TheScientificWorldJournal[JOURNAL]
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200 papers
Diagnostic Performance and Subcategorization of Hikikomori Cases in Oman: A Cross-Sectional Study and Comparative Analysis of the HQ-25 and HiDE-I Assessment Tools.
Al-Kharusi N, Al-Farsi YM, Chan MF … +2 more , Al-Adawi S, Al-Sibani N
ScientificWorldJournal · 2026 · PMID 41936550 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Hikikomori, a severe form of social withdrawal, has been predominantly studied in East Asia but remains underexplored in Middle Eastern contexts. As societal and cultural factors influence its manifestation,...
BACKGROUND: Hikikomori, a severe form of social withdrawal, has been predominantly studied in East Asia but remains underexplored in Middle Eastern contexts. As societal and cultural factors influence its manifestation, developing reliable diagnostic tools is critical for accurate identification and intervention. The Hikikomori Questionnaire-25 (HQ-25) serves as a self-reported screening measure, while the Hikikomori Diagnostic Evaluation Interview (HiDE-I) is used for clinical confirmation. AIM: This study aims to assess the diagnostic classification and predictive performance of the HQ-25 compared to the HiDE-I in an Omani sample, with a specific focus on refining cutoff thresholds for better classification accuracy. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Oman in 2024, enrolling 454 participants from clinical and community settings. Participants were classified as either patients (psychiatric service users) or attendees (nonclinical individuals). The HQ-25 was administered at four cutoff thresholds (≥ 42, ≥ 50, ≥ 62, ≥ 75). The HiDE-I was used as the clinical criterion standard, classifying cases as pathological, at-risk, or resembling hikikomori. Diagnostic metrics-including sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves-were calculated. RESULTS: Table-based analyses demonstrated that at the ≥ 42 cutoff, the HQ-25 yielded 62.9% sensitivity and 57.6% specificity under the strict HiDE-I definition, and 80.0% sensitivity with 53.4% specificity under the confirmed HiDE-I definition. ROC analyses across all thresholds showed area under the curve (AUC) values ranging from 0.58 to 0.66 (strict HiDE-I) and 0.55 to 0.85 (confirmed HiDE-I), with the highest classification accuracy observed among psychiatric patients. CONCLUSION: The HQ-25 is a useful screening tool but insufficient on its own for diagnosing hikikomori. Incorporating both diagnostic tiers revealed its limitations and reinforced the need for structured clinical assessments to improve accuracy, especially in nonclinical settings.
Role of Growth Stage and Environmental Conditions in Root Rot Development and Grain Yield of Spring Wheat in the Almaty Region, Southeast Kazakhstan.
Tsygankov V, Kokhmetova A, Dutbayev Y … +8 more , Bakhytuly K, Kharipzhanova A, Kumarbayeva M, Keishilov Z, Raimbekova B, Kokhmetova A, Mukhametzhanov K, Bolatbekova A
ScientificWorldJournal · 2026 · PMID 41930755 · Full text
In 2024, a study was conducted in the Almaty Region on 16 varieties of spring soft wheat to assess the impact of growth stages, cultivation conditions, and the severity of root rot infection on biometric parameters and c...
In 2024, a study was conducted in the Almaty Region on 16 varieties of spring soft wheat to assess the impact of growth stages, cultivation conditions, and the severity of root rot infection on biometric parameters and crop yield. This study represents the first systematic evaluation of root rot dynamics across multiple growth stages and contrasting agronomic backgrounds in Kazakhstan. It was found that the maximum root rot prevalence (32.65%) and severity (8.78%) were observed during the tillering phase. By the harvesting phase, these indicators decreased, indicating the dynamic nature of pathogenesis. Cultivation conditions had a significant influence: Under natural conditions, disease prevalence was 26.79%, while on an infectious background, it increased to 31.60%. With fungicide application, prevalence decreased to 8.80%. Fungicide treatment proved effective in suppressing infection, though some varieties exhibited stress responses, leading to reduced productivity. The highest grain weight per plant (13.71 g) was recorded under natural conditions, while the lowest (8.31 g) was observed on the infectious background. Analysis of biometric parameters revealed significant differences between varieties in traits such as tillering capacity, stem length, spike length, and spikelet number. These findings provide a practical framework for improving integrated disease management strategies and for breeding wheat varieties adapted to regional agroecological conditions. These results highlight the importance of integrated disease management and genotype selection to sustain wheat productivity under biotic stress.
Genetic Diversity and Population Structure Analysis of Hoary Basil (Ocimum americanum L.) Germplasm From Burkina Faso Using Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) Markers.
Kaboré H, Soro M, Bionimian Tibiri E … +2 more , Tiendrebéogo F, Nanema KR
ScientificWorldJournal · 2026 · PMID 41928708 · Full text
Ocimum americanum is a wild, aromatic species belonging to the Lamiaceae family. It holds significant socioeconomic importance as it is widely utilized in agriculture, medicine, and food by the local population in Burkin...
