ScientificWorldJournal [JOURNAL]
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200 papers
Solvent Extraction of Metals in the Circular Economy: Enhancing Resource Efficiency and Sustainability.
Chetry AB
ScientificWorldJournal · 2026 · PMID 42400229 · Full text
The integration of solvent extraction techniques into the circular economy framework offers a sustainable approach to addressing resource efficiency and metal recovery challenges. This review explores the role of solvent...
The integration of solvent extraction techniques into the circular economy framework offers a sustainable approach to addressing resource efficiency and metal recovery challenges. This review explores the role of solvent extraction in minimizing environmental impacts while maximizing the recovery of critical metals from waste streams, including electronic waste, industrial residues, and end-of-life products. Emphasis is placed on recent advancements in solvent systems, such as biodegradable and smart solvents, and their potential to enhance process efficiency and sustainability. The paper also highlights hybrid extraction systems and advanced separation techniques that complement solvent extraction, enabling higher recovery rates and improved selectivity. Furthermore, the significance of government initiatives, industry collaborations, and investment in sustainable technologies is discussed, underscoring their role in fostering innovation and driving widespread adoption of solvent extraction processes. By integrating solvent extraction with circular economy principles, this review advocates for a holistic approach to sustainable resource management and the development of resilient supply chains, contributing to long-term economic and environmental sustainability.
Agronomic Performance and Nutritive Value Evaluation of Desho Grass Varieties Under Supplementary Irrigation in Western Oromia, Ethiopia.
Dereba F, Worku Z, Geleti D
ScientificWorldJournal · 2026 · PMID 42396993 · Full text
The study was conducted to evaluate the agronomic performance, forage yield, and nutritive values of desho grass (Pennisetum glaucifolium) varieties under supplementary irrigation at Dambi Dollo University experimental s...
The study was conducted to evaluate the agronomic performance, forage yield, and nutritive values of desho grass (Pennisetum glaucifolium) varieties under supplementary irrigation at Dambi Dollo University experimental site, Western Ethiopia. The varieties (Areka/DZF #590, Kindu kosha-1/DZF #591, and Kulumsa/DZF #592) were arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications. The crop water requirements 8.0 model, local climate data, forage data, and soil data were used to determine desho grass water requirements and irrigation schedules. The parameters such as agronomic performance, yield, chemical composition, and in vitro digestibility of the forage samples at 105 days after planting were determined following the standard procedures. The results showed significant differences (p < 0.05) among varieties in most agronomic parameters except plant height and leaf width. The highest dry matter and crude protein yields were recorded from Areka/DZF #590 (12.64 and 1.35 t/ha) followed by Kulumsa/DZF #592 (11.63 and 1.12 t/ha). The chemical composition of varieties differed significantly except for hemicellulose. The in vitro digestibility of Areka/DZF #590 (624.7 g/kg) was significantly higher than Kulumsa/DZF #592 (584.3 g/kg) and Kindu kosha-1/DZF #591 (580.9 g/kg). In conclusion, the Areka (DZF #590) desho grass variety showed superior dry matter yield and good nutritive value under supplementary irrigation conditions. Therefore, this variety is suitable and recommended for use as animal feed in the study area.
Physicians' and Hospital Administrators' Perspectives of Diagnosis-Related Groups (DRGs) in High-Income Countries: A Systematic Review.
Sushma S, Mathias EG, Varshini RJ … +2 more , Patil SP, Kamath R
ScientificWorldJournal · 2026 · PMID 42396883 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Diagnosis-related groups (DRGs) are among the most widely adopted case-mix-based hospital payment systems, introduced to improve efficiency, enhance cost transparency and contain rising healthcare expenditure...
BACKGROUND: Diagnosis-related groups (DRGs) are among the most widely adopted case-mix-based hospital payment systems, introduced to improve efficiency, enhance cost transparency and contain rising healthcare expenditure. Although a substantial body of literature evaluates the economic and system-level effects of DRGs, comparatively less attention has been paid to the perspectives of healthcare providers who work within these reimbursement structures and directly experience their consequences in daily clinical practice. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review synthesises evidence on physicians' and hospital administrators' perspectives of DRG-based payment systems in high-income countries, with particular attention to perceived effects on clinical decision-making, quality of care, administrative workload and professional autonomy. Nursing and allied health perspectives are identified as warranting a separate dedicated review and are not the focus of the present work. METHODS: The review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines and registered with PROSPERO (CRD42024575025). Six electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, Embase and ProQuest) were searched for English-language studies published between 1994 and 2024. Qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods studies reporting provider or hospital-level perspectives on DRG implementation were included. Methodological quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) appraisal tools and risk of bias was assessed using the ROBINS-I tool. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) was available for mixed-methods studies, though none were ultimately included. Findings were synthesised narratively using thematic aggregation. RESULTS: Twelve studies from approximately 25 high-income countries met the inclusion criteria. Healthcare providers acknowledged several benefits of DRG systems, including improved cost transparency, more standardised care pathways and incentives for efficiency. However, concerns were consistently raised regarding increased administrative workload, reduced clinical autonomy, financial pressure to shorten length of stay and potential risks to care quality, particularly for complex or severely ill patients. Provider acceptance of DRGs varied substantially across settings and was strongly influenced by local system design, training, coding infrastructure and alignment with professional values. CONCLUSION: From the perspective of physicians and hospital administrators, DRG-based payment systems represent a trade-off between economic rationalisation and clinical discretion. Although DRGs can support efficiency and accountability, their success depends critically on thoughtful system design, adequate training, robust data infrastructure and ongoing engagement with providers to safeguard care quality and professional autonomy. Nursing and allied health perspectives, which the available evidence base did not allow this review to address adequately, represent an important and underexplored dimension of provider experience with DRG systems and warrant focused future research.
