ScientificaPub Date : 2026-02-15eCollection Date: 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1155/sci5/9862553
Mequanente Dagnaw, Eden Hailu, Suleyman Mohammed Arage
{"title":"Assessment of the Effect of School Feeding on Dropout Rate in Kolfe Keranio Public Primary School, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A Quasi-Experimental Study.","authors":"Mequanente Dagnaw, Eden Hailu, Suleyman Mohammed Arage","doi":"10.1155/sci5/9862553","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/sci5/9862553","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>School feeding programs aim to reduce children's immediate hunger and improve health and education outcomes. The study will apply trend analysis to investigate the changes in dropout rate before and after implementing the school feeding program. However, there is limited data on the effect of school feeding programs on dropout rates in Addis Ababa, especially in the study area.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>The objective of the study was to assess the effect of the school feeding program on the dropout rate in Kolfe Keranio subcity, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2024<b>.</b></p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Quantitative research approaches were employed to investigate the problem. Twenty-three primary schools, from grade one to grade 8, were included in the research. A school roster document was a source of quantitative data. A statistical test, a one-group pretest-post-test design, was used to measure the differences in dropout rate before and after the program's implementation.</p><p><strong>Result: </strong>The results of the retrospective study revealed that each year's female students had a higher dropout rate than male students before as well as after the implementation of the school feeding program. Concerning the trend from 2009 to 2015, the dropout rate decreased from 3.18% to 0.91% from 2009 to 2012 (before school feeding implementation), and an up-and-down trend was observed from 2012 to 2015 (after school feeding program implementation). However, the magnitude of the dropout rate was lower from 2012 to 2015, which indicates that the after-school feeding program had started. The paired sample <i>T</i>-test also identifies that the decreased trend in dropout was really due to the school feeding program implementation.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Based on the findings, the following recommendations were forwarded for Kolfe Keranio subcity for each woreda educational office and each public primary school needed to make a proactive effort to decrease the dropout rate by bringing out-of-school children into schools by advocating the benefits of the SFSIS program, and SFSIS implementers, with the help of educational planners, should set up more effective monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to provide all the SFSIS program components.</p>","PeriodicalId":21726,"journal":{"name":"Scientifica","volume":"2026 ","pages":"9862553"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-02-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12907255/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146214044","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Chemopreventive Effects of Lycopene in miR-21 Knockout and Wild-Type Pancreatic Cancer Cells.","authors":"Basak Dalbayrak, Burcu Taluğ Taştan, Tuğçe Temel, Pinar Obakan Yerlikaya, Pinar Uysal Onganer, Elif Damla Arisan","doi":"10.1155/sci5/8865270","DOIUrl":"10.1155/sci5/8865270","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal malignancies, characterized by late diagnosis, rapid progression, and resistance to conventional therapies. The oncogenic microRNA miR-21 is frequently upregulated in pancreatic tumors and contributes to tumor growth, migration, and chemoresistance by targeting tumor suppressor genes. Lycopene, a naturally occurring carotenoid with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, has shown promise as a chemopreventive agent in several cancer types. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of lycopene in human pancreatic cancer cell lines (PANC-1 and MIA PaCa-2) and their miR-21 knockout counterparts. Treatment with 50 μM lycopene significantly reduced cell viability, colony formation, migration, and spheroid integrity and decreased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, with more pronounced effects in miR-21-deficient cells. These findings highlight the role of miR-21 in modulating lycopene sensitivity and support the potential of lycopene as an adjunctive therapeutic agent in pancreatic cancer.</p>","PeriodicalId":21726,"journal":{"name":"Scientifica","volume":"2026 ","pages":"8865270"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-02-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12901648/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146201985","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
