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The alarming growth in online gaming activities in recent years calls for an understanding of the determinants of gaming behaviors among adolescents and young adults. A systematic review was conducted to collate and review all the research studies concerning the understanding of the gaming motives. Relevant published articles were identified through the electronic search from PubMed, Medline, PsycInfo, Sciencedirect, and APA databases. The review identified four major topics of gaming motives, namely gaming behavior, gaming usage pattern, gaming demographics, and associated psychopathology. The review highlighted the role of motives in gaming use and psychopathology. The age of the player was associated with the expression of these motives. Further insights were drawn into the role of motive in the recreational and problematic use of gaming. The study findings emphasize the need to develop adequate interventions to prevent the occurrence of psychological impairments that would result from potentially problematic video gaming.

Abstract Background Millets are underutilized grains rich in nutrients. This study aimed to investigate the impact of debranning on the nutritional, cooking, and microstructural properties of five Indian millets namely foxtail, little, kodo, barnyard, and proso millet. Methods The proximate composition, mineral content, cooking properties (cooking time, solid loss, water uptake, alkali score), Fourier Transform Infra Red (FTIR) spectra, X ray Diffraction (XRD) and microstructural characteristics (Scanning Electron Microscopy) of dehusked and debranned millet samples were examined and analysed. Results Debranning resulted in decrease in protein (except for little and barnyard millets), dietary fibre, fat, mineral and phytate content in all the millets while enhanced available carbohydrates and amylose content. The cooking times for dehusked millets were significantly higher while, the solid loss and water uptake during cooking of debranned millets were higher. On debranning, Fourier Transform Infra Red (FTIR) spectra showed changes in the pattern with increase in the intensity of amide II (1363 to 1367 cm−1) and amide III (1215 to 1231 cm−1) bands in the debranned foxtail, little, and kodo millets. The X-ray diffractogram (XRD) showed decrease in relative crystallinity on debranning. Scanning Electron Microscopic (SEM) examination revealed that debranning resulted in the loss of seed coat, aleurone layer and partial loss of germ in the millets. Conclusion Dehusked millets are nutritious and should be promoted in Indian diets to improve diet quality, debranned millets are nutritionally inferior, can increase the glycemic load of Indian diets.

Background: The ultrasound B-scan is one of the most commonly used ophthalmic investigations in day-to-day practice. It is a noninvasive investigative modality to assess the posterior segment of the eye and is irreplaceable in patients with hazy or opaque media. Purpose: This video aims to summarize a few tips for beginners to help them perform and interpret a B-scan with ease. Synopsis: In this video, we have briefly described the principle of B-scan using animations. The various scanning techniques and probe orientations have been demonstrated using short video clips. We have also summed up the indications and how various clinical entities appear in a B-scan. Highlights: The teaching points include the principle, indications, probe orientations, and how common retinal pathologies appear in a B-scan. Video link: https://youtu.be/lUlUvShIy9A.

As a vulnerable group in South Africa, women have been the primary victims of unemployment, the lack of access to income generation opportunities and barriers to sustainable livelihoods in general. Street vendors are a significant part of the economy, and their income supports several families and sustains their livelihoods. However, such vendors, particularly women, are faced with severe problems that interfere with their daily operations, as well as challenges relating to the law. Their low literacy levels mean they have an inadequate understanding of the laws and by-laws that regulate street vending. Even though the South African Constitution guarantees equal rights and protection, as well as the freedom to choose one's own occupation, trade or profession, street vendors, especially female vendors, are not adequately protected. The purpose of this study was to investigate the challenges faced by street vendors in the Durban area and to examine the role of the law in contributing to such challenges, as well as addressing them. Through a quantitative study using a survey, data was collected from street vendors in Durban. The study’s findings indicate that vendors lacked knowledge of their rights and faced poor working conditions, harassment by the police, evictions, impounding of goods and a lack of access to permits.