The Eco-Friendly Preparation of Se, Zn, and Ag MONPs and Their Current Medical Applications and Drug Delivery for AD Diseases.
Khamis WM, Hussein HH, Hilaly YKJA
ScientificWorldJournal · 2026 · PMID 42389981 · Full text
In recent decades, significant progress has been made in the field of nanotechnology that enabled researchers to promote and create nanoshaped compounds with attractive physicochemical properties. These materials were us...
In recent decades, significant progress has been made in the field of nanotechnology that enabled researchers to promote and create nanoshaped compounds with attractive physicochemical properties. These materials were used in different biomedical applications, because of the superior quality of nanoparticles and nano-oxide materials compared with their bulky counterparts in the fields of medicine and healthcare. This gives a push to this line of science toward making a great progress. Despite the positive benefits associated with nanofield usages, nanomaterials have cytotoxic effects which are directly associated with their physiochemical properties. Therefore, proper control of factors governing nanoparticle synthesis can improve biocompatibility and minimize toxicity, which would enable researchers to achieve more suitable outcomes. In our review, we focus on the significant progress in the field of MONPs, covering their synthesis and applications, as well as the methods of preparations and their chemical or physical qualities. In addition to their antibacterial effectiveness, MONPs also exhibit biological effects, like antitumor, anticancer, proregenerative, and drug delivery properties. The last part of this review highlights the use of oxide nanoparticles for drug delivery in brain illness therapy and their potential in the treatment of brain diseases.
Fear of COVID-19: A Comparative Study Among University Students in Peru.
Baltazar-Meza CY, Custodio M, Quispe-Baltazar PRZ … +3 more , Mejía-Murillo CS, Díaz-Díaz FDR, Lazo-Salcedo C
ScientificWorldJournal · 2026 · PMID 42388135 · Full text
The COVID-19 pandemic severely affected university students' mental health. The objective of this study was to evaluate the level of fear associated with COVID-19 in university students from the Coast, Sierra, and the Ju...
The COVID-19 pandemic severely affected university students' mental health. The objective of this study was to evaluate the level of fear associated with COVID-19 in university students from the Coast, Sierra, and the Jungle regions of Peru between April and May 2020. The sample consisted of 915 university students from the three regions of Peru. The Fear of COVID-19 Scale was used to assess fear and its dimensions (psychological and somatic symptoms). Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's post hoc test to compare group means. Additionally, multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify significant predictors of fear. Results showed a moderate overall level of fear, with significant differences by sex and geographic region. Women reported significantly higher levels of fear than men (p < 0.001), suggesting a disproportionate psychological impact on this group. Furthermore, students from the Coast reported significantly higher levels of psychological symptoms of fear compared to those from the Sierra and Jungle regions (p < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis identified sex, region, and field of study as significant predictors of fear (p < 0.05). These findings confirm that fear of COVID-19 had a prominent and differentiated psychological impact on the Peruvian university population. These results underscore the need to implement targeted intervention strategies and mental health programs that consider variations by sex and region in future health crisis contexts.
Opportunities and Challenges of Integrating Ethiopian Traditional Medicine System Into Modern Medicine: A Narrative Review.
Ayenew KD, Alem B, Mengstie B … +1 more , Yehualashet AS
ScientificWorldJournal · 2026 · PMID 42381588 · Full text
BACKGROUND: About 80% of the population uses Ethiopian traditional herbal medicine (ETHM) for a variety of medical needs, making it a pillar of the country's healthcare system. The advantages and challenges of integratin...
