from solutions of the tailing waste “pond” are presented.

In the last years, there has been an increase in the prescription of drugs in pediatry as a pharmaceutical form of oral suspension. The same is true in commerce there are various producers that provide specific ready-for-use excipients to make more easier to prepare OS in the galenic laboratory. The aim of this work is to verify the advantages of this pharmaceutical form to cover pediatric dosages vs. other forms and also to overcome shortcomings of some crucial registered drugs. In this work scientific literature is reported that also relates to some ready-for-use products as bases-vehicle for suspension and some formulations of interest.

Mesoscopic modeling of complex systems involves thermodynamic nonequilibrium of discrete scaling. Further from quantum correlation on a chip retrieved quantum nonlinear optics with single photons enabled by strongly interacting atoms. Accompanied by mesofractals as the development of meso & micro size fractal structures is required to mimic various biological systems for various functions. Showed through fluorapatite in gelatin‐based nanocomposite, fractal in DNA knots driven by balance of fission & fusion in mtDNA/mitochondrial DNA mechanism, for optical engines for light energy detection described the proportional integral derivative [PI(D)]‐controller set in microbial cells to HCCI/Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition.

The World Drug Report highlights that the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is one of the leading causes of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma globally. This report estimates that HCV is responsible for the annual death of around 700,000 people due to liver disease and is associated with high levels of morbidity and mortality with high health and socio-economic costs. This exploratory study aims to evaluate the socio-economic return provided by HCV treatment of individuals integrated into the MOP developed by the NGO Ares do Pinhal in Portugal. Using the SROI (Social Return on Investment) methodology is estimated that for every euro invested in this program, the return for society is 3,75€. This is a significantly positive SROI value, highlighting the importance of this investment in the creation of monetized value for society, as well as to provide greater well-being to those who need it and to society as a whole.

Inclusively new to econophysics studies, herewith proposed technoeconophysics as part of techno-economy, econophysics & sociophysics to interpret the description between probability and hypothesis found between fractal realms and econophysics of markets, physics markets, or stock markets any chaotic evidence [exergy destructive] could present if effective & efficient criterion doesn’t comply. A more precise iterative study ought to be held to configure how fractal dimension is involved in the techno-econophysics study of the Helium Nat Gas Project which is not integer, but also proofed numerically & analytically.

Micronutrients are critical components of an athlete’s diet, affecting both performance and cardiovascular health. This review summarizes current studies on the importance of micronutrients in sports cardiology, focusing on their effects on energy metabolism, antioxidant defense, and cardiac function. Key findings emphasize the relevance of micronutrient sufficiency in improving athletic performance and avoiding long-term health issues linked to strenuous training programs. Micronutrients like B vitamins help energy generation pathways, while antioxidants like C and E reduce exercise-induced oxidative damage. Minerals like magnesium and iron are important for muscle function and oxygen delivery, which are required for endurance and recovery. Effective nutritional practices include balancing food intake and, if required, supplementing under medical supervision to address individual needs and enhance performance results. Future research paths will focus on individualized nutrition techniques based on genetic and metabolic profiles, allowing for more precise food recommendations for athletes. Collaboration between sports medicine and nutrition disciplines is critical for establishing evidence-based practices and improving cardiovascular health in athletes.

Age estimation is an essential aspect of profile building in forensic investigations. Age estimation using teeth is one of the exciting applications of Forensic Odontology because teeth can survive post-mortem damage, so it is considered more suitable for age estimation. This study aims to estimate the age of individuals using the Cameriere method on teeth in various countries. The approach used in this research is a literature review study design compiled based on the Preferred Reporting System for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines from several articles with a period from 2007-2024. Scientific articles that meet the criteria will be analyzed using the Cameriere method to estimate the age of individuals. The search yielded 222 studies and only 12 scientific articles that met the requirements from the specified articles obtained. The population represents countries from various countries. The sample was in the age range of 4 years - 16 years. The results showed that the Cameriere method can be used to estimate the age of individuals quite accurately in various countries. However, there were some differences in accuracy between countries when using this method.

