ABSTRACT
Introduction: Riedel's thyroiditis (RT) is a rare disease characterized by destructive inflammatory fibrosis of the thyroid gland. It is often part of a systemic disease, idiopathic multifocal fibrosclerosis, which can affect other sites such as the retroperitoneum. We report two cases of RT revealed by retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF), emphasizing the contribution of biological investigations to the diagnosis and management. Case Reports: Case 1: A 36-year-old female, with no significant medical history, presented with bilateral renal colic and a hard goiter. Laboratory findings revealed renal insufficiency and a normal thyroid panel. Imaging (ultrasound, CT urogram) confirmed RPF. Lymph node and thyroid biopsies confirmed the fibro-inflammatory process. Case 2: A 72-year-old female, with a history of hypertension and diabetes, presented with a long-standing stony goiter. A routine blood test revealed renal insufficiency. Imaging highlighted RPF. Histology after total thyroidectomy confirmed RT. Discussion: Biological investigations play a crucial role at several levels: 1) Screening for systemic involvement (renal failure), 2) Assessment of thyroid status (often normal initially), 3) Search for inflammatory evidence (biological inflammatory syndrome, often present), and 4) Therapeutic monitoring under corticosteroids. The absence of specific autoantibodies makes histology essential for diagnosis. Conclusion: RT is a rare cause of RPF. Although non-specific, biological workup is a key element for diagnosing systemic extension and for follow-up. It must systematically include renal, thyroid, and inflammatory assessments in any suspected case of RT.

ABSTRACT
This study explored the transformative role of biomass gasification integrated within Multifunctional Platforms (MFPs) as a sustainable solution to rural energy poverty and agro-industrial stagnation in off-grid areas of Uganda. Anchored within the framework of the Parish Development Model (PDM), the research investigated how advanced biomass gasification technologies stimulated agro-processing, promoted environmental conservation, and drove inclusive economic development at the grassroots. The study was conducted in Kibale District, employing a mixed-methods approach that involved surveys, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews with local farmers, agro-processors, community leaders, and technical experts. Findings revealed that biomass gasification offered a reliable and renewable energy source, especially when harnessed through MFPs to power agro-processing units, support rural enterprises, and reduce post-harvest losses. The technology also contributed to waste management by converting agricultural residues into clean energy, thereby enhancing environmental sustainability. However, adoption was hindered by factors such as limited technical knowledge, inadequate financing mechanisms, and infrastructural gaps. The research underscored the critical need for capacity building, public-private partnerships, and tailored policy interventions to mainstream biomass gasification within the PDM framework. By leveraging locally available biomass resources, Uganda could unlock rural industrial potential, improve livelihoods, and advance its transition to a low-carbon print economy. The study concluded with strategic recommendations to scale up MFPs as engines for sustainable rural transformation and resilient agro-industrial ecosystems in off-grid communities.

ABSTRACT
Background: The variations of the olfactory fossa/ethmoid roof are common. These variations are important to be acknowledged when dealing with endoscopic sinonasal and skull base surgeries due to possibilities of injuries to the vital structures. The depth of the olfactory fossa is classified as Keros type I, II, or III (Depth 1-3mm, 4-7mm, and 8-16mm, respectively). Keros type III is consider the most venerable type to iatrogenic injury followed by type II. The variations can be similar or dissimilar among countries, geographies, and ethnicities. Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is currently the preferred surgical option worldwide when dealing with nasal or sinonasal diseases. Awareness of the anatomical landmarks, Variations in the depth of the olfactory fossa, assist the surgeon in avoiding CSF leaking, brain herniation, and hemorrhage. For a few decades, it was introduced in Africa (Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, etc.). FESS was introduced at the Muhimbili National Hospital, Tanzania in 2010 and is currently becoming widely practiced in the country. Only a single study done in Kenya on anatomical variations of the ethmoid roof was found in east Africa. No data was found in Tanzania and due to the scarcity of data in Africa especially in east Africa, this study was necessary.