BACKGROUND: About 80% of the population uses Ethiopian traditional herbal medicine (ETHM) for a variety of medical needs, making it a pillar of the country's healthcare system. The advantages and challenges of integrating ETHM with contemporary medicine in Ethiopia are summed up in this narrative review. METHODS: To explore the integration of ETHM with contemporary medical systems, we carried out a literature search in March 2025 while maintaining methodological transparency. Using a mix of keywords associated with ETHM, integration, obstacles, and pharmacological validation, we searched a number of databases, including PubMed, Scopus, African Journals Online (AJOL), and Google Scholar. A total of 110 records were found in the first search. After duplicates were eliminated, and titles and abstracts were evaluated for relevancy, 65 items remained. After a thorough analysis of the remaining literature, we included 38 articles published between January 2015 and March 2025 that satisfied our predetermined inclusion criteria, which were centered on ETHM practices, integration with contemporary medicine, or Ethiopian regulatory frameworks. Studies and publications written in languages other than English that did not particularly discuss ETHM or its integration were excluded. We critically assessed each included study's relevance and trustworthiness based on elements like journal impact factor, authorship, and methodological rigor, even though our narrative evaluation did not employ a rigorous systematic quality assessment. RESULTS: A strong basis for integration is identified by our synthesis, which includes a large pharmacopeia of medicinal plants with encouraging preclinical evidence for conditions including diabetes and wound healing. However, progress is hampered by systemic problems. These include significant problems with product quality and adulteration, a dearth of clinical validation and safety data, a lack of a thorough regulatory framework, and a high degree of mistrust between traditional practitioners and contemporary scientific groups. CONCLUSION: In order to document and preserve indigenous knowledge, we advise the Ethiopian Food and Drug Administration (EFDA) to immediately establish a dedicated directorate for traditional herbal medicine and to launch a national digital repository called "EthHerb."
Exploring the Antiparasitic Activity of the Sea Cucumber Isostichopus sp. aff. badionotus From the Northern Coast of Colombia Against Trypanosoma cruzi.
Taborda-Martínez ME, Altamar-Ibáñez R, Rodríguez-Núñez YA … +6 more , Coy-Barrera E, Rodríguez-Forero A, Soto-Delgado J, Pacheco-Lugo L, Bacho M, Espitia-Almeida F
ScientificWorldJournal · 2026 · PMID 42374802 · Full text
Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, remains a neglected tropical infection with limited therapeutic options. Sea cucumbers are recognized as rich sources of bioactive sulfated metabolites with potential antipara...
Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, remains a neglected tropical infection with limited therapeutic options. Sea cucumbers are recognized as rich sources of bioactive sulfated metabolites with potential antiparasitic properties; however, information on the chemistry and trypanocidal activity of Caribbean Isostichopus species is still scarce. In this study, the trypanocidal activity of solvent fractions from Isostichopus sp. aff. badionotus was evaluated, together with the chemical characterization and molecular docking analysis of their major metabolites. The methanolic extract, obtained by maceration of lyophilized tissue, was partitioned with n-hexane, dichloromethane, and n-butanol, and the resulting fractions were analyzed by UHPLC-HRMS. The in vitro trypanocidal activity was assessed against T. cruzi epimastigotes, and molecular docking studies explored the interactions of five sulfated sterols (1-5) with four key enzymes involved in the parasite's redox metabolism. Chemical profiling revealed that sulfated sterols, mainly cholestane- and stigmastane-type derivatives, predominated in the dichloromethane fraction, which exhibited the strongest trypanocidal activity. Docking results indicated that stigmastane-type sterols, particularly Compound 5, showed the most favorable binding energies with all enzyme targets. This study provides the first evidence of trypanocidal activity in Isostichopus sp. aff. badionotus, highlighting sulfated sterols (1-5) as plausible lead compounds for exploring agents against T. cruzi.
Kalanchoe ceratophylla (Crassulaceae): The True Identity of Sidingin, a Medicinal Plant From Sumatra, Based on Morphological and Molecular Evidence.
Manalu LP, Arif AB, Irsyam ASD … +13 more , Adinegoro H, Maisaroh M, Hariri MR, Husaini IPA, Rosleine D, Astuti A, Pongtuluran OB, Luthfiyanti R, Yustiningsih N, Komariyah K, Subandrio S, Purwanto W, Putra ON
ScientificWorldJournal · 2026 · PMID 42370444 · Full text
Kalanchoe species is a plant that contains secondary metabolites that are beneficial for human health. However, the systematics of species in the genus Kalanchoe are often debated because these plants have many variation...
Kalanchoe species is a plant that contains secondary metabolites that are beneficial for human health. However, the systematics of species in the genus Kalanchoe are often debated because these plants have many variations that easily cross between species and can reproduce asexually with adventitious buds. Previous studies have revealed that Kalanchoe ceratophylla Haw. is often misidentified as Kalanchoe laciniata. Therefore, the reidentification of K. ceratophylla (Crassulaceae) as the correct identity of sidingin, a medicinal plant widely used in Sumatra, challenges the prior identification of the species as K. laciniata. This study is aimed at determining the true identity of sidingin, a medicinal plant locally used in Sumatra, Indonesia, and traditionally recognized as K. laciniata. Specimens of sidingin were collected from Sumatra and analyzed using morphological and molecular approaches to clarify its taxonomic classification. The morphological analysis revealed that sidingin exhibits pinnately lobed leaves and other distinct characteristics, which prompted comparison with documented descriptions of Kalanchoe species. Molecular analysis, accomplished through ITS sequencing, indicated a 94.60% identity match with Kalanchoe miteja, supporting the morphological findings. The resulting phylogenetic tree positioned sidingin within the same clade as commercially available samples of K. ceratophylla, suggesting a potential reclassification of sidingin as K. ceratophylla. This study provides new insights into the distribution of Kalanchoe species in Sumatra, documenting it as a new record only recently discovered in this region. Furthermore, through integrating morphological and molecular evidence, this study confirms that sidingin is K. ceratophylla.