Ocimum americanum is a wild, aromatic species belonging to the Lamiaceae family. It holds significant socioeconomic importance as it is widely utilized in agriculture, medicine, and food by the local population in Burkina Faso. Previous works revealed that O. americanum is one of the candidate species for domestication in Burkina Faso. Such a perspective requires a good understanding of its genetic diversity. This study was carried out to assess the genetic diversity of O. americanum based on simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers, also known as microsatellites. To achieve this goal, 79 accessions of O. americanum collected in three phytogeographic sectors (sub-Sahelian, North Sudanian, and South Sudanian) were genotyped using 13 SSR markers. Nine SSR markers out of 13 revealed polymorphism within the accessions with PIC values ranging between 0.047 and 0.443. In all, 36 alleles were identified and the expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.047 to 0.449. Significant differences were observed between the accessions based on the phytogeographic sectors of origin. The analysis of the organization of the genetic diversity using the STRUCTURE approach led to two genetic groups, while the discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC) revealed six groups. This study is the first report on the genetic diversity of O. americanum in Burkina Faso. The results of this study could help in developing a strategy for the sustainable management and utilization of the genetic resources of hoary basil.
Unveiling the Therapeutic Spectrum of Annona reticulata Linn.: Antibacterial, Insecticidal, and Antidiarrheal Insights.
Bari Kabbo TB, Rana MS, Roy GK … +1 more , Dash PR
ScientificWorldJournal · 2026 · PMID 41918477 · Full text
The focus of recent research has been on developing natural medicines. Natural substances of the Annona reticulata Linn. plant, which belongs to the Annonaceae family, have medicinal uses. The antibacterial, insecticidal...
The focus of recent research has been on developing natural medicines. Natural substances of the Annona reticulata Linn. plant, which belongs to the Annonaceae family, have medicinal uses. The antibacterial, insecticidal, and antidiarrheal properties of Annona reticulata Linn. methanol and aqueous leaf fractions were assessed in this study along with phytochemical screening and GC-MS analysis. Both extracts' antibacterial properties were evaluated at a dosage of 250 mg/mL using the disc diffusion method. While the zones of inhibition values for aqueous extract were lower than those for methanol extract, the zones of inhibition values for methanol leaf extract against specific gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial strains were almost equivalent to those obtained from the standard drug tetracycline hydrochloride. The methanol extract showed strong insecticidal potential against T. castaneum and P. americana, which was found to be even more effective than the standard permethrin solution. Additionally, the aqueous leaf extract showed good insecticidal activity; however, it was less effective than the methanolic extract. Castor oil-induced diarrhea test was utilized for assessment of antidiarrheal potentials; at dosages of 200 and 400 mg/kg of body weight, methanol and aqueous fractions showed significant outcomes with notable onset of diarrhea and total quantity of feces values (p < 0.001). Both methanol and aqueous leaf fractions demonstrated percentage inhibition of diarrhea values of 44.19% and 41.86%, respectively, at a 400 mg/kg dosage. In the enteropooling test, the castor oil-induced intestinal volume was also significantly (p < 0.001) decreased by both methanol and aqueous extracts. Furthermore, intestinal transit was inhibited by aqueous and methanol extracts by 50.89% and 52.78%, respectively, at a 400 mg/kg dosage in GI motility tests. The outcomes significantly resembled those of the standard drug loperamide (5 mg/kg). Plant extracts were screened for certain phytochemicals using a preliminary phytochemical screening assay. GC-MS analysis was utilized for the determination of the chemical constituents that were responsible for achieving these activities.
Effect of Flavonoid Sources on Nutrient Intake and Digestibility, Rumen Fermentation, Growth Performance, Milk Production and Endoparasites in Ruminant Production: A Review.
Mhlongo LC, Hawu O, Mbambalala L … +2 more , Mwanda L, Tenza T
ScientificWorldJournal · 2026 · PMID 41914140 · Full text
The objective of this review was the assessment of the effect of flavonoid sources on nutrient intake and digestibility, rumen fermentation, growth performance, milk production and endoparasites in ruminant production. T...
The objective of this review was the assessment of the effect of flavonoid sources on nutrient intake and digestibility, rumen fermentation, growth performance, milk production and endoparasites in ruminant production. The increasing human population is creating a greater demand for animal products to meet the protein needs. However, an increase in animal production is likely to force the overuse of synthetic antibiotics, which may intensify drug-resistant pathogens. As a solution, there is a need to discover natural feed additives to improve environmental harmlessness, health and performance in ruminant production. This is because ruminants produce methane and suffer from infections such as gastrointestinal nematodes and mastitis that limit animal performance. Hence, there is a need to identify feed additives that decrease this gas without limiting nutrient utilization and animal performance. Flavonoid dietary inclusion is a potential solution to this challenge in ruminant production and has received research attention. However, there is a preliminary understanding of the effect of inclusion on effectiveness in decreasing methane production and pathogens, improving rumen fermentation, milk production and growth performance in ruminants. Therefore, there is a need for the identification of the effect of flavonoid inclusion on the abovementioned parameters for the detection of research limitations requiring assessment for the identification of a single flavonoid inclusion with a holistic effect on the production parameters of ruminants.