Mental illness is an international health crisis that puts the lives of over three hundred million people (Four percent of the world’s population) at risk. The study was conducted at the Erigavo Mental Hospital in Somaliland and its main focus was the bond between substance abuse and mental illness. The research was to check the influence of the different drugs, screen mental health problems, and draw a link between drugs and mental illness. The sources of the quantitative data were a total of 27 employees and managers. This study is cross-sectional. We employed the measure of the magnitude and direction of a linear relationship between two variables with the Pearson correlation coefficient. The outcomes that were acquired show that there was use and particularly abuse of khat, substance smoking, and alcohol consumption, the score means of which were quite high. The investigation results, however, imply that through drug use and other forms of alcohol drug abuse, one of them counter various mental health problems. Furthermore, the addicted people demonstrated the tendency to use force in their attempt to solve the conflicts and to experience the highest degree of tension, with the mean score of the former giving 4.11 while the standard deviation of the latter giving 1.086, thus this shows the mental impact of drug use on the inhabitants of Erigavo. The main result of the study was the strong, positive relationship between drug addiction and mental illness, which became evident through an r - value of 0.509 and a p - value of 0.559. It means that those people who are involved in drug misuse are the ones who are likely to have mental health disorders. Based on the findings of the study, we suggest a combination of measures to recover drug addiction and mental illness. This consists in strengthening prevention. The study that lays the groundwork for suggestions, involves an approach that is holistic in nature. The main ideas of preventing drug usage, psychological health care, enhancing mental health services, and working towards certified professionals are key integrated activities of the whole concept. The hospital, thus, will be in a better position to eliminate the two major disease components namely; drug abuse and mental ailment. Thus, in this way, with the help of the new treatment approaches, a hospital provides and their patients who are quite likely to recover and lead healthy.

Purpose: American expert consensus publications recommend discontinuation of antiplatelet agents 6 to 12 months after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) in patients with Atrial Fibrillation (AF) who require chronic anticoagulation, and use of oral anticoagulant monotherapy thereafter. This study aimed to assess real-world long-term antithrombotic therapy management practices and factors associated with the continuation of antiplatelet agents past 12 months post-PCI in patients with AF requiring chronic anticoagulation. Methods: Patients with AF and a history of PCI greater than 12 months before their most recent encounter with physicians at an outpatient electrophysiology clinic were identified by chart review. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, and current antithrombotic regimen were collected from encounters that occurred between July 2019 and June 2022. The independent predictive factors associated with the continuation of antiplatelet agents were identified using univariate and regression analyses. Results: Out of 66 patients, 67% continued antiplatelet therapy for greater than 12 months post-PCI. Patients on antiplatelets were significantly less likely to have bare metal stents (p = 0.006), be greater than five years post-PCI (p = 0.002), and have a HASBLED score of two or less (p = 0.028) when compared to patients on oral anticoagulant monotherapy. Bare metal stent history (p = 0.045) and HASBLED score of two or less (p = 0.016) were also significant in regression analysis.Conclusion: This study found that most patients with AF and a history of PCI continued antiplatelet therapy longer than 12 months post-PCI, often despite the high bleeding risk.

Background: The Intercostal Stretch Technique is one of the physiotherapy techniques that is used to solve different respiratory problems. It is used for increasing chest expansion and diaphragm excursion improvement and also intra-thoracic lung volume. Aim: The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the intercostal stretch technique.Methodology: A narrative review. In this study, an RCT study was used to review the intervention.Results: Several articles are used to discuss the effectiveness of the intercostal stretch technique. In stable COPD, diaphragmatic breathing and the intercostal stretch technique both work equally well to improve chest expansion and functional capacity while lowering dyspnea. Research has shown that IC stretch outperforms the anterior basal lift technique in lowering heart and respiratory rates while increasing oxygen saturation. According to this study, IC stretching in conjunction with breathing control may improve dynamic lung parameters, particularly FEV1/FVC%, more than breathing control alone. Patients with COPD have an increased functional exercise capacity and reduced dyspnea when aerobic training and respiratory muscle stretching are combined. Conclusion: Different articles demonstrated that IC stretch improved lung function, expired tidal volume, decreased dyspnea, and increased chest expansion.

Anti-glomerular basement membrane (GBM) antibody glomerulonephritis is an extremely rare glomerular disease. Around 90% of the patients are positive for serum anti-GBM antibodies while up to 10% can be negative. In such patients, only a kidney biopsy can reveal the anti-GBM disease it is then labeled as an atypical anti-GBM disease. Though anti-GBM disease can be associated with Anti Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies (ANCA) positivity, it is extremely rare to find atypical anti-GBM with ANCA positivity so much so that till now there are very few such cases reported from across the world.The case presented here is one such case where the patient presented with adult-onset nephrotic syndrome features with active urinary sediments and mildly deranged renal function. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) ANCA was positive and it was considered ANCA-associated crescentic glomerulonephritis (GN) but after the renal biopsy the picture was of anti-GBM disease. She was treated with pulse methylprednisolone but her creatinine increased in the meantime and considering anti-GBM she was put on Plasma Exchange (PLEX). She received 5 sessions of PLEX after which her renal function improved. She was also planned for Rituximab which could not be given due to local infection. As there are no protocols for treating such cases because of the extremely rare nature of the presentation, this case will increase the understanding of such presentations for the clinicians. This will help to plan for building the approach for such cases.

