International Journal of Advanced Biological and Biomedical Research

Abstract Background: The baobab tree (Adansonia digitata L.) is a versatile tree, with edible fruits, seeds, leaves, and flowers. This study evaluated the physicochemical and polyphenolic properties, and health prospects of the seeds and pulp of Adansonia digitata L.
Materials and methods: The fruits of baobab were bought from a market in Tamale, Ghana. The fruits were processed to isolate the seeds from pulp. The portions used were the baobab pulp only (BPP), unroasted baobab seeds only (BSD), roasted baobab seeds only (RBSD), and baobab seeds and pulp combined (BPSD).
Results: The results from the fat content, protein content, crude fibre, and ash content showed that unroasted baobab seeds only (BSD) were higher compared to the baobab pulp only (BPP), roasted baobab seeds (RBSD), and baobab seeds and pulp combined (BPSD). The highest carbohydrate content of 73.02% was recorded for BSD and BPP. BPP had the highest tannin content of 18.44 mg/g, total flavonoid (2.05 mg/g), total phenolics (14.48 mg/g), and Vitamin C (5.37 g/100 g). BPP had a higher radical scavenging activity (DPPH) while BPSD had a higher peroxide scavenging activity. RBSD had the highest polyphenolic content more than the rest of the samples analyzed. All the samples had Ca, Mn, Zn, Fe, P, K, and Cu.
Conclusion: The baobab seeds and pulp contain antioxidants and, hence, can be utilized as a functional food constituent and additive. The seeds (roasted/unroasted), pulp and seeds (combined/uncombined) manifested nutritional and health prospects, although seed roasting had an added advantage.

Abstract management of fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda J. E. Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), success of the measure could be compromised by the prevailing environmental temperature since it significantly affects toxicity of insecticides and thus their efficacy. To determine the temperature-toxicity relationship in FAW, the effect of post-bioassays temperature (range, 15-35 °C) on the toxicity of eight insecticides from different classes was evaluated using a feeding bioassay method. From 20–35 °C, the toxicities of emamectin benzoate, lufenuron, imidacloprid, chlorpyrifos, and chlorantraniliprole increased 1.24, 1.31, 2.25, 2.29, and 3.46-fold (i.e. positive temperature coefficient), respectively, whereas the toxicities of methomyl, spinosad, and cypermethrin decreased 2.24, 3.17, and 3.95-fold (i.e. negative temperature coefficient), respectively.

Abstract Background: Shallot with the scientific name Allium hertifolium Boiss is one of the best-known plants in the Alliaceae family. In Iran, shallots have been used as food and medicine for a long time. Most chemical and biological studies on garlic and related Allium species have indeed predominantly focused on sulfur compounds because of their notable health benefits. Recently, however, there has been increasing interest in saponins. These water-soluble compounds are notable for their stability during cooking, which makes them particularly interesting for their potential health benefits. Saponins are being studied for their antioxidant properties, as well as their potential roles in reducing inflammation and boosting immune function. The main objective of this review was to evaluate some medicinal properties of Allium hirtifolium Boiss.
Method: To gather comprehensive information on Allium hirtifolium, the details on used plant parts were collected, therapeutic properties, pharmacological effects, indications, and dosage forms from data collection, library sources, written articles, and reference books. Further information, such as the plant’s form and description, planting methods, and planting times, was obtained through firsthand experience by cultivating seedlings at the Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Agriculture and Natural Resources Research and Education Center. This approach provided a well-rounded understanding of the plant’s uses and cultivation requirements.
Results: The biological activity of A. hirtifolium has been known since ancient times. Babylonians, Egyptians, Phoenicians, Greeks, and Romans used garlic as a remedy for intestinal diseases, respiratory infections, skin diseases, bacterial infections, worms, wounds and tumors. The effect of A. hirtifolium may be due to its antibacterial properties or its ability to block the formation of carcinogenic substances, halve the activation of carcinogenic substances, improve DNA repair, reduce cell proliferation or induce cell death. Epidemiological studies have shown that increased consumption of Allium spp. reduces the risk of prostate and stomach cancer, and this has been linked mainly to two main classes of compounds: the apolar sulfur compounds and the polar saponins. The compounds contained in A. hirtifolium have various beneficial biological effects such as antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-diabetic. Naringenin is the most important compound among the flavonoids, which has various pharmacological activities. In addition, the constituents of this plant play various roles in modulating signaling pathways to prevent cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Thus, A. hirtifolium and the compounds contained in this plant may be promising candidates for various diseases due to their diverse pharmacological activities.
Conclusion: Allium hirtifolium, a medicinal plant collected from natural habitats in Iran, is extensively utilized by the local population and in traditional medicine. It is valued for its anti-hemolytic effect, making it a suitable herbal supplement in human nutrition. The therapeutic benefits of A. hirtifolium are largely attributed to its antioxidant activity, which helps scavenge free radicals. By neutralizing these harmful agents, the plant may contribute to the prevention of various diseases associated with oxidative stress.