ScientificaPub Date : 2026-02-12eCollection Date: 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1155/sci5/6656174
Tun Yi Darren Ong, Wei Nee Lim, Li Jia Ong, Ju Wen Lim, Gursimrendeep Kaur, Anchu Rachel Thomas, Venkata Bharatwaj Narasu
{"title":"Comparison of the Effectiveness of Grape Seed Extract and Low-Level Laser Therapy in the Management of Dentin Hypersensitivity: A Randomized Controlled Trial.","authors":"Tun Yi Darren Ong, Wei Nee Lim, Li Jia Ong, Ju Wen Lim, Gursimrendeep Kaur, Anchu Rachel Thomas, Venkata Bharatwaj Narasu","doi":"10.1155/sci5/6656174","DOIUrl":"10.1155/sci5/6656174","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To evaluate the effectiveness of grape seed extract (GSE) and its combination with low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in alleviating pain from dentin hypersensitivity (DH) compared to LLLT alone.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Patients aged 20-50 years with at least three sensitive teeth in different quadrants and baseline pain scores ≥ 2 on the visual analog scale (VAS) were recruited. Each tooth was randomly allocated to one of three groups: LLLT + placebo, GSE + placebo, or GSE + LLLT. Pain scores were recorded on Days 1, 3, and 7 using cold and air spray tests.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The GSE + LLLT group demonstrated the greatest reduction in pain sensitivity, showing a 72.8% decrease for air spray and 59.51% for the cold test at Day 3, compared to the LLLT or GSE groups alone. However, there were no statistically significant differences (<i>P</i> > 0.05) in pain score reduction among the groups at any time point.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The combination of GSE and LLLT may enhance early pain reduction in DH compared to individual treatments, but the improvement was not statistically significant. GSE presents a potentially feasible and patient-friendly alternative for DH management, warranting further clinical validation.</p><p><strong>Statistical analysis used: </strong>Data were collected and analyzed using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software program, Version 20.0 (IBM, Chicago, Illinois). General linear model-repeated measure ANOVA was carried out to assess the reduction in DH pain score among individual interventions and the comparison between the three interventions. The significance level was set at <i>p</i> < 0.05.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>While GSE combined with LLLT showed the greatest numerical reduction in DH pain scores, the difference was not statistically significant. Further large-scale studies are recommended to confirm the clinical benefits of this combination.</p><p><strong>Trial registration: </strong>ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05927831.</p>","PeriodicalId":21726,"journal":{"name":"Scientifica","volume":"2026 ","pages":"6656174"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-02-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12901653/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146202139","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
ScientificaPub Date : 2026-02-12eCollection Date: 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1155/sci5/8874791
Gul Asimullah Khan Nabi, Sajjad Hussain, Mati Ullah, Shohreh Azizi, Ilunga Kamika, Malik Maaza
{"title":"Kinetic Investigation of Photocatalytic Degradation of Methyl Orange Dye Using Mg-Doped Ag<sub>2</sub>O Nanoparticle.","authors":"Gul Asimullah Khan Nabi, Sajjad Hussain, Mati Ullah, Shohreh Azizi, Ilunga Kamika, Malik Maaza","doi":"10.1155/sci5/8874791","DOIUrl":"10.1155/sci5/8874791","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In the current research, the Mg-doped Ag<sub>2</sub>O nanoparticles were produced by the coprecipitation method. The characterization of the as-prepared nanoparticles was conducted through a series of techniques. SEM confirmed homogenous morphology of a sphere with minimal agglomeration. The band gap of Mg-AgO<sub>2</sub> was determined to be 2.6 eV. The materials were observed to possess a particle dimension of 23.87 nm. X-ray diffraction (EDX) proved that the substance is 97% Ag, 1.58% oxygen, and 1.42% Mg. The FTIR, PL, DRS, PZC, TEM, and XRD results proved that Mg-doped Ag<sub>2</sub>O nanoparticles were successfully doped. In this study, the first application of the synthesized Mg-doped Ag<sub>2</sub>O particles was studied for the decolorization of methyl orange in an aqueous solution. At ideal conditions of dye (30 ppm), neutral pH and the dosage of catalyst (0.4 g), 96.1% of decolorization was obtained in 150 min. The degradation was first order and the activation energy was found to be 13.19 kJ/mol. The recyclability of the material was studied, and it was confirmed that the material could be reused multiple times.