Health Sciences Journal

GREEN-SYNTHESIZED AZADIRACHTA INDICA–MEDIATED AGNPS WITH PHYSICOCHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION AND ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY AGAINST DENTAL PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA

2026-01-26T22:29:59-07:00

The growing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in opportunistic bacteria, especially Pseudomonas aeruginosa, poses a serious challenge in both dental and broader clinical environments. Objectives: In response to this issue, green nanotechnology—particularly plant-mediated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs)—has gained attention as an eco-friendly and biocompatible antimicrobial strategy. This study aimed to synthesize silver nanoparticles using Azadirachta indica (neem) leaf extract and to assess their antibacterial efficacy against dental isolates of P. aeruginosa. Methodology: Silver nanoparticles were fabricated through a modified reduction approach in which A. indica leaf extract served simultaneously as a reducing and capping agent. The synthesized nanoparticles were extensively characterized using UV–visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS) to determine their structural, morphological, and physicochemical properties. Antibacterial activity was evaluated by agar well diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) assays at concentrations of 10, 20, and 30 μg/mL. A 0.2% chlorhexidine solution was employed as a positive control. Results: XRD patterns confirmed the crystalline structure of the AgNPs, with an estimated average crystallite size of 16.07 nm. FTIR analysis identified bio functional groups from neem extract involved in nanoparticle stabilization, while SEM imaging revealed predominantly hexagonal-shaped particles. UV–visible spectroscopy showed a distinct surface plasmon resonance peak at 238 nm, and DLS analysis indicated a hydrodynamic diameter of 144.22 nm. The neem-mediated AgNPs exhibited dose-dependent antibacterial activity against P. aeruginosa, with mean inhibition zones of 12 ± 1.13 mm, 14 ± 2.05 mm, and 17 ± 1.15 mm at 10, 20, and 30 μg/mL, respectively. Notably, the antibacterial effect at 30 μg/mL was comparable to that of chlorhexidine (18 ± 1.46 mm). Conclusion: This study demonstrates that A. indica–derived silver nanoparticles possess significant antibacterial potential against P. aeruginosa. Their strong activity, coupled with a green and sustainable synthesis approach, suggests that these nanoparticles could serve as a promising alternative to conventional antimicrobials however, further in vivo studies and comprehensive toxicity evaluations are necessary before clinical or dental applications can be considered.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN COMMUNITY BASED REHABILITATION: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

2025-11-09T10:26:47-07:00

Background: Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) is a strategy to promote inclusion, independence, and participation for people with disabilities, particularly in low-resource settings. In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has been increasingly used in clinical rehabilitation; however, its integration into community contexts remains limited. Objective: This systematic review aimed to identify and synthesize recent evidence on the use of AI technologies within CBR. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect for articles published from January 2020 to July 2025. Eligible studies included empirical research applying AI in CBR contexts. Two reviewers independently screened, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias using RoB2, ROBINS-I, PROBAST, and QUADAS-2. Results: From 842 identified records, 10 studies met inclusion criteria. Applications of AI in CBR were grouped into prediction and screening, home-based or remote rehabilitation, patient empowerment, and social support. Reported benefits included improved cognition, sarcopenia reversal, frailty and depression screening, diabetes self-management, and smoking cessation. Socially assistive robots were found acceptable and useful in supporting daily activities and emotional well-being. Limitations across studies included small samples, short follow-up, limited external validation, and a focus on technologically literate populations. Conclusion: AI shows considerable potential to strengthen the accessibility, personalization, and effectiveness of CBR. Future research should focus on large-scale, long-term studies with diverse populations and explore strategies for equitable, sustainable integration of AI into community rehabilitation services.

SEROPREVALENCE OF BRUCELLOSIS AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS IN ABBATOIR WORKERS IN DISTRICT D I KHAN, KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA, PAKISTAN

2026-03-01T16:27:37-07:00

ABSTRACT:

Background:
Brucellosis is an emerging and frequently neglected zoonotic disease that remains a significant occupational and public health concern, particularly among individuals working in close contact with livestock. Abattoir workers are at increased risk due to repeated exposure to infected animals and contaminated animal products. Aim: To determine the seroprevalence of brucellosis and identify associated demographic and occupational risk factors among abattoir workers in Dera Ismail Khan district. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted across three tehsils of Dera Ismail Khan district. A total of 300 male abattoir workers were selected using stratified random sampling. Data were collected through a structured and modified questionnaire covering demographic and occupational variables. Blood samples were obtained and initially screened using the Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT), followed by confirmation using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) to detect IgG and IgM antibodies. Statistical analysis was performed to estimate seroprevalence and assess associated risk factors using odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: The overall seroprevalence of brucellosis was 35.33% (106/300). Kulachi Abattoir showed the highest seropositivity (60.0%), followed by Dera Ismail Khan (30.0%) and Parova (27.8%). Workers aged 21–30 years had the highest seropositivity (35.0%), while prevalence declined in older age groups. Married workers demonstrated higher seropositivity (71.4%) compared to unmarried workers (28.6%). By occupation, slaughterers had the highest seropositivity (44.4%), whereas livestock sellers had the lowest (4.2%). ELISA results indicated that 67% of positive samples contained both IgG and IgM antibodies, suggesting evidence of both past and recent infections. Significant risk factors included slaughtering animals (OR 2.5), working with open wounds (OR 2.5), assisting in animal parturition (OR 2.5), and eating while working (OR 2.7). The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) was associated with reduced odds of seropositivity (OR 0.4). Conclusion: The study demonstrates a high seroprevalence of brucellosis among abattoir workers in Dera Ismail Khan district, with clear associations between infection and specific occupational exposures. Strengthening workplace biosecurity, promoting consistent PPE use, and implementing targeted health education programs are essential to reduce occupational transmission and protect workers in high-risk settings.

Keywords: Human brucellosis, Public Health, abattoir workers, risk factor