Wheat bran and groundnut shell powder have been used to study the mechanism of diclofenac sodium adsorption from aqueous solution using batch as well as column modes and maximum uptake is 84.3% for wheat bran and 82.4% for groundnut shell powder at pH 6, drug concentration 1mg/L at 298 K for 30min. Isotherm and error analysis reveals that Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms fitted well. Kinetic studies show that the adsorption process follows second-order kinetics and thermodynamic study shows endothermic adsorption process. Column adsorption study is important for industrial scale adsorption and column studies have been carried out using vertical bed and sequential bed adsorption columns at pH 6 which is the optimum pH for maximum adsorption for batch experiments. Vertical and sequential bed columns setup is simple and economical which provides flow under gravity. The effect of varying inlet feed concentration and flow rate on the breakthrough and exhaustion time of columns has been studied to determine the bed capacities of both columns. Thomas model and Yoon-Nelson models fitted well with experimental data for continuous flow column studies.

Objectives: This study aims to introduce and differentiate between traditional craze lines and a newly identified type of line in enamel, termed an “internal craze line.” This novel classification enhances diagnostic precision and carries significant clinical implications for treatment strategies. The goal is to provide a clear description of these two types of lines, discuss their unique clinical implications, and highlight their differing appearances and staining characteristics, contributing to improved understanding and management of enamel anomalies.Method and materials: Four extracted teeth exhibiting visible and internal craze lines were selected and examined using a stereo microscope to observe the structural characteristics of the lines. Cross-sections of the coronal parts of the teeth were prepared to document the differences between traditional craze lines (extending from the dentin-enamel junction [DEJ] to the enamel surface) and internal craze lines (originating at the DEJ but terminating midway through the enamel). Additionally, intraoral observations were conducted under high magnification to identify the visual differences between the two types of lines, noting that traditional craze lines can be stained while internal craze lines cannot.Results: Microscopic examination revealed two distinct types of lines: traditional craze lines extending from the DEJ to the enamel surface and internal craze lines terminating within the enamel. Intraoral observations confirmed that these lines could be distinguished under high magnification. Traditional craze lines appear as continuous lines reaching the enamel surface and can be stained, whereas internal craze lines are shorter, do not extend to the surface, and cannot be stained.Conclusion: The identification of internal craze lines presents significant clinical implications. Differentiating between traditional and internal craze lines can enhance diagnostic accuracy and inform treatment decisions. Recognizing internal craze lines might indicate different etiologies or risk profiles compared to traditional craze lines, influencing preventive and therapeutic strategies in dental practice. Further research is needed to explore the prevalence, causes, and long-term impacts of internal craze lines.

Objective: This study aims to compare the short-, medium-, and long-term efficacy of trigger point local anesthetic injection and stabilization splint use for myofascial orofacial pain.Materials and methods: Group 1 comprised 15 patients who received trigger point local anesthetic injections (LAI), while Group 2 comprised 15 patients who were treated with a stabilization splint (SS). Analysis of pain-free maximum mouth opening (MMO) measurements, jaw disability checklists (JDC), short-form McGill pain questionnaires (SF-MPQ), and Visual analog scales (VAS) were used for comparison between the groups.Results: The LAI group showed a significantly greater increase in pain-free MMO in all terms (p < 0.001) and had significantly lower values on the JDC in both the medium (p = 0.026) and the long term (p = 0.006). The SF-MPQ was significantly lower in the medium term (p = 0.001) in the LAI group; the VAS showed a significantly greater decrease in the short (p = 0.016) and medium terms (p < 0.001) in the LAI group.Conclusion: The results indicate that a treatment choice can be made between TN lidocaine injection and occlusal splint based on patient tolerance.