</p>","PeriodicalId":21726,"journal":{"name":"Scientifica","volume":"2026 ","pages":"8874791"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-02-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12901649/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146202196","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Biochar: A Sustainable Solution for Mitigating Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Enhancing Soil Productivity-A Review.","authors":"Aruna Olasekan Adekiya, Ayibanoa Lekoo Ibaba, Timothy Oyebamiji Ogunbode, Olajire Damilola Adedokun","doi":"10.1155/sci5/5690423","DOIUrl":"10.1155/sci5/5690423","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Greenhouse gases (GHGs) resulting from human activities significantly impact crop production and agricultural sustainability, necessitating innovative solutions to mitigate their effects. One promising approach is employing biochar for GHG mitigation, providing a potential means to offset emissions and enhance crop productivity sustainably. We conducted a comprehensive review by sourcing reputable academic research from various search engines, focusing on terms such as biochar, methane (CH<sub>4</sub>), carbon dioxide (CO<sub>2</sub>), nitrous oxide (N<sub>2</sub>O), GHG, soil organic carbon, agricultural land and cropland. The whole review was divided into three major portions: GHGs, the effect of GHG emission on crop productivity and biochar as an agent of GHG mitigation and further subtopics were designed under each. The review revealed that GHG emissions, including CO<sub>2</sub>, CH<sub>4</sub> and N<sub>2</sub>O, detrimentally affect crop productivity, posing a serious threat to global food security. Studies demonstrated that biochar aids in mitigating atmospheric CO<sub>2</sub> by sequestration of C. Studies also demonstrated that biochar can positively influence soil physical properties, such as reducing bulk density and enhancing soil moisture, potentially leading to a decrease in soil N<sub>2</sub>O emissions. The decrease in soil N<sub>2</sub>O emissions was due to the maintenance of optimal oxygen levels in the soil by biochar. Biochar has been utilized to mitigate methane (CH<sub>4</sub>) emissions. The reduction in CH<sub>4</sub> due to biochar can be linked to the inhibitory effect of biochar chemicals on soil methanogens. However, further research and widespread adoption of biochar use are imperative to fully realize its global potential.</p>","PeriodicalId":21726,"journal":{"name":"Scientifica","volume":"2026 ","pages":"5690423"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-02-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12883893/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146158325","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
ScientificaPub Date : 2026-02-04eCollection Date: 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1155/sci5/1079290
Sadia Afroz Shoily, Mst Shahnaj Parvin, Mohsin Kazi, Aqibul Hasan Aqib, Md Sabbir Hossain, Rasel Ahmed, Rafat Hossain Rafi, Jaytirmoy Barmon, Mohammad N Uddin, Md Ekramul Islam
{"title":"Phytochemical Profiling and Computational Docking Studies Revealing the Potential Anticancer and Antioxidant Properties of <i>Heliotropium indicum</i> L.","authors":"Sadia Afroz Shoily, Mst Shahnaj Parvin, Mohsin Kazi, Aqibul Hasan Aqib, Md Sabbir Hossain, Rasel Ahmed, Rafat Hossain Rafi, Jaytirmoy Barmon, Mohammad N Uddin, Md Ekramul Islam","doi":"10.1155/sci5/1079290","DOIUrl":"10.1155/sci5/1079290","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study explores the anticancer and antioxidant potential of <i>Heliotropium indicum</i> L. through integrated phytochemical, biological, and computational approaches. GC-MS analysis identified phenol, 3,5-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl) as a major constituent. The chloroform fraction (CHF) exhibited significant <i>in vivo</i> antitumor activity in an Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) model, showing 76.39% tumor growth inhibition, comparable to bleomycin (80.36%). CHF also demonstrated potent cytotoxicity (LC<sub>50</sub> = 28.96 μg/mL) in a brine shrimp assay and protected against AAPH-induced oxidative DNA damage. Molecular docking revealed strong binding of key compounds to topoisomerase II, supported by stable molecular dynamics simulations and favorable MM-PBSA binding energies. These findings highlight <i>H. indicum</i> as a promising source of anticancer and antioxidant agents, warranting further mechanistic and preclinical investigation.</p>","PeriodicalId":21726,"journal":{"name":"Scientifica","volume":"2026 ","pages":"1079290"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-02-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12872038/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146126328","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