Abstract One of the optimization methods is dynamic programming. This study aimed to determine the effective structures on the rate of herd replacement and cow removal by optimizing the production system for mastitis and abortion. To optimize the production system for removing and keeping dairy cows from the statistics of incomes and expenses of 2023, the statistics related to mastitis and abortion associated with some industrial cattle farms in Ardabil City were used. The economic dairy farm system was divided into income and cost components. The MATLAB and an algorithm were designed to simulate the bio-economic system of a dairy cow herd. The abortion and mastitis in the low production group, the net present value increased up to the fourth abdomen, and then it started to decrease. In the medium and high production groups, the net present value for both abortion and mastitis has an increasing trend until the third abdomen, starts a decreasing trend. Likewise, keeping animals in the medium production group up to the fourth stomach and in the high production group up to the fifth stomach has an economic justification. The future value increases with increasıng in cow age and the lactation period. Mastitis and abortion can significantly reduce income and destroy the producer's capital. The optimum decision-making was concluded to keep livestock or remove it and estimate the financial loss of abortion and mastitis will improve reproduction and ultimately make the herd more profitable.

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the effect of different forms of selenium in the nutrition of Holstein suckling calves. This study was performed using 40 male and female Holstein calves with an average age of 1 to 8 days and an average weight of 39±6 kg with 4 treatments and 10 replications as a completely randomized block design. Experimental treatments include: 1) Selenium-free base diet (control), 2) Basic diet with 3 mg/kg nano-selenium micelles, 3) Basic diet with 3 mg/kg nano-selenium colloid, and 4) Basic diet with 3 mg/kg sodium selenite. During the experimental period, the starter diet was given to the calves freely as well as chopped dried hay from the age of 20 days. The results showed that using different forms of selenium could not significantly affect feed intake, daily weight gain, and feed conversion ratio during periods. Also, various forms supplementation of selenium did not significantly affect blood metabolites including glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, urea, albumin, total protein, and beta-hydroxybutyrate in suckling calves. The blood concentrations of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and superoxide dismutase could not make a significant difference by adding different forms of selenium in the suckling calves diet, while blood concentrations of glutathione peroxidase and catalase were significantly increased by adding nano-selenium micelles and selenium mineral form, respectively (P <0.05). Different forms of selenium did not change the withers height, in contrast to the heart girth and body length. It is generally concluded that nano-selenium micelles can improve the immune status of suckling calves.

Abstract Lactobacillus species, which are beneficial and non-pathogenic Gram-positive rods, are commonly found in the vaginal microbiota of healthy premenopausal women. These bacteria play a crucial role in maintaining vaginal health by producing substances that inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and incidence of Group B Streptococcus (GBS), a significant pathogen associated with neonatal infections and other health risks, among pregnant women in Wukari, a town in Taraba State, Nigeria. In addition, the study aimed to explore the ability of bacteriocins—antimicrobial peptides produced by Lactobacillus species—to inhibit a broad spectrum of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. To achieve this, a total of 50 samples were collected from pregnant women in Wukari. Out of these, 11 samples (22%) were found to be colonized by Group B Streptococcus, while 14 samples (28%) showed a positive response to Lactobacillus species, indicating the presence of beneficial bacteria capable of providing a protective effect. The study further examined the inhibitory effects of crude and partially purified bacteriocin-like inhibitory substances produced by Lactobacillus isolates on Group B Streptococcus. The results demonstrated that these inhibitory activities were most effective at 30 °C and an acidic pH of 5.5, suggesting optimal conditions for bacteriocin production or activity.

Abstract Biological synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) is a promising area of nanotechnology, combining both biological and chemical principles to create NPs with targeted properties. This method leverages the ability of biological systems such as microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, and algae) or plant extracts rich in phytochemicals to act as reducing and stabilizing agents in nanoparticle production. An additional advantage is that plant secondary metabolites, which act as synthetic agents in the process, also serve as capping agents, stabilizing the formed NPs. Moreover, NPs synthesized through green chemistry have little to no cytotoxicity compared to chemically synthesized NPs. This reduced toxicity makes them highly suitable for biomedical applications, particularly as efficient carriers for drug delivery in vivo. The biocompatibility of these NPs enhances their potential in medical treatments, including targeted therapies and drug delivery systems, offering safer alternatives for healthcare innovations. In this review, we examine the advancements in the green synthesis of nickel (Ni) and nickel oxide (NiO) nanoparticles (NPs) and analyze how various reaction parameters influence the structural properties of the synthesized Ni and NiO NPs. By contrasting the structural properties and biological impacts of Ni and NiO NPs produced via both methods, the review will provide valuable insights into the suitability of each approach for specific applications, such as in biomedical, environmental, and catalytic fields.