Childhood obesity and related health issues are becoming an increasing global concern. This article focuses on the role of the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 (CPA) in limiting unhealthy food advertising. It examines the effect of the extensive advertising of unhealthy food products on children’s dietary choices, which can lead to negative health effects. Using a quantitative research design approach, data was collected through a survey using questionnaires administered to parents with children who are twelve years old or under in the Mpophomeni township area of KwaZulu-Natal. This study examines the prevalence and content of food advertisements aimed at children in both traditional and digital media. It looks at how these advertisements influence children’s dietary preferences, consumption patterns, and overall health. Furthermore, the study examines the CPA’s legal provisions directed at protecting consumers, particularly children, from deceptive and harmful advertising practices. The findings reveal a concerning link between exposure to unhealthy food advertising and childhood obesity, emphasising the critical need for regulatory intervention. The CPA, with its provisions on false and misleading advertising, provides a potential legal foundation for mitigating the detrimental impact of food marketing on children. However, enforcement challenges and discrepancies in existing legislation require attention. The article concludes by emphasising the significance of comprehensive policy approaches guided by empirical research to address food-related health concerns amongst children. Recommendations include enhancing regulatory mechanisms under the CPA, particularly those aimed at advertising to children, encouraging industry self-regulation, and boosting media literacy programmes.

The study examined various properties of synthesized copolyesters PESC and PPSC. Inherent viscosities of the copolyesters, measured in 1,4-dioxane at 32 °C, were 0.65 dL/g for PESC and 0.73 dL/g for PPSC. Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) revealed distinct absorption bands associated with ester carbonyl stretching, C–H bending vibration, C–H group symmetry stretching, and C–O stretching vibrations. 1H and 13C Nuclear magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy were used to identify specific protons and carbon groups in the polymer chain, revealing the molecular structure of the copolyesters. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) identified the glass transition, melting, and decomposition temperatures for both copolyesters, indicating variations in the crystalline nature of the copolymers. XRD Spectral studies further elaborated on the crystalline nature, indicating that PPSC is less amorphous than PESC. Biodegradation analysis showed that PESC degrades more quickly than PPSC, with degradation decreasing as the number of methylene groups increase. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images depicted the surface morphology of the copolyesters before and after degradation, revealing a more roughened surface with pits post-degradation. These findings provide comprehensive insights into the structural and degradable properties of PESC and PPSC copolyesters.

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess and compare the cariogenicity of indigenous sugars (palm sugar, jaggery, and brown sugar) and refined sugar at different frequencies of exposure through a biofilm caries model. Methodology: This in vitro study was conducted on 60 extracted human premolar teeth which were randomly divided into four groups (refined sugar, jaggery, palm sugar, and brown sugar) with each group being exposed to their respective sugars at one, three, and five frequencies for 5 min at defined time periods with five sample teeth for each exposure (4 × 3 × 5 = 60). The acidogenicity of biofilm was found by a 5-day pH cycling model. After 5 days, enamel demineralization, protein content, and polysaccharide formation of the biofilm following exposure to various sugars at various frequencies were assessed and compared. Statistical analyses were done using a one-way analysis of variance for intergroup comparisons between various sugars at various levels of frequencies. Results: The enamel demineralization was found to be least in palm sugar with mean percentage surface hardness loss of 8%, 17%, and 25% at one, three, and five frequencies of exposures and this was found to be statistically significant compared to other sugars (P < 0.001). The acidogenicity of biofilm increased with an increase in the frequency of exposures, but none of the indigenous sugars had a drop below 5.5 (critical pH) at a single frequency of exposure indicating less acid production at minimal exposure. The protein content of the biofilm exposed to palm sugar was less on comparison with other sugars and it was found to be statistically significant (P < 0.001). The polysaccharide formation of all sugars was similar at each frequency of exposure and was statistically nonsignificant. Conclusion: From the results obtained, it was concluded that though cariogenicity increased in all sugars with an increase in frequency of exposure, the level of cariogenicity was least in palm sugar compared to other sugars used in the study. Hence, it is recommended to use palm sugar as an alternative to refined sugar.

The Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 (CPA) was designed to prevent businesses from gaining a competitive advantage by engaging in unfair business practices in South Africa. The CPA is meant to protect consumers especially from unfair and unscrupulous practices that were used previously. The overall aim of the study was to evaluate the implications of the CPA on promotional strategies of retail businesses in Durban. The study adopts both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Data was collected through a survey using questionnaires and structured interviews were also conducted with marketing managers and business owners. The study’s findings indicate that while the businesses in the sample have been complying with the provisions of the CPA, specific provisions of the CPA have impacted on their promotional strategies. Previously used methods of marketing, such as emails and SMSs, have been replaced with new methods and this has resulted in an increase in their promotion’s expenditure.

This review intends to provide the essentially manufacturing of various types of nanomedicines utilized for the treatment of different cancers. Nanomedicine is an advanced field of research in medicine combined with nanomaterials, which is the very fastest growing branch in medicine. Especially, the development of new multifunctional theranostic nanomedicines used for the various therapeutic biomedical applications to cure several diseases including cancer. Importantly, the unique physicochemical properties of the nanomedicines provide multitasking advantages and their greater counterpart. In this review, we discussed the most important types of multifunctional theranostic nanomedicines used for the nanodrug delivery system (NDDS), photothermal therapy (PTT), photodynamic therapy (PDT), dual modal therapy (DMT), trimodal therapy (TMT) and multimodal therapy (MMT). For the progress of cancer therapy, this review focuses especially on the different types of cancer theranostic nanomedicines.

ABSTRACTGreen analytical procedures replace harmful organic modifiers with green solvents without affecting chromatographic performance, enabling industries and research laboratories to develop green analytical methods. Benidipine hydrochloride (BEN) and Chlorthalidone (CHD) were used to treat hypertension. The literature indicates that no method for determining BEN and CHD combines RP-HPLC with green Analytical Quality by Design (AQbD) for long-term use. This study aimed to develop a green RP-HPLC for determining BEN and CHD by incorporating analytical quality by design with green chemistry principles. A central composite design was used for optimization, with 40% ethanol content and flow rate chosen as critical variables. Separation was achieved using Agilent Eclipse Plus (C18, 250 mm × 4.6 mm i.d, 5 μm) with a mobile phase of ethanol and potassium dihydrogen orthophosphate (orthophosphoric acid to 3.5) in a ratio of 40:60 v/v at 1 ml/min, detection wavelength at 230 nm. Retention times for CHD and BEN were 3.1 and 5.1 min, respectively. The concentration ranges for BEN and CHD were 3.2–4.8 μg/ml and 5.0–7.5 μg/ml, respectively. The proposed method was eco-friendly and assessed using green evaluation tools. Thus, AQBD and green technologies provide regular BEN and CHD analysis in pharmaceutical formulations without environmental impact.

BackgroundDisclosure of tuberculosis (TB) status by patients is a critical step in their treatment cascade of care. There is a lack of systematic assessment of TB disclosure patterns and its positive outcomes which happens dynamically over the disease period of individual patients with their family and wider social network relations.MethodsThis prospective observational study was conducted in Chennai Corporation treatment units during 2019-2021. TB patients were recruited and followed-up from treatment initiation to completion. Information on disease disclosures made to different social members at different time points, and outcomes were collected and compared. Bivariate and multi variate analysis were used to identify the patients and contact characteristics predictive of TB disclosure status.ResultsA total of 466 TB patients were followed-up, who listed a total of 4039 family, extra familial and social network contacts of them. Maximum disclosures were made with family members (93%) and half of the relatives, occupational contacts and friendship contacts (44-58%) were disclosed within 15 days of treatment initiation. Incremental disclosures made during the 150-180 days of treatment were highest among neighbourhood contacts (12%), and was significantly different between treatment initiation and completion period. Middle aged TB patients (31 years and 46-55 years) were found less likely to disclose (AOR 0.56 and 0.46 respectively; p71%).ConclusionFindings explain that family level disclosures were predominant and disclosures made to extra familial network contacts significantly increased during the latter part of treatment. Emotional support was predominantly received by TB patients from all their contacts post disclosure. Findings could inform in developing interventions to facilitate disclosure of disease status in a beneficial way for TB patients.