ScientificaPub Date : 2026-01-29eCollection Date: 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1155/sci5/2960393
Maryam Janatolmakan, Shahab Rezaeian, Ali Soroush, Mahnaz Ghowsi, Alireza Khatony
{"title":"Prevalence and Determinants of Fast Food Consumption Among Medical Sciences Students in Kermanshah, Iran.","authors":"Maryam Janatolmakan, Shahab Rezaeian, Ali Soroush, Mahnaz Ghowsi, Alireza Khatony","doi":"10.1155/sci5/2960393","DOIUrl":"10.1155/sci5/2960393","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Recent evidence highlights a concerning increase in fast food consumption among university students. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and determinants of fast food consumption among medical sciences students in Kermanshah, Iran. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 300 students selected through the stratified random sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and a personal information form. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Version 18, applying both descriptive and inferential statistics, including an adjusted Poisson regression model to identify factors associated with fast food consumption. The findings showed that the prevalence of fast food consumption in the past week was 55.7%. Significant determinants included age (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 1.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.09-2.09, and <i>p</i> = 0.012) and education level (IRR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.75-0.97, and <i>p</i> = 0.018). No significant associations were found between fast food consumption and gender, marital status, or body mass index. The high prevalence of fast food consumption among these students raises important health concerns, reflecting unhealthy eating behaviors. Therefore, educating students about the benefits and risks of fast food consumption is essential. Moreover, improving access to healthy and nutritious food options is crucial to reduce dependence on fast food.</p>","PeriodicalId":21726,"journal":{"name":"Scientifica","volume":"2026 ","pages":"2960393"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12856062/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146107091","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Transforming Epilepsy Care: A Comprehensive Review of Technological Innovations, Artificial Intelligence Advancements, and Precision Tools for Enhanced Seizure Management and Patient Outcomes.","authors":"Mukul Shyam, Naincy Kaushal, Manish Yadav, Prathap Srirangan, Sabina Evan Prince","doi":"10.1155/sci5/5915062","DOIUrl":"10.1155/sci5/5915062","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by repeated, unprovoked seizures arising from abnormal electrical activity in the brain. The management of epilepsy presents several significant challenges. One of these challenges involves drug resistance, where seizures persist despite treatment with multiple antiepileptic drugs, requiring a tailored approach often involving complex medication regimens or alternative therapies. Additionally, antiepileptic medications can cause a range of side effects, from minor discomfort to severe complications, which can affect patient adherence and overall well-being. Accurate classification and diagnosis of seizures are crucial yet complex, potentially resulting in misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatments. These challenges can be addressed through the utilization of medical devices. A comprehensive assessment of medical apparatuses is utilized in the management of epilepsy, focusing on both implanted and non-invasive technologies. This examination encompasses implanted devices, such as neuromodulators, which are surgically inserted to address seizures in individuals with epilepsy who are resistant to pharmaceutical treatment, as well as noninvasive devices, including wearable technologies and mobile applications. These noninvasive devices enhance seizure detection and monitoring by leveraging advancements in electroencephalography, allowing for real-time data collection. Consequently, there has been an improvement in diagnostic precision and the facilitation of tailored treatment approaches.</p>","PeriodicalId":21726,"journal":{"name":"Scientifica","volume":"2026 ","pages":"5915062"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12854098/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146107035","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
ScientificaPub Date : 2026-01-21eCollection Date: 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1155/sci5/4884890
Pawan Karki, Shambhu Dangal, Edwin Cedamon