Abstract Background: Burn injuries compromise skin integrity, increasing infection risk, and complicating healing. This study investigates the effectiveness of a probiotic spray in improving burn wound healing outcomes. Specifically, it examines wound closure rates, reduction in infection frequency, and inflammation control in patients with second-degree burns.
Methods: In this controlled clinical trial conducted at Velayat Burn Injuries Hospital in Rasht, Iran, 28 patients with second-degree burns were divided into two groups: one group received standard treatment, while the other group was treated with a probiotic spray containing 10⁹ CFU/mL, which was applied twice daily for 28 days. Variables assessed included wound healing rate, infection occurrence, inflammatory response, and any adverse reactions. Wound conditions were monitored on days 1, 7, 14, 21, and 28, with effectiveness evaluated through both clinical and microbiological assessments.
Results: The probiotic spray group demonstrated superior outcomes, including a 90% reduction in wound size by 28 days and a marked decrease in infection incidence and inflammation compared to the control group. Analysis revealed that probiotic treatment facilitated re-epithelialization and modulated the wound microbiome by promoting beneficial bacterial growth and supporting immune response regulation, contributing to accelerated healing.
Conclusion: Probiotic spray treatment demonstrated potential as an effective therapeutic option in burn wound care, providing enhanced healing, reduced infection, and inflammation management. The findings underscore the potential of integrating probiotic therapy into standard burn care to reduce antibiotic dependence and improve patient outcomes, particularly in resource-limited settings.

Abstract The fall armyworm (FAW), scientifically known as Spodoptera frugiperda J.E. Smith is a polyphagous pest of numerous cultivated crops especially maize causing considerable economic losses in crop production worldwide. Thereby, controlling their population is needed. In a present study, the comparative growth, reproduction, and detoxification enzyme activity were evaluated along with exposure to two insect growth regulators (IGR) at low lethal doses as compared to the control. Results indicate that the larval and pupal developmental time was significantly extended on lufenuron and hexaflumuron as compared to that on the control. Similarly, the lowest number of eggs of FAW females were recorded on lufenuron (411.84 ± 42.38, 328.75 ± 50.81 eggs at LC₁₀ and LC₃₀, respectively) followed by hexaflumuron (449.58 ± 42.38, 367.33 ± 36.4 eggs, respectively) as compared to that on the control (560.27 ± 13.47 eggs). Therefore, it significantly decreased the intrinsic rate of increase (r), finite rate of increase (λ), and net reproduction rate (R0) of offspring generation (F1) when compared to the control. Whereas, mean generation time (T) was longer for lufenuron (LC₃₀ 28.72±0.47, LC₁₀ 31.39±0.99 day) and hexaflumuron (LC₃₀ 31.02±0.58, LC₁₀ 27.99±0.54 day) compared to control (27.35 ±0.54 days). In addition, a considerably higher activity of all detoxification enzymes in larvae was recorded on lufenuron and hexaflumuron as compared to that on control. These findings are valuable to toxicity and low lethal evaluation of lufenuron and hexaflumuron on life table parameters and enzymatic properties in FAW, which may contribute to identifying targets for effective control of FAW.

Abstract Infection is the most important reason for mortality in suckling calves, and their susceptibility to it. Animals can synthesize L-ascorbic acid (or Vitamin C) from D-glucose or D-galactose through the glucuronic acid pathway in the liver or the kidneys. To prevent ruminal degradation and oxidation, vitamin C is coated, or coated with cellulose, sodium ascorbate, and silicate. This study aims to investigate the effects of micellized vitamin C supplementation on the growth performance and blood parameters of suckling calves. 24 neonatal Holstein calves with an average age of 3 days and an average weight of 39 ± 2.2 kg with 4 experimental diets (6 repeat/ each) were used completely randomly. The experimental diets include: 1) control (free vitamin C), 2) basic diet with 1 gram of powdered vitamin C (PVC) soluble in milk, 3) basic diet with 10 ml of the MVCS (emulsion soluble in milk with 5% edible oil), and 4) basic diet with 10 ml of the MVCS (emulsion soluble in milk with 10% edible oil). Adding the MVCS could have an insignificant effect on body weight, average daily weight gain, and feed efficiency of suckling calves. At 30 and 60 days old, adding the MVCS increased the feed intake compared to the control diet. Likewise, in the entire rearing period, the use of the MVCS with 5% and 10% oil increased the feed intake compared to the control diet and the PVC receiving group (P<0.05). In general, it can be concluded that the use of the MVCS did not affect body weight, average daily weight gain, and feed efficiency, but it improved the feed intake of suckling calves. The MVCS with 5 and 10% oil increased the triglycerides, cholesterol, and vitamin C blood concentration and did not affect the blood concentration of albumin, total protein, malondialdehyde, and antioxidant capacity. It is concluded that the addition of the micellized vitamin C supplement improved blood vitamin C concentration as an antioxidant and enhanced growth performance.