ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | May 18, 2026
Ethnobotanical Use of Medicinal Plants to Induce Labor in the Province of Taza (Morocco): Prevalence, Practices, Complications, and Public Health Implications
HINDA Abdelhakim, TALHIK Daoud, HASSAINE Mohamed, TADLAOUI Yasmina, LAMSAOURI Jamal, BERDI Fadoua, BOUSLIMAN Yassir
Page no 317-325 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjmps.2026.v12i05.007
Introduction: The use of medicinal plants for obstetric purposes is common in rural areas of Morocco. Some species may have uterotonic effects or pose risks during pregnancy, but local data remain limited. Objectives: To document the prevalence and characteristics of plant use to induce labor in the province of Taza, to identify the species and modes of preparation, to describe reported complications, and to analyze associated sociodemographic factors. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from April to November 2024 among pregnant or breastfeeding women attending health centers in the province of Taza. Data were collected using a questionnaire administered by midwives and analyzed with SPSS v.21 (descriptive statistics; Pearson’s chi-square test for education level; Spearman’s rank correlation for age; significance threshold p < 0.05). Results: Of the 102 participants, 37.3% reported using plants to induce labor, accounting for 58 distinct recipes. The most frequently cited species were Cinnamomum verum J (cinnamon; 25 cases), Thymus vulgaris L. (thyme; 14 cases), Matricaria chamomilla L (chamomile), and Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (fenugreek). Preparations were mainly in the form of infusions and decoctions, with a few cases involving abdominal massage. Reported complications included uterine hemorrhage, intense contractions, rapid labor progression, and three spontaneous abortions associated with the consumption of cinnamon and/or fenugreek. Use was predominantly non-medicalized (94.3%), with family and social networks being the primary source of information (94.3%). The practice was significantly associated with lower educational level (χ² = 22.503; p < 0.001) and showed a negative correlation with age (rho = −0.485; p < 0.001). Conclusion: The use of plants to induce labor is frequent in Taza and is often practiced without medical supervision, potentially exposing women to obstetric risks. There is a need to strengthen community health education, systematically screen for traditional practices during antenatal consultations, and undertake targeted pharmacovigilance studies.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | May 18, 2026
Sleep Bruxism and Temporomandibular Disorders: A Comprehensive Review
Faisal Taiyebali Zardi, Velpula Nagalaxmi, Brajesh Gupta, Bachanavoni Prathibha Devi
Page no 174-176 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjodr.2026.v11i05.006
To review current evidence on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of sleep bruxism [SB] and its association with temporomandibular disorders [TMD]. A narrative review of recent literature was conducted, focusing on prevalence, diagnostic methods, clinical manifestations, and therapeutic strategies for SB and TMD. SB is increasingly recognized as a multifactorial condition with neurological, behavioral, and environmental determinants. Its frequent association with TMD complicates diagnosis and management. Advances in diagnostic technologies, including polysomnography, electromyography, and AI-assisted sleep analysis, have improved diagnostic precision. Management strategies include behavioral interventions, occlusal splints, pharmacologic options, and multidisciplinary care, with pediatric cases emphasizing conservative measures. SB and TMD are intricately linked conditions requiring a multidisciplinary diagnostic and therapeutic approach. Future research should focus on standardizing pediatric diagnostic criteria and assessing long-term outcomes of therapeutic interventions.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | May 18, 2026
Study of the Natural Regeneration of Paraberlinia bifololiata (Pellegrin) in the Congolese Rainforest (Case of the Yangambi Natural Forest, Democratic Republic of Congo)
Alain Shona Omokoko, Felly Kombozi Bamanga, Louison Osako Omelonga, Hippolyte Nshimba Seya Wa Malale, Dimanche Yenga Bombeku
Page no 300-306 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjls.2026.v11i05.002
This study was conducted in the Yangambi Biosphere Reserve, located in the Isangi district, 100 km west of the city of Yangambi, at 0°49′12″ N; 24°27′22″ E. To conduct this study, six one-hectare plots were established in Yangambi, within which seedlings of different height classes were measured and their x and y coordinates recorded. Each of the six plots contained a seed plant, except for plots 1 and 5. A total of 769 seedlings were recorded, averaging 128.1 stems/ha. Height class S1 had the highest number of individuals (358 stems across all six hectares, or 59.6 stems/ha) compared to the other classes, and their numbers decreased as the size of the individuals increased. The variability in the number of seedlings observed between plots confirms that there is a strong correlation (r ≈ 0.79), it is observed that plots with more seed trees generally have more seedlings; however, for dendrometric characteristics such as the diameter at breast height (DBH) of seed trees, which directly influences the abundance of seedlings under their canopy, the correlation is weak (r ≈ 0.27).