Evaluation of the Effects of Various Types of Mouthwash on Enamel and Cementum of Permanent Teeth: An In Vitro Study.
Shanbhag M, Lewis AJ, Srikant N
ScientificWorldJournal · 2026 · PMID 41913982 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Mouthwashes are widely utilised for their affordability, ease of use and oral hygiene benefits. However, indiscriminate use of these over-the-counter mouthwashes can cause morphological changes in enamel and...
BACKGROUND: Mouthwashes are widely utilised for their affordability, ease of use and oral hygiene benefits. However, indiscriminate use of these over-the-counter mouthwashes can cause morphological changes in enamel and cementum, compromising tooth structure. This study evaluates the change in the surface roughness, surface hardness and colour of enamel and cementum after the use of various mouthwashes using surface profilometry, Vickers hardness tester and spectrophotometry, respectively, for 7 and 15 days. MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY: Five common mouthwashes, namely, Colgate Plax, Listerine, Himalaya, Chlorhexidine and warm saline water were tested on 10 extracted permanent teeth in each group. Teeth were sectioned longitudinally from crown to root, embedded in acrylic and examined for defects. Baseline values for colour, hardness and roughness were recorded before immersing the samples in mouthwash as per the manufacturers' instructions. Postimmersion measurements were taken at specified intervals. RESULTS: A significant decrease in enamel hardness after 7 days with chlorhexidine (108.28 ± 85.17), Himalaya (104.02 ± 94.22), warm saline (85.42 ± 70.9) and Listerine (55.32 ± 83.68) was observed, but not with Colgate Plax. Cementum hardness decreased over 15 days but was not statistically significant. The greatest increase in surface roughness was seen in saline followed by Himalaya whereas the decrease was seen in chlorhexidine and Colgate Plax at the end of 7 days. Listerine caused the highest colour change in enamel. Since trends towards decreased hardness and increased roughness were noted, long-term usage could pose clinical concerns. Warm saline showed subtle yet significant changes, indicating the need for further investigation. CONCLUSION: These findings underscore the importance of regulating mouthwash use and recommending it only when the benefits outweigh the risks.
Unlocking the Genetic Blueprint of Erucic Acid Content in Mustard (Brassica napus): A Meta-QTL Exploration.
Hossain MY, Islam MR, Ahmed M … +5 more , Parveen S, Huda KMK, Banu MSA, Inafuku M, Harun-Ur-Rashid M
ScientificWorldJournal · 2026 · PMID 41913700 · Full text
Brassica napus is a major oilseed crop used for edible oil and industrial applications. Because high-erucic acid (EA) levels reduce oil quality, identifying robust loci controlling EA is a priority for breeding low-EA ra...
Brassica napus is a major oilseed crop used for edible oil and industrial applications. Because high-erucic acid (EA) levels reduce oil quality, identifying robust loci controlling EA is a priority for breeding low-EA rapeseed cultivars. Here, we performed a meta-quantitative trait locus (meta-QTL; MQTL) analysis using 57 published EA QTLs compiled from 12 independent mapping studies. A consensus genetic map spanning 487.24 cM was constructed with 399 markers across two linkage groups (LgA08 and LgC03). Of the 57 QTLs, 37 were successfully projected onto the consensus map and consolidated into 10 MQTL regions. MQTL confidence intervals (CIs) were substantially narrower than those of the projected QTLs (mean CI 3.75 cM vs. 8.56 cM), representing a 2.28-fold (56.19%) reduction. Candidate gene mining within MQTL intervals identified 67 genes, including eight prioritized candidates associated directly or indirectly with EA metabolism, located in MQTL1.1, MQTL1.2, MQTL1.3, MQTL2.1, and MQTL2.4. Notably, MQTL1.2 and MQTL2.4 contained KCS/FAE1-pathway candidates encoding 3-ketoacyl-CoA synthase (KCS), a key enzyme class in very-long-chain fatty acid elongation. The MQTLs and prioritized candidate genes identified here provide a valuable foundation for marker-assisted selection and future functional validation aimed at developing low-EA rapeseed cultivars with improved oil quality.
Medicinal Plants Used by Tanzanians for Human Paediatric Ailments: A PRISMA-Guided Systematic Review of Ethnomedicinal Evidence.
Kacholi DS, Mogha NG
ScientificWorldJournal · 2026 · PMID 41903122 · Full text
Paediatric ailments (PAs) pose an increasing health and economic challenge in many low- and middle-income countries. In Tanzania, over 80% of the rural population relies on traditional medicine for primary healthcare. Al...