Genetic Variation of Chicken Growth Differentiation Factor-9 Gene and Association With Egg Characteristics: A Systematic Review.
Maake LJM, Mhlabini S, Magonyane TT … +3 more , Mahlo RL, Mathapo MC, Tyasi TL
ScientificWorldJournal · 2026 · PMID 42363682 · Full text
Chicken layers are valued for their ability to produce eggs, an essential component of the human diet. Egg characteristics are influenced by genetic factors such as the growth differentiation factor-9 (GDF-9) gene, which...
Chicken layers are valued for their ability to produce eggs, an essential component of the human diet. Egg characteristics are influenced by genetic factors such as the growth differentiation factor-9 (GDF-9) gene, which plays a vital role in follicular development and ovulation. Variations in the GDF-9 gene can lead to ovulation dysfunction, infertility, and reduced egg quality and production. This systematic review explored the genetic variation of the chicken GDF-9 gene and its association with egg characteristics. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, databases including ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, PubMed, and Web of Science were used to search for articles using combinations of keywords: "chickens," "GDF-9 gene," "genetic variation," and "egg characteristics." A total of 106 articles were retrieved, and five met the inclusion criteria. The reviewed studies identified several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the GDF-9 gene-namely g.171515C>T, g.171530A>G, g.171529G>A, g.171554C>T, g.171577A>G, g.171600C>T, g.171541A>G, g.171560T>C, and g.171589C>T. Although no identical SNPs were shared among all breeds, these variants were associated with key egg traits such as age at first egg, egg number, and egg weight. The findings suggest that GDF-9 gene polymorphisms hold strong potential for use in marker-assisted and genomic selection to enhance reproductive performance and egg-laying efficiency in chickens. However, the current findings are primarily based on conventional genetic association studies, and higher resolution transcriptomic approaches, such as single-cell RNA sequencing, are needed to functionally validate these associations and clarify the molecular mechanisms underlying GDF-9 regulation in reproductive traits. Further research using genetically diverse populations and incorporating gene expression analysis is recommended to validate these associations and strengthen the application of GDF-9 in poultry breeding.
Applied Research on the Effect of Risks on Public Health Building Projects' Performance: Empirical Results From Tanzania.
Taifa IWR, Massasi KS
ScientificWorldJournal · 2026 · PMID 42360013 · Full text
Public health building projects encounter several risks throughout the project phases. Using a quantitative research approach, the study assessed risks, the effects of risks encountered in public health building projects...
Public health building projects encounter several risks throughout the project phases. Using a quantitative research approach, the study assessed risks, the effects of risks encountered in public health building projects and proposed risk management practices to enhance project performance. Fifty-six projects were involved in the present study. SPSS 21.0 and Microsoft Excel 2021 were used to analyse data, including regression analysis, linearity test, and risk heat map development. The overall Cronbach's alpha for the collected data was 0.809, indicating that the data were reliable. The findings show that most risks were at a low level, leaving fewer at the medium level, including the contractor's delay in cash flow, price fluctuations due to inflation and pollution from construction waste. The risk heat map visualised all risks by indicating each identified risk's severity (impact) and likelihood (occurrence). Furthermore, the regression model for the effect of the assessed risks on the performance of public health-buildings showed that there was a negative effect on the performance for all the measured risks (technological risks, financial risks, design risks, client or owner risks, management risks, construction risks, political risks, environmental risks, procurement risks and other risks). However, for the significance of those effects, the analysis demonstrated greater significance (i.e., p < 0.001) for two categories of risk: financial risks and client/owners' risks. Subsequently, there was a significant effect on the performance of public health building projects from the other six categories of risks (technological risks [p = 0.041], design risks (p = 0.031), management risks (p = 0.012), construction risks (p = 0.024), environmental risks (p = 0.049) and procurement risks (p = 0.047). The effects and significance of the risk categories on each public building project performance indicator (cost, schedule and time) are presented using unstandardised beta coefficients and p values. In conclusion, the study has demonstrated that, despite the many risks and risk factors analysed in public health projects being rated at low to medium levels, they still exert a statistically significant negative influence on project performance-particularly financial and client-related risks-therefore necessitating continuous monitoring and proactive management. The adoption of structured and adaptive risk management practices is therefore essential to mitigate potential impacts and enhance project outcomes in terms of cost, time and quality.
Projected Impacts of Climate and Land Use/Land Cover Change on Sediment Yield and Surface Runoff in the Baro River Sub-Basin, Ethiopia.