{"title":"Exploring the Volume Paradox: Comparing Different Formulas for Estimating the Wood Volume of Trees and Logs in Nepal.","authors":"Pawan Karki, Shambhu Dangal, Edwin Cedamon","doi":"10.1155/sci5/4884890","DOIUrl":"10.1155/sci5/4884890","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Accurate estimation of tree and log volume plays a pivotal role in a wide range of applications within the field of forestry, especially in biomass assessment and forest management. The effectiveness and applicability of formulas for volume estimation have recently become a topic of extensive deliberation among forestry officials and a diverse array of stakeholders. This study conducts a comparative analysis between the Huber and allometric equation with the Quarter girth formula and a formula based on form factor to estimate the volume of standing trees and logs. Field measurements of 168 felled trees in coupes and randomly selected 1192 logs were examined in this study. The findings of the study revealed a decrease of approximately 0.8% in timber volume and a substantial increase of 78.6% in firewood volume while adopting the allometric equation when compared to the formula based on form factor. Similarly, the application of Huber's formula resulted in a 27.34% increase in volume compared to the Quarter girth formula. ANOVA demonstrated highly significant differences in the average volume per tree among the four formulas (<i>p</i> value = 0.00004) for both standing tree and log volume, and further analysis using Tukey's HSD indicated that the Quarter girth and form factor-based formula for standing trees differed significantly from the allometric equation for standing timber, while other formula combinations did not show significant differences. Timber losses in the felling and bucking stage with the Quarter girth and Huber formula were 37.06% and 19.86%, respectively. Moreover, paired <i>t</i>-test at 5% level of significance revealed that there was a significant loss in both tree felling using both formulas.</p>","PeriodicalId":21726,"journal":{"name":"Scientifica","volume":"2026 ","pages":"4884890"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12820573/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146030777","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Mineral Composition, Physicochemical Characteristics, and Antioxidant and Antibacterial Properties of Oil Extracted From Moroccan Bitter Apricot Kernels.","authors":"Mohamed Amine El Hajjaji, Kawtar Fikri-Benbrahim, Najoua Soulo, Younesse El-Byari, Zineb Benziane Ouaritini","doi":"10.1155/sci5/7461290","DOIUrl":"10.1155/sci5/7461290","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Apricot kernels, often regarded as by-products, are a valuable source of oils and bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, which have applications in pharmacology, the food industry, and cosmetology. This study aimed to address the research gaps regarding the nutritional and functional potential of Moroccan bitter apricot kernels (BAKs) by analyzing their mineral composition and evaluating the physicochemical, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties of their oil. The mineral composition of the kernels was analyzed using ICP-AES. The physicochemical properties of BAK oil, including density (D), acid value (AV), saponification number (SN), iodine value (IV), refractive index (RI), and peroxide value (PV), were evaluated. The total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were estimated using the Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride colorimetric methods, respectively. The antioxidant potential was examined through 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) assays, and antibacterial activity was evaluated using disc diffusion and microdilution methods. Results showed that the apricot kernels are rich in essential minerals, with high amounts of potassium (184.75 ± 5.5 g/kg) and phosphorus (109.72 ± 2.5 g/kg). The physicochemical properties of the studied oil were as follows: D: 0.92 ± 0.001 g/cm<sup>3</sup>, AV: 0.65 ± 0.17 mg KOH/g of oil, SN: 187.15 ± 0.05 mg KOH/g of oil, IV: 95.5 ± 0.45 g I<sub>2</sub>/100 g of oil, RI: 1.470 ± 0.001, and PV: 0.98 ± 0.17 meq O<sub>2</sub>/kg of oil. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were 41 ± 0.5 mg GAE/100 g and 23.1 ± 0.2 mg QUE/100 g of oil, respectively. The DPPH IC<sub>50</sub> value was 6640 ± 0.32 μg/mL, and the TAC was 2.21 ± 0.12 mg AAE/g of oil. The highest antibacterial effect was observed against both Gram-positive bacterial strains, with a MIC value of 100 μL/mL. This study demonstrates that BAKs are a noteworthy oil source, offering promising opportunities for applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries.</p>","PeriodicalId":21726,"journal":{"name":"Scientifica","volume":"2026 ","pages":"7461290"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12816161/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146019590","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}