Paediatric ailments (PAs) pose an increasing health and economic challenge in many low- and middle-income countries. In Tanzania, over 80% of the rural population relies on traditional medicine for primary healthcare. Although documentation of medicinal plants (MPs) used to treat and manage PAs remains fragmented, this systematic review consolidates evidence on MPs used by Tanzanians to address these conditions. A comprehensive search was conducted across multiple databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Embase, Cochrane Library and Wiley Online Library) and grey literature sources, using predefined keywords related to PAs and MPs. The search covered publications from 1982 to 2024 and followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Data from 34 ethnobotanical studies were analysed using descriptive statistics in Microsoft Excel. A total of 146 MPs from 54 families were documented, with Fabaceae (10.9%) and Asteraceae (8.9%) the most frequently used families. Approximately 59.6% of MPs were collected from wild ecosystems, while 15.8% were sourced from cultivated ecosystems. The analysis of recipes shows that leaves (52.1%) and roots (39.0%) are the preferred parts, with shrubs (46.0%) the dominant life form. 63.0% of the MPs have shown positive pharmacological effects, while 37.0% lack scientific evidence but may offer potential remedies. Of the recorded MPs, 80.8% were native, and 19.2% were introduced and used to treat 51 PAs in the country. The data from this review substantially enhance the literature on MPs for paediatric diseases and can aid the development of new pharmaceutical products to reduce child mortality.
Enhancing Urban and Suburban Green Spaces: Dendrological Diversity and Climate Adaptation.
Vardanyan ZH, Akopian JA, Larionov MV … +5 more , Gatrchyan GM, Muradyan NN, Ktrakyan SA, Sayadyan HY, Grigoryan MM
ScientificWorldJournal · 2026 · PMID 41885111 · Full text
This study presents the first integrated, multicity assessment of urban green infrastructure in Armenia, focusing on three major cities, Yerevan, Gyumri, and Vanadzor, that represent contrasting climatic conditions. The...
This study presents the first integrated, multicity assessment of urban green infrastructure in Armenia, focusing on three major cities, Yerevan, Gyumri, and Vanadzor, that represent contrasting climatic conditions. The study combines an analysis of the present climatic conditions and green-space structure with a long-term assessment of dendrological dynamics over the past 65 years (1960-2025) and an evaluation of potential changes in the species composition under projected climate-change scenarios through 2100. Promising families and genera for arid and semiarid urban landscaping were identified, including Cupressaceae (Juniperus), Aceraceae (Acer), Caprifoliaceae (Lonicera, Viburnum, Sambucus), Fabaceae (Albizzia, Caragana, Cercis, Laburnum, Sophora), and Rosaceae (Cotoneaster, Chaenomeles, Spiraea, Crataegus, Padus, Pyracantha, Rosa, Sorbus), which exhibit the highest dendrological diversity. Approximately 70 ornamental trees and shrubs are recommended for use in urban green spaces, with key information provided on their ecological adaptability, tolerance to urban environmental conditions, and climatic requirements. Plantings of these species in urban and suburban areas can support multiple ecosystem functions, including recreational, hygienic, ecological, social, and cultural services. Overall, the findings provide a scientifically grounded basis for climate-resilient green infrastructure planning, with relevance for semiarid and arid regions of Armenia, the Caucasus, and other regions with comparable environmental settings.
Ethnomedicinal Practices of the Fabaceae Family in Tanzania: A Systematic Review.
Kacholi DS
ScientificWorldJournal · 2026 · PMID 41862218 · Full text
This study is aimed at reviewing the ethnomedicinal, phytochemical and pharmacological properties of Fabaceae species used as sources of traditional medications in Tanzania. Using the Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses...
This study is aimed at reviewing the ethnomedicinal, phytochemical and pharmacological properties of Fabaceae species used as sources of traditional medications in Tanzania. Using the Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology, a comprehensive review was conducted on Fabaceae species used by Tanzanians through electronic databases such as Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, African Journals Online, PubMed and Wiley Online Library. After systematic screening and eligibility assessment, 51 studies highlighted diverse traditional healing practices across the country's regions. The botanical names were verified through the Plants of the World Online database. The study revealed that 97 Fabaceae species traditionally treat human ailments in Tanzania. The genera with the highest number of species with medicinal uses are Vachellia, followed by Albizia and Senegalia. The species with the highest usage records are Abrus precatorius, Cassia abbreviata, Tamarindus indica, Alantsilodendron pilosum and Erythrina abyssinica. Trees (46%), herbs (30%) and shrubs (24%) are the primary sources of traditional medicines, whereas roots (63%), leaves (41%) and stem bark (28%) are the most widely used plant parts. The majority of the species are characterized by flavonoids (62.5%), followed by phenolic compounds (38.9%), terpenoids (33.3%) and tannins (33.3%). Though many Fabaceae species have been evaluated for their phytochemical and pharmacological properties, validating their toxicological properties is paramount.
Ethnobotanical Study of Wild and Semi-Wild Edible Plants in Addi Arkay District, Northwestern Ethiopia.