Engida TG, Muluneh A, Zewdie M
ScientificWorldJournal · 2026 · PMID 42338395 · Full text
Understanding how climate change and land use/land cover (LULC) dynamics influence watershed hydrological processes is essential for achieving sustainable water and land management, particularly in data-scarce and erosio...
Understanding how climate change and land use/land cover (LULC) dynamics influence watershed hydrological processes is essential for achieving sustainable water and land management, particularly in data-scarce and erosion-prone basins. This study assesses the individual and synergistic effects of CMIP6-based climate projections and LULC change on sediment yield and surface runoff in the Baro River sub-basin. Utilizing a comprehensive hydrological modeling framework, this study integrates the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) with CMIP6 multi-model ensemble climate projections under SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5 scenarios to simulate runoff in addition to sediment yield. We projected future LULC dynamics (2024-2064) using a multi-layer perceptron-cellular automata-Markov chain (MLP-CA-MC) model. Results indicate statistically significant warming in both historical and future periods, with mean temperature increases of up to 3.4°C under SSP5-8.5, alongside precipitation increases of 6%-13%. LULC projections (2024-2064) indicate an 18%-26% increase in agricultural and settlement areas at the expense of forest, grassland, and shrubland. The SWAT model demonstrated high predictive accuracy; Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) values remained strong across both calibration (runoff: > 0.87; sediment: > 0.76) and validation (runoff: 0.84; sediment: 0.73). Projected sediment yield increases from a 2024 baseline of 49.23 t/ha to as high as 157.68 t/ha over the late period (2072-2100) under the SSP5-8.5 scenario with 2064 land use conditions. Similarly, surface runoff is expected to peak at 966.58 mm under high-emission conditions. These results highlight the critical sensitivity of the Baro River sub-basin to both climate variability and anthropogenic land degradation, underscoring the urgent need for integrated watershed management to mitigate downstream sedimentation and ensure the sustainability of water infrastructure.
Phytochemical Screening and Biological Studies of Leaf Extract of Ipomoea Batatas (L.) Lam.
Timilsina RP, Bhandari S, Raut B
ScientificWorldJournal · 2026 · PMID 42328821 · Full text
Medicinal plants have been utilized in indigenous healthcare systems for the therapeutic management of various diseases. A significant proportion of modern therapeutic agents originate from plant sources, and Nepal is re...
Medicinal plants have been utilized in indigenous healthcare systems for the therapeutic management of various diseases. A significant proportion of modern therapeutic agents originate from plant sources, and Nepal is reported to possess more than 900 species of medicinal plants with potential medicinal value. Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam., widely known as a sweet potato, is a herbaceous vine widely recognized in Nepalese traditional medicine. The plant has been associated with several bioactivities, like antifertility, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, antibacterial, and antidiabetic effects. This study examined the phytochemical constituents, antioxidant potential, and the antimicrobial activity of crude hydroethanolic leaf extract of I. batatas (L.) Lam. Preliminary screening of phytoconstituents revealed the detection of glycosides, saponins, flavonoids, tannins, and terpenoids. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis identified four compounds: phytol, caffeic acid, peonidin, and 2-phenyl dodecane. The total phenolic content was determined to be 123.938 mg GAE/g, whereas total flavonoid content was determined to be 152 mg QE/g. The reducing power assay demonstrated a concentration-dependent increase in absorbance values (0.164-0.471) at extract concentrations of 10-50 μg/mL, indicating enhanced antioxidant activity. The IC value obtained from the DPPH radical scavenging assay was 15 μg/mL. However, the extract did not exhibit antimicrobial activity against E. coli or S. aureus. These findings suggest that the extract of I. batatas is rich in bioactive compounds and may represent a promising source of natural antioxidant agents.
A Survey on Knowledge, Attitude, and Current Practice in Diabetic Foot Care Among Indian Physiotherapists.
Kunder NR, Singh VP, Kumar KV
ScientificWorldJournal · 2026 · PMID 42322180 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Diabetic foot ulcers are a major complication of diabetes and contribute significantly to morbidity and healthcare burden in India. Physiotherapists play a vital role in prevention and management; however, th...
BACKGROUND: Diabetic foot ulcers are a major complication of diabetes and contribute significantly to morbidity and healthcare burden in India. Physiotherapists play a vital role in prevention and management; however, their knowledge, attitude, and clinical practices in the Indian context remain unexplored. OBJECTIVE: The study is aimed at assessing the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of physiotherapists practicing across India regarding diabetic foot care through a national online cross-sectional survey. METHOD: A cross-sectional national online survey was conducted from January 2024 to March 2025 among physiotherapists practicing across India. A total of 249 participants were included using a convenience sampling technique. Data were collected using a self-developed, content-validated questionnaire consisting of 20 questions across knowledge, attitude, and clinical practice domains. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed using Jamovi (2.6.23). RESULTS: A total of 249 respondents from 28 Indian states were included. While 94.8% acknowledged their role in diabetic care, only 41% had received formal training in diabetic foot management. Although most participants identified clinical signs of complications, inconsistencies were observed in interpreting ABI and HbA1c values. Although 98.8% reported providing patient education practices, only 47.4% performed routine foot assessments. Greater clinical experience was associated with better application of knowledge in practice. CONCLUSION: Indian physiotherapists demonstrate positive attitudes toward diabetic foot care; however, gaps remain in formal training and consistent clinical practice persist. Strengthening structured education and developing standardized clinical guidelines are essential to improve practice.