REVIEW ARTICLE | May 18, 2026
Artificial Intelligence as a Decision-Support Tool in the Management of Chronic Inflammatory Rhinosinusitis in Elderly Patients: A Scholarly Review
Zakaria El Hafi, Yassir EL Barri, Moad EL Mekkaoui, Zakaria Arkoubi, Razika Bencheikh, Mohamed Anass Benbouzid, Leila Essakalli
Page no 180-184 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjm.2026.v11i05.007
Background: Chronic inflammatory rhinosinusitis (CIRS) is a prevalent ENT condition whose burden is amplified in elderly patients by immunosenescence, polypharmacy, and atypical clinical presentations. Conventional management strategies show significant limitations in this population. Objective: To review the current evidence on artificial intelligence (AI) applications for the diagnosis, treatment planning, and follow-up of CIRS, with a focus on elderly-specific challenges and opportunities. Methods: A narrative review of the literature was conducted using PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. Search terms included “artificial intelligence,” “machine learning,” “deep learning,” “chronic rhinosinusitis,” “elderly,” and “decision support.” Articles published between 2013 and 2025 in English were included. Results: AI demonstrates significant potential across all phases of CIRS management: automated CT sinus segmentation, endoscopic polyp detection, biotherapy response prediction, post-FESS recurrence-risk modeling, and intelligent remote monitoring. In elderly patients, AI’s capacity to integrate comorbidities and detect atypical imaging patterns yields clinically meaningful advantages. Conclusion: AI represents a pivotal step toward precision medicine in elderly CIRS management. Widespread clinical integration requires rigorous validation on geriatric cohorts, ethical governance, and structured clinician training.
REVIEW ARTICLE | May 18, 2026
Emerging Trends in Biomimetic Dentistry: Materials and Clinical Applications
Astha Bhargava, Ajay Kumar Nagpal, Abhishek Sharma, Mutiur Rehman, Juhi Dubey, Seemran Panda, Himanshu Sharma
Page no 169-173 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjodr.2026.v11i05.005
Biomimetic restorative dentistry (BRD), a paradigm change from conventional dental techniques, aims to restore damaged teeth by mimicking their natural appearance, functionality, and structure. This multidisciplinary discipline uses biological processes as inspiration to develop cutting-edge dental treatments that blend in perfectly with the natural tissues of teeth. In contrast to conventional techniques, which frequently entail significant tooth reduction and the use of inflexible, incompatible materials, BRD places a higher priority on maintaining healthy tooth structure, which improves the endurance, durability, and aesthetics of restorations. This review examines the basic concepts, range of materials, state-of-the-art clinical techniques, and creative applications of biomimetics in dentistry.
REVIEW ARTICLE | May 18, 2026
Autogenous Ridge Augmentation: Decision-Making in Horizontal and Vertical Ridge Augmentation and Evidence-Based Approaches to Alveolar Ridge Reconstruction
Samir Mansuri
Page no 177-182 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjodr.2026.v11i05.007
Alveolar ridge deficiency following tooth extraction, trauma, periodontal disease, and long-term edentulism presents a major challenge in implant rehabilitation. Adequate bone volume is essential for ideal implant positioning, long-term osseointegration, esthetic success, and functional stability. Autogenous bone grafting continues to be regarded as the gold standard in ridge augmentation because of its osteogenic, osteoinductive, and osteoconductive properties. However, contemporary regenerative dentistry has introduced multiple evidence-based approaches that improve the predictability of horizontal and vertical ridge reconstruction while reducing morbidity and graft resorption. This review discusses the biologic basis of alveolar ridge resorption and critically evaluates current decision-making principles in horizontal and vertical ridge augmentation. Various reconstructive modalities including guided bone regeneration, autogenous block grafting, shell techniques, titanium mesh-assisted augmentation, distraction osteogenesis, and biologically enhanced regenerative procedures are analyzed with emphasis on clinical indications, advantages, limitations, and evidence-based outcomes. Horizontal ridge augmentation procedures generally demonstrate greater predictability and lower complication rates compared with vertical reconstruction, which remains surgically demanding because of limited vascularity, soft tissue tension, and graft instability. Recent evidence supports the use of combination grafting protocols involving autogenous bone and slowly resorbing biomaterials to enhance dimensional stability and reduce postoperative resorption. Digital technologies including cone-beam computed tomography, CAD/CAM-guided reconstruction, and customized titanium meshes have further improved surgical precision and treatment outcomes. Successful alveolar ridge reconstruction depends on careful defect analysis, individualized treatment planning, biologic principles, and meticulous soft tissue management. Contemporary evidence indicates that autogenous ridge augmentation remains the most reliable option for complex alveolar reconstruction despite ongoing advances in biomaterials and tissue engineering.
REVIEW ARTICLE | May 16, 2026
Digitalization and the Justiciability of Industrial Design Rights under Annex IV of the Bangui Agreement
Ndiwum Elvin Fuwain, Dashaco John Tambutoh, Fon Fielding Forsuh
Page no 143-154 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sijlcj.2026.v09i05.001
Modern technology and digitalization have not merely reshaped the landscape of industrial design protection and the enhancement of justice under Annex IV of the Bangui Agreement; they have redefined the very conditions under which design rights can be asserted, challenged, and judicially enforced. As modern creative arts have migrated into virtual spaces, so has infringement become instantaneous and borderless, and as evidence increasingly takes digital form, the Justiciability of industrial design rights stands at a crossroads. This raises questions about the validity of design registrations, cross-border enforcement, and the evidentiary standards for proving infringement, which are central to determining whether a design dispute is suitable for judicial resolution. In response to these concerns, this paper examines the effectiveness of Annex IV in providing justiciable grounds for design owners to bring claims before adjudication bodies. Employing a doctrinal research method, it concludes that the Justiciability of industrial design rights is significantly challenged by technological advancements. This is because it is difficult to identify online infringers, secure digital evidence, and expedite action in cross-border online marketplaces, which allow counterfeiters to reach consumers quickly. It recommends, inter alia, recalibrating Annex IV to include modalities for digital filing, adopting a new substantive approach to examining designs during registration, strengthening inter-agency cooperation, training judicial personnel in forensic evidence, and ensuring legislative alignment with other regional and international standards.