Misganaw W, Masresha G, Lulekal E … +2 more , Alemu A, Tadesse D
ScientificWorldJournal · 2026 · PMID 41858269 · Full text
The exploration of wild and semi-wild edible plants (WEPs) has received global attention as valuable alternative food sources. This study explored and documented the indigenous knowledge of WEPs within the Addi Arkay Dis...
The exploration of wild and semi-wild edible plants (WEPs) has received global attention as valuable alternative food sources. This study explored and documented the indigenous knowledge of WEPs within the Addi Arkay District of Ethiopia. Ethnobotanical data were collected from 385 informants, including 355 general informants selected through systematic random sampling and 30 purposively selected key informants. The analysis employed the frequency of citations, UVs, preference ranking, DMR, Jaccard similarity index (JSI), t-tests, and one-way ANOVA. In the study area, 42 species belonging to 28 families were identified as WEPs. The t-test and one-way ANOVA results revealed that indigenous knowledge of WEPs in the study area was significantly influenced by sociodemographic (age, gender, education, and informant types) and socioeconomic factors (occupation). Greater knowledge among elders underscores the need to preserve and transmit this wisdom to younger generations. Moraceae was the dominant family (9.5%), shrubs represented the largest growth form (42.9%), and fruits were the most commonly used plant part (64.3%). Most species (26, 61.9%) were collected from natural forests. Fruits were the most commonly used (61.9%). The most common preparation and consumption methods were fresh and raw (71.43%). The frequency of citations, use values, and JSI ranged from 83.38% to 4.16%, 0.97% to 0.03%, and 9.68%-95.83%, respectively. Diospyros mespiliformis was the most preferred WEP, with Cordia africana and D. mespiliformis being the most common multipurpose species. The peak collection occurred from September to November, and Ziziphus spina-christi and D. mespiliformis were the most marketable species. Deforestation, fuelwood extraction, and house construction represent the primary threats to WEPs. The WEPs in the study area support food security, nutrition, livelihood, and cultural values. Future research should focus on nutritional and phytochemical analyses, conservation, domestication, and the sustainable commercialization of nutraceutical WEPs.
Sliding Wear Performance of Natural Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Matrix Composites.
Paul R, Lala SD, Deb P … +2 more , Bhowmik A, Ashok N
ScientificWorldJournal · 2026 · PMID 41858184 · Full text
While synthetic fiber composites offer some positive environmental attributes, researchers are trying to explore natural fiber composites (NFCs) due to the high cost and pollution associated with their production. As a r...
While synthetic fiber composites offer some positive environmental attributes, researchers are trying to explore natural fiber composites (NFCs) due to the high cost and pollution associated with their production. As a result, it is essential to look at the tribological properties that natural composite materials exhibit. This research aims to provide a thorough examination of the current literature about the tribological characteristics of particle-reinforced and fiber-reinforced natural composites under lubrication, such as volume loss, friction, and wear. Additionally, the operational and material aspects influencing tribological behavior are also examined in this study. The results show that a wide range of material parameters, including particle size, volume fraction, fiber orientation, fiber length, surface treatment, and aspect ratio, as well as numerous operational factors, including normal load, sliding velocity, sliding distance, and temperature, significantly affect the tribological properties. The current review study, which focuses on the tribological characteristics of NFCs in lubricated environments, is assumed by the authors to have the ability to direct future research in the creation of innovative material designs for tribological applications.
Impact of Air Pollutants on Lightning Activities in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Adhikari PB, Dhami JS, Poudyal KN … +1 more , Chapagain NP
ScientificWorldJournal · 2026 · PMID 41855085 · Full text
An electric field mill (EFM-100) short-range sensor has been installed on the rooftop of the six story building of Kathmandu BernHardt College, Tribhuvan University (TU), Bafal, Kathmandu for continuous monitoring of lig...
An electric field mill (EFM-100) short-range sensor has been installed on the rooftop of the six story building of Kathmandu BernHardt College, Tribhuvan University (TU), Bafal, Kathmandu for continuous monitoring of lightning events within a 38 km in aerial distance. It constantly monitors lightning activities and activates graphical display alerts on a connected computer. The EFM-100 monitor software displays a real time graph of the atmospheric electrical field, as well as the distance of lightning strikes within the specified range. Lightning strikes were recorded over a 3-month period, spanning 57 days, primarily during the both premonsoon and monsoon seasons, from May 19 to August 18, 2024. In addition, the effect of lightning events on atmospheric pollutants such as PM, PM, PM, relative humidity, temperature, and particle density of ozone per cubic centimeter were analyzed. These atmospheric parameters were obtained from the Central Department of Environment Science, TU, Nepal. The results clearly show that the atmospheric pollutants PM, PM, and PM, found to be higher during the lightning events. PM concentrations increased by an average of approximately 18%, PM by about 12%, and ozone by about 22% compared with prelightning background levels. Similarly, the atmospheric temperature increased by 1.5°C-2.0°C during the strong lightning events followed by a gradual decrease thereafter. These findings provide clear evidence of the magnitude of pollutants and thermal changes associated with lightning. It was also observed that relative humidity is inversely proportional to temperature, as it rises due to lightning phenomena. Furthermore, lightning activity was found to significantly increase with rising concentrations of ozone particles in the atmosphere.