Effect of Retreatment Protocols on the Push-Out Bond Strength of Hydraulic Calcium Silicate Cement in Open-Apex Teeth.
Seyedforootan F, Shokouhinejad N, Hamidzadeh F
ScientificWorldJournal · 2026 · PMID 42321992 · Full text
OBJECTIVES: During retreatment, complete removal of previous obturation materials is essential, as remnants may compromise adhesion. This study evaluated the effect of four retreatment protocols on the push-out bond stre...
OBJECTIVES: During retreatment, complete removal of previous obturation materials is essential, as remnants may compromise adhesion. This study evaluated the effect of four retreatment protocols on the push-out bond strength of RetroMTA (BioMTA, Seoul, Korea), a fast-setting calcium silicate-based material, used as an apical barrier in teeth with open apices that had been previously obturated with gutta-percha and AH26 sealer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty extracted single-rooted human teeth were instrumented and obturated using lateral condensation and then stored in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) at 37°C for 4 weeks. Specimens were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 15): mechanical retreatment, mechanical retreatment with passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI), chloroform-assisted retreatment, and chloroform-assisted retreatment with PUI. After retreatment, the apical 5 mm of each canal was obturated with RetroMTA and stored for another 4 weeks. Push-out bond strength was measured using a universal testing machine. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA. The significance level was set at α = 0.05. RESULTS: Chloroform use did not significantly affect the push-out bond strength of RetroMTA (p = 0.349). In contrast, PUI significantly increased bond strength regardless of solvent use (p < 0.001). No significant interaction was observed between chloroform and PUI. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this ex vivo study, PUI significantly enhanced the bond strength of RetroMTA to root dentin, whereas chloroform provided no additional benefit.
Exploring the In Vitro Antibacterial Properties of Milicia regia and Entandrophragma angolensis: Insight Into Their Antibiofilm and Efflux Pump Inhibitory Activities.
Korsah S, Ofori M, Aboagyewaah MO … +6 more , Geoffrey K, Boateng MO, Korsah J, Tagoe M, Ninkyi T, Danquah CA
ScientificWorldJournal · 2026 · PMID 42321988 · Full text
INTRODUCTION: Biofilms are breeding grounds for adapted and acquired antibiotic resistance through increased efflux activities and horizontal gene transfer. Medicinal plants are sources of antimicrobial agents for the tr...
INTRODUCTION: Biofilms are breeding grounds for adapted and acquired antibiotic resistance through increased efflux activities and horizontal gene transfer. Medicinal plants are sources of antimicrobial agents for the treatment of bacterial, parasitic, and fungal infections. AIM: In this research, we examined antimicrobial, antibiofilm, and efflux pump inhibition activity of the methanolic extracts of the stem barks of Milicia regia and Entandrophragma angolensis. METHODS: Crude methanolic extracts were assessed using three distinct assays: the high-throughput spot culture growth inhibition (HT-SPOTi) assay for bacterial growth inhibition, a crystal violet-based antibiofilm screening assay to quantify their biofilm‑inhibitory activity and the ethidium bromide accumulation assay for evaluating changes in bacterial cell membrane permeability against Mycobacterium smegmatis, Mycobacterium aurum, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. RESULTS: The preliminary qualitative phytochemical screening suggested the presence of tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids, glycosides, alkaloids, and saponins. The minimum inhibitory concentrations for extracts against S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, M. aurum, and M. smegmatis were 250, 125, 500, and 250 μg/mL, respectively, and for E. angolensis: 125, 125, 500, and 500 μg/mL, respectively. Both plants displayed significant (∗∗∗ρ < 0.005) biofilm inhibition activities against all bacteria with the highest inhibition recorded in S. aureus: M. regia, E. angolensis, and the reference drug ciprofloxacin were 73%, 62%, and 79%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The extracts produced marked antiefflux pump effects against S.aureus and P. aeruginosa. This study established the antibacterial, antibiofilm, and efflux pump inhibitory capacities of M. regia and E. angolensis and provides the rationale for their folkloric uses in the treatment of infections.
Enhancing Histological Visualization of Tooth and Bone Ground Sections Using Terminalia chebula Stain: A Comparative Analysis.
Ramu S, Shinde YS, Chandavarkar V
ScientificWorldJournal · 2026 · PMID 42313465 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Visualization of mineralized tissues such as tooth and bone in ground sections is widely used for histological studies. However, unstained ground sections often provide limited contrast and obscure microscopi...