Treatment for HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) remains elusive. 7,8-dihydroxyflavone (DHF), an analog of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and a high-affinity TrkB agonist, has been proposed as a viable therapeutic alternative to BDNF in crossing the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) and promoting growth, differentiation, maintenance, and survival of neurons. Here, we expand on our previous study investigating the therapeutic role of DHF on the cortical and hippocampal brain regions of the Tg26 mice, an animal model of HAND. We detected increased immunoreactivity for ion channels (SUR1, TRPM4) and the water channel aquaporin-4 (AQP4), suggesting an ionic and osmotic imbalance in the brains of Tg26 mice. Tg26 mice also exhibited loss of synaptic stability (SYN, SYP) and nicotinamide metabolism (NAMPT, SIRT1) that were associated with astrogliosis. Furthermore, Tg26 mice demonstrated increased iNOS and reduced HO-1/NRF2 expressions, implicating increased ER and oxidative stress. DHF treatment in Tg26 mice reversed these pathological changes. These data suggest crosstalk among TrkB, Akt, and related transcription factors (NF-κB, STAT3, and NRF2) as an underlying mechanism of Tg26-associated pathology in the brain. Finally, taken together with our prior study, these results further highlight a therapeutic role of DHF in promoting neuroprotection in HAND that may be applied in conjunction with current antiviral therapies.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a heterogeneous, progressive disease characterized not only by pathological changes in the lungs but also by significant extrapulmonary manifestations and serious concomitant diseases. The current problem for the study is the features of the relationship between COPD and adipose tissue since there are contradictory data in the literature. This review presents studies that claim that obesity aggravates the course of COPD, as well as the results of studies that describe the “obesity paradox” in patients with COPD. Due to the lack of unambiguous data, it is necessary to continue studying this problem to optimize the tactics of managing this group of patients and draw up clear recommendations for patients with COPD.

Background: Clinical research is a vital component of medical advancements, contributing to the discovery of new treatments, procedures, and health interventions. This paper discusses the importance of clinical trials, the structure and phases of trials, ethical considerations in research, and the role of modern technologies in reshaping clinical trials.Objective: This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the clinical trial process, ethical compliance, and the integration of technological advancements, with real-world examples and recent studies to support the discussion.Methods: The article provides a descriptive analysis of the different types of clinical research, the various phases of clinical trials, and ethical considerations based on established guidelines such as the Declaration of Helsinki and the Belmont Report. It also examines how recent technological innovations, including AI, wearable devices, and Electronic Health Records (EHRs), have revolutionized the field.Results: The integration of technology into clinical research has resulted in more efficient, data-driven, and patient-centric trials. Ethical compliance, guided by international regulations, remains a critical factor in ensuring patient safety and maintaining public trust in clinical research.Conclusion: The future of clinical research relies heavily on technological innovation and strict adherence to ethical guidelines. As new treatments and therapies emerge, the structure of trials and the responsible use of technology will play an essential role in shaping the future of healthcare.

The gut microbiome is a complex network of interactions between the brain and the gastrointestinal tract, playing a pivotal role in human health and disease. The microbiota-gut-brain axis (GBA) serves as a crucial connector between the brain’s emotional and cognitive centers and the peripheral intestinal functions, emphasizing the profound impact of gut health on overall well-being. The GBA is characterized by a symbiotic relationship between the gut and the brain, regulating the expression of inflammatory cytokines and neurotransmitters. The MGBA is also regulated by microbial metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and fatty acid derivatives. This paper focuses on the importance of the GBA in regulating gut health and the potential for targeted therapeutic interventions to improve health outcomes. The implications of this research are vast, suggesting that future strategies aimed at modulating the gut biome may offer promising avenues for the development of personalized medicine and dietary interventions.

This article examines the relationship between Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), neurovascular dynamics, and sensory sensitivities in autistic women during menstruation. The redirection of blood flow to the uterus during the menstrual cycle has been found to exacerbate cerebral perfusion deficits in neurodivergent individuals, particularly in the Prefrontal Cortex (PFC), which contributes to the mood dysregulation and emotional instability characteristic of PMDD. Autistic women, who often exhibit heightened sensory sensitivities, experience intensified discomfort during menstruation, as sensory overload and altered pain perception compound the emotional challenges of PMDD. These findings emphasize the need for neurodivergent-friendly menstrual products that mitigate both physical and emotional discomfort. Additionally, innovations using biodegradable materials, smart fabrics, and custom-fit menstrual solutions are discussed as potential breakthroughs to improve the quality of life for autistic women managing PMDD. This research highlights the importance of addressing both neurobiological and sensory aspects when designing interventions for PMDD in neurodivergent populations.