The Relationship Between Arterial Stiffness, Anthropometry, and Body Composition in Middle-Aged Individuals: A Cross-Sectional Study.
Roengrit T, Huipao N, Prasertsri P
ScientificWorldJournal · 2026 · PMID 41852089 · Full text
BACKGROUND: The association between abdominal obesity and arterial stiffness remains controversial. This study was aimed at investigating the associations between anthropometric indices, body composition, and arterial st...
BACKGROUND: The association between abdominal obesity and arterial stiffness remains controversial. This study was aimed at investigating the associations between anthropometric indices, body composition, and arterial stiffness among middle-aged Thai adults. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 153 participants, categorized based on the cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) into low (CAVI < 9.0) and high-CAVI (CAVI ≥ 9.0) groups. Traditional (body mass index [BMI], waist circumference [WC], and waist-hip ratio [WHR]) and novel (a body shape index [ABSI], abdominal volume index [AVI], body adiposity index [BAI], body roundness index [BRI], and conicity index [CI]) anthropometric indices were assessed. Body fat percentage (%BF), muscle mass, and visceral fat levels were measured via bioelectrical impedance analysis. RESULTS: CAVI showed positive correlations with BMI (r = 0.201, p = 0.013), WC (r = 0.315, p < 0.001), WHR (r = 0.226, p = 0.005), ABSI (r = 0.172, p = 0.033), AVI (r = 0.313, p < 0.001), BRI (r = 0.249, p = 0.002), CI (r = 0.255, p = 0.001), and visceral fat level (r = 0.289, p < 0.001). Linear regression confirmed an association between CAVI and muscle mass (β = -0.559, p = 0.035) and visceral fat levels (β = 0.470, p = 0.010). High WC and WHR were significantly associated with arterial stiffness after adjusting for age, gender, and hypertension, whereas BMI and %BF were not. CONCLUSIONS: Abdominal obesity and visceral fat parameters are associated with high CAVI in middle-aged individuals. A higher visceral fat level is linked to increased arterial stiffness.
Knowledge and Observed Practices of Hospital-Acquired Infection Prevention Guidelines Among Nurses Working in Neonatal Intensive Care Units in Jordan: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study.
Kasem AY, Ahmad HK, Razeq NMA … +3 more , Oteir AO, Khasawneh EA, AlGhazawi WY
ScientificWorldJournal · 2026 · PMID 41848092 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Hospital-acquired infection (HAI) is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity in neonates. Knowledge and practice of infection prevention guidelines are the cornerstone to minimizing HAI among sic...
BACKGROUND: Hospital-acquired infection (HAI) is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity in neonates. Knowledge and practice of infection prevention guidelines are the cornerstone to minimizing HAI among sick and preterm neonates in intensive care units (NICU). OBJECTIVES: To assess neonatal nurses' knowledge and observed practices of HAI prevention guidelines and to determine their most important contributing factors. DESIGN: A cross-sectional descriptive observational design was applied. SETTING: NICUs of two large teaching hospitals in the northern region of Jordan. PARTICIPANTS: Neonatal nurses (n = 85) working full-time at the selected NICUs. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Neonatal nurses' knowledge level and observed practices regarding HAI prevention guidelines were assessed through a self-administered questionnaire and a structured observation checklist developed in accordance with the WHO and CDC infection control guidelines. RESULTS: Knowledge levels about HAI prevention guidelines were rated good in 65% of participants, fair in 34%, and poor in 1%. Observed HAI prevention practices were good in 12.9% of participating nurses, fair in 71.8%, and poor in 15.3% of participants. No significant correlation was found between nurses' knowledge and their observed practice. However, knowledge was significantly correlated with workplace and attending infection prevention courses (p < 0.05), while good practice levels were positively correlated with educational level (p = 0.044), but negatively correlated with age, years of experience, and workplace (p = 0.013, p = 0.023, p = 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: Despite being knowledgeable, NICU nurses in our study demonstrated suboptimal practices of HAI prevention guidelines. This knowledge-practice gap highlights the importance of reinforcing infection prevention through ongoing education, supportive institutional measures, and regular monitoring. Such efforts may help strengthen adherence to safe infection prevention practices and enhance the quality of neonatal care. Future studies with larger and more diverse samples are recommended to validate these findings and explore contextual factors influencing practice.
Physicochemical Properties and Food Born Peptide Bioactivities of Fermented Cocoa Beans.
Haliza W, Purwani EY, Fardiaz D … +5 more , Suhartono MT, Wardana IP, Laili N, Afifah DN, Trisnawati W
ScientificWorldJournal · 2026 · PMID 41841730 · Full text
This study examined the physicochemical properties and bioactive peptides of fermented cocoa beans from the Indonesian regions of West Java, Yogyakarta, East Java, and Bali. Samples were analyzed for fermentation index,...