BACKGROUND: Visualization of mineralized tissues such as tooth and bone in ground sections is widely used for histological studies. However, unstained ground sections often provide limited contrast and obscure microscopic details. Natural plant-based stains have been explored as cost-effective and safer alternatives to synthetic dyes. Terminalia chebula, rich in tannins and polyphenolic compounds, has shown potential staining affinity for hard tissues. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to evaluate the staining efficacy of T. chebula on ground sections of tooth and bone by comparing stained and unstained sections, and to assess contrast, structural detail, and observer acceptance under stereomicroscope and compound microscope. METHODS: Forty extracted normal teeth and 40 bone samples from human skulls were prepared into thin ground sections (~50 μm). Each section was initially observed unstained (Group 2) and then stained with T. chebula extract for 4 h (Group 1). Photomicrographs were taken under both microscopes and evaluated by blinded oral pathologists and students for contrast, structural detail, and acceptance using standardized grading and scoring systems. RESULTS: T. chebula staining significantly improved contrast in tooth sections under both stereomicroscope and compound microscope (p < 0.001). Enhanced visualization of enamel rods, dentinal tubules, and cementum was observed. Bone sections demonstrated improvement in contrast under stereomicroscopy; however, under compound microscopy, unstained bone sections showed relatively higher Grade 1 contrast. Improvements in structural detail were more pronounced in tooth sections than bone sections. Observer acceptance was significantly higher for stained tooth sections (p < 0.001), whereas moderate but significant improvement was noted for bone sections. CONCLUSION: T. chebula stain enhances contrast and improves visualization of microstructural features in tooth ground sections, supporting its potential as an effective and economical adjunct for teaching and research in dental histology. Further studies are required to optimize staining protocols and to evaluate its broader applicability, particularly in bone specimens.
Artificial Intelligence in East African Agriculture: A Systematic Review of Applications, Adoption, and Implications for Smallholder Farmers.
Shitaye Z, Embyale MA, Nega TA … +2 more , Gidelew GE, Mohammed M
ScientificWorldJournal · 2026 · PMID 42313460 · Full text
Artificial intelligence (AI) has evolved over several decades and is increasingly recognized as a transformative tool for improving agricultural productivity, resilience, and access to information, particularly in smallh...
Artificial intelligence (AI) has evolved over several decades and is increasingly recognized as a transformative tool for improving agricultural productivity, resilience, and access to information, particularly in smallholder farming systems such as those in East Africa. This systematic literature review synthesizes existing evidence on the applications, adoption dynamics, implications, and policy considerations of AI in East African agriculture over the period 1985-2025. The study follows PRISMA guidelines and draws on peer-reviewed articles, conference papers, and institutional reports retrieved from major academic databases, including Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. A thematic analysis approach was used to organize and interpret the findings. The review shows that early developments in AI-related agricultural technologies were limited and largely experimental, but advancements in digital technologies, mobile connectivity, remote sensing, and data analytics have significantly expanded AI applications in recent years. Key application areas identified include AI-powered advisory services, precision agriculture, crop and pest monitoring, financial and market intelligence, and climate-smart agriculture. These technologies support farmers by enabling real-time, data-driven decision-making, improving resource use efficiency, and enhancing access to agricultural information and markets. Despite these advancements, the adoption of AI among smallholder farmers in East Africa remains relatively low and uneven. The review identifies several factors influencing adoption, including education, digital literacy, access to extension services, infrastructure availability, income levels, and institutional support. Major barriers include limited rural infrastructure, high costs, inadequate digital skills, weak integration with extension systems, and data-related constraints. Although AI offers promising benefits in terms of productivity, information access, and inclusivity, concerns remain regarding digital inequality, affordability, data privacy, and potential exclusion of marginalized groups. From a policy perspective, the study underscores the importance of strengthening digital infrastructure, investing in capacity building, enhancing extension services, and promoting inclusive public-private partnerships to support the effective deployment of AI technologies. Overall, the review concludes that although AI has significant potential to transform East African agriculture, its impact depends on addressing systemic constraints and ensuring that technologies are accessible, affordable, and aligned with the needs of smallholder farmers. The study also identifies research gaps and suggests future directions for advancing AI integration in the region.
Integrated Phytochemical, Pharmacological, and In Silico Evaluation of the Methanolic Extract of Cayratia trifolia Leaves: Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Analgesic Activities.
Jubayda N, Ahsan MT, Alam MK … +3 more , Mousumi TSF, Maharaj TA, Arman M
ScientificWorldJournal · 2026 · PMID 42313433 · Full text
Cayratia trifolia is traditionally used for treating pain, inflammation, and oxidative disorders, yet comprehensive experimental and computational validation of its pharmacological potential remains limited. The aim of t...