This study examined the physicochemical properties and bioactive peptides of fermented cocoa beans from the Indonesian regions of West Java, Yogyakarta, East Java, and Bali. Samples were analyzed for fermentation index, pH, free amino acids, total phenolic content (TPC), fat, and protein content. After the fat and polyphenol were removed, the remaining material was separated according to its solubility. The molecular weights were then evaluated using SDS-PAGE. The ACE inhibitory activity was evaluated by the hippuryl-L-histidyl-leucine (HHL) assay, and the antioxidant activity was analyzed by the di-phenyl-picryl-hydrazine (DPPH) radical scavenging activity (DRSA) assay. All samples showed full fermentation (FI 1.0-1.6; pH 5.1-5.8) with various contents of TPC, fat, and protein. Free amino acid profiles from different regions were not significantly different. Identified protein fractions included albumin (21 kDa), globulin (31-45 kDa), prolamin (27 kDa), and glutelin (75-200 kDa). All fractions exhibited bioactivity, with albumin showing the strong antioxidant and ACE inhibitory effects. Albumin might act as an ACE inhibitory activity through competitive mechanisms, whereas other protein fractions might exert their effects through noncompetitive pathways. This study highlights the value of fermented cocoa for future product development.
Biotechnological Prospects of Indigenous Oil-Degrading Bacteria for Engine Oil Remediation and Environmental Restoration in Mekelle, Ethiopia.
Teklay YT, Sbhatu DB, Gebreyohannes G
ScientificWorldJournal · 2026 · PMID 41841021 · Full text
This study addressed environmental pollution from engine oil discharge in Mekelle's workshops by isolating and characterizing oil-degrading bacteria for bioremediation applications. Soil and water samples collected from...
This study addressed environmental pollution from engine oil discharge in Mekelle's workshops by isolating and characterizing oil-degrading bacteria for bioremediation applications. Soil and water samples collected from 10 garage centers were analyzed for physicochemical properties, yielding six isolates: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Acinetobacter baumannii, Bacillus pumilus, and Bacillus megaterium. Oil degradation assays on Bushnell-Haas agar with engine oil at 37°C for 14 days revealed that B. pumilus (98.9% ± 91.6%) and A. baumannii (98.7% ± 80%) were most effective in soil, while B. megaterium (96.9% ± 92.8%), B. cereus (96.7% ± 88.2%), and P. aeruginosa (96.5% ± 84.6%) excelled in water, with B. megaterium also showing high degradation in media (98.9% ± 88.8%). Biosurfactant production was strongest in P. aeruginosa, A. baumannii, and B. cereus; heavy metal tolerance was broad in S. aureus and A. baumannii; and salt tolerance was notable in P. aeruginosa, B. megaterium, B. cereus, and B. pumilus. Antibiotic susceptibility testing indicated that P. aeruginosa, A. baumannii, and B. megaterium could be safely applied in bioremediation, while resistance in B. cereus, S. aureus, and B. pumilus requires careful management. In conclusion, these isolates demonstrate strong potential as ecofriendly agents for oil spill remediation in Mekelle and similar environments.
Egyptian General Population Knowledge and Awareness Toward Oral Cancer: A Cross-Sectional Study.
Hafed L, Abodowia A, Elshazly M … +5 more , El Sayyed M, Elshobaky M, Fayze MA, Raafat M, Al-Qadhi G
ScientificWorldJournal · 2026 · PMID 41840963 · Full text
BACKGROUND: The present study aims to provide a thorough assessment of the level of knowledge and awareness of oral cancer among a general population of Egyptians and at correlating the main risk factors associated with...
BACKGROUND: The present study aims to provide a thorough assessment of the level of knowledge and awareness of oral cancer among a general population of Egyptians and at correlating the main risk factors associated with the level of knowledge. METHODS: One thousand twenty-eight questionnaires were distributed to the general public at 10 public places located in Cairo, Egypt. Questionnaire results were summarized via descriptive statistics followed by correlation which was performed on the answers to different questions. RESULTS: The overall knowledge of oral cancer among a population of Egyptian public was not strong, with 40% scoring 6-8 out of the maximum score 17. Only 14% of the participants acquired their knowledge from a healthcare provider. However, 47.2% did not know the symptoms of oral cancer. By common sense, 811 knew that tobacco is one of the causes of oral cancer. CONCLUSIONS: The Egyptian population demonstrated a low knowledge of oral cancer, a finding that is supported by the results of many previous studies conducted on other populations. This finding was significantly influenced by a sociodemographic factor, that is, a higher level of education and young age. Therefore, educational programs and specialized departments are recommended to work on providing and imparting deeper knowledge of oral cancer.
Bidara Upas Leaf Extract (Merremia mammosa) as a Therapy to Enhance Pulmonary Macrophage Cells in Mice Infected With Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Khambali, Rachmaniyah, Rokhmalia F … +1 more , Roslan R
ScientificWorldJournal · 2026 · PMID 41830218 · Full text
Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affecting the lungs and spreading through the air. Each year, approximately 10 million new TB cases are reported worldwide, with In...
Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affecting the lungs and spreading through the air. Each year, approximately 10 million new TB cases are reported worldwide, with Indonesia ranking third in the highest number of TB cases. TB treatment faces challenges due to drug resistance, such as MDR-TB and XDR-TB, which drives research into alternative therapies, one of which is the extract of Merremia mammosa, known for its antibacterial and immunomodulatory potential. This study is aimed at evaluating the potential of Merremia mammosa extract in enhancing immune responses, particularly through lung macrophages, in mice infected with M. tuberculosis. The research was conducted at the Integrated Laboratory of the Poltekkes Kemenkes Surabaya, from March to December 2024. Mice were divided into treatment and control groups, receiving extracts at varying doses after TB bacteria injection. The results indicated that Merremia mammosa extract could reduce lung cell necrosis, with the treatment groups showing lower levels of necrosis compared to the positive control group. The P13 and P12 treatment groups showed the best results, with minimal to no necrosis, indicating the potential therapeutic effects of the extract in improving lung tissue. Appropriate dose adjustments are necessary for optimal lung protection.
Oxidative Stress, Antioxidant Capacity, Dyslipidemia and Cardiovascular Risk in Sickle Cell Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Simo JL, Tuono RM, Njopwouo MS … +1 more , Tayou CT
ScientificWorldJournal · 2026 · PMID 41821306 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Sickle cell disease is a human hemoglobinopathy associated with high hemolytic capacity. Hemoglobin S (HbS) polymerization is a primary pathophysiological event in sickle cell anemia. Despite numerous studies...
BACKGROUND: Sickle cell disease is a human hemoglobinopathy associated with high hemolytic capacity. Hemoglobin S (HbS) polymerization is a primary pathophysiological event in sickle cell anemia. Despite numerous studies conducted to understand the pathophysiology of the disease, including oxidative imbalance and cardiovascular risk, questions still arise. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate studies linking oxidative stress, lipid profile, and dyslipidemia in sickle cell patients, predisposing them to atherogenic risk. METHODS: The systematic review of databases and search engines was conducted over 24 years (2000-2024) worldwide, according to the guidelines of PRISMA and the Cochrane Handbook. Research articles were searched in the PubMed and Web of Science databases. Only case-control articles were retained. Data were extracted from the articles and analyzed using R version 4.3.2, with a common-effect model for meta-analyses. Heterogeneity was assessed using I statistics. The standardized mean difference (SMD) was used to assess the extent of the disease on the different parameters studied. Heterogeneity across individual studies was assessed using Higgins's inconsistency Q statistics and reported as I and p-values. ROBINS-E was used to assess the risk of bias in the included studies. RESULTS: A total of 405 studies were initially identified; after the elimination of duplicates and studies not meeting the objectives of the review, 25 studies were finally included in the meta-analyses. The reported SMDs using a common-effect model were 1.15 [0.96; 1.34] (p <0.01) for Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH), 1.03 [0.48; 1.53] (p <0.01) for Myeloperoxidase (MPO), and 1.13 [0.96; 1.29] (p <0.01) for Malondialdehyde (MDA), reflecting the strong influence of sickle cell disease on hemolysis and the production of lipid peroxidation markers compared with normal controls. The antioxidant markers Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx), Reduced Glutathione (GSH), catalase, Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), and Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) reported respective SMDs of -1.97 [-2.32; -1.63] (p <0.01), -3.01 [-3.50; -2.52] (p <0.01), -1.39 [-1.58; -1.20] (p <0.01), -1.99 [-1.92; -1.47] (p <0.01), and-1.58 [-1.90; -1.25] (p <0.01), reflecting the strong negative influence of sickle cell disease on the activity of these enzymes. The evaluated lipid profiles reported dyslipidemia and an atherogenic risk characterized by a significant negative influence on plasma concentrations of Total Cholesterol (TC), High-Density Lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc), and Low-Density Lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc), with respective SMDs of -1.32 [-1.42; -1.21] (p <0.01), -0.84 [-0.94; -0.73] (p <0.01), and-2.54 [-3.15; -1.93]. Conversely, a significant influence of sickle cell disease was observed on the triglycerides/HDL-c ratio and triglycerides, characterized by respective SMDs of 1.58 [1.41; 1.75] (p <0.01) and 1.58 [1.41; 1.75] (p <0.01). CONCLUSION: Analyses performed in these studies reported a large influence of sickle cell disease on oxidative stress, characterized by an imbalance of the oxidant/antioxidant system in favor of oxidants, as well as lipid profile imbalance causing dyslipidemia and a high atherogenic risk compared with normal controls, as assessed by large SMDs. These results provide additional information on oxidative stress abnormalities in sickle cell disease and may serve as a basis for decision-making aimed at improving patient care.
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