Cayratia trifolia is traditionally used for treating pain, inflammation, and oxidative disorders, yet comprehensive experimental and computational validation of its pharmacological potential remains limited. The aim of this study is to investigate the phytochemical profile and evaluate antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic activities of methanolic and n-hexane fractions of C. trifolia leaves using integrated in vitro, in vivo, and in silico approaches. Leaves were extracted with methanol and fractionated via a modified Kupchan method. Phytochemical screening, DPPH radical scavenging, HRBC membrane stabilization, carrageenan-induced paw edema, acetic acid-induced writhing, and tail immersion assays were performed. In silico analysis included PASS prediction, ADME/T profiling, and molecular docking of 40 previously documented GC-MS compounds against COX-2 (PDB: 6COX, 1CX2, 5IKR, and 1CQE) and CYP2C9 (PDB: 1OG5 and 4L7B) protein targets. Methanolic extract demonstrated potent antioxidant activity (IC = 2.69 μg/mL) and 87.46% HRBC membrane stabilization. Significant anti-inflammatory effects were observed in vivo through reduced paw edema. The n-hexane fraction produced notable analgesic responses, inhibiting writhing by 21.84% and increasing reaction time in the tail immersion test by 59.44% ( p < 0.0001). In silico analyses identified multiple bioactive compounds-especially 2-cyclohexylethyl isobutyl ester and lup-20(29)-en-3-yl acetate-with binding affinities surpassing diclofenac, aspirin, and ascorbic acid, along with favourable ADME/T profiles. The combined experimental and computational findings indicate that C. trifolia contains phytoconstituents with strong therapeutic potential. Its methanolic fraction, supported by in silico validation, represents a promising source for developing natural antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic lead molecules.
In Silico Study of 17-DMAG Derivatives: Integrating QSAR, Molecular Docking, Molecular Dynamics, and ADME Analysis.
Eljach-Cordoba V, Ahumedo-Monterrosa M, Piermattey-Ditta J … +2 more , Mercado-Camargo J, Anaya-Gil J
ScientificWorldJournal · 2026 · PMID 42310936 · Full text
The Hsp90 protein is crucial for cancer cell survival by regulating essential processes such as cell division, proteostasis, and the correct folding of proteins, including transcriptional factors, growth factors, and kin...
The Hsp90 protein is crucial for cancer cell survival by regulating essential processes such as cell division, proteostasis, and the correct folding of proteins, including transcriptional factors, growth factors, and kinases. Due to its therapeutic relevance, Hsp90 has become a target for developing anticancer drugs. In this in silico study, a 2D-QSAR analysis was performed with geldanamycin derivatives, 33 of these selected for the training set, obtaining a model with predictive parameters (R = 0.710, Q = 0.626, F = 17.060). The test set of 10 compounds reached an external R of 0.610. Additionally, a molecular docking between geldanamycin derivatives and Hsp90 was carried out using the AutoDock4.2 program; the best candidates were selected according to their binding energy and ligand efficacy to form complexes, and the interactions were analyzed. The protein-ligand complexes with the best binding energy were subjected to 100-ns molecular dynamics simulations to evaluate the stability of the complexes as a function of time, and the binding free energies were calculated for each complex. Finally, an ADME analysis was performed using SwissADME, allowing the design of new ligands with improved binding affinity and optimized pharmacokinetic properties compared to their predecessors for developing Hsp90 inhibitors.
A Systematic Review on the Phytoremediation Potential of Grass Species in Ethiopia.
Yihune E, Mekonnen AB, Yemata G
ScientificWorldJournal · 2026 · PMID 42287027 · Full text
Environmental contamination has shown an increasing trend due to urbanization, industrialization, and the intensive use of pesticides and fertilizers in Ethiopia. In response to this, phytoremediation has gained attentio...
Environmental contamination has shown an increasing trend due to urbanization, industrialization, and the intensive use of pesticides and fertilizers in Ethiopia. In response to this, phytoremediation has gained attention as an inexpensive and eco-friendly approach to the protection of soil, water, and air from contamination. However, scientific works that reviewed studies in the area are scarce. Thus, this review is aimed at compiling findings and evaluating the potential role of grass in phytoremediation in Ethiopia. Information of this type was retrieved from international scientific databases of Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Keywords include "native grasses," "phytoremediation," "Ethiopia," and "heavy metals." The data was extracted on the grass species, the phytoremediation mechanism, the bioaccumulation factor, the translocation factor, biomass production, growth rate, and others. This systematic review attempts to gather articles on grasses used for phytoremediation in Ethiopia. Following PRISMA guidelines, relevant keywords were used to search articles. A total of 17 grass species have been recognized for their phytoremediation ability. The results found that grass species such as Chrysopogon zizanioides, Rumex nepalensis, Chloris gayana, and Cyperus spp. are highly used for phytoremediation. This review confirms that Ethiopia's indigenous grassland is a precious and still relatively underexploited resource for developing cost-effective environmental improvement practices. Thus, it is highly recommended that future efforts focus on large-scale in situ field trials using grass species and explore methods to maximize remediation effectiveness.
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