International Journal of Advanced Biological and Biomedical Research

Abstract Essential oils are a suitable alternative to antibiotics due to their antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the hydrophobic properties, low water solubility, poor chemical stability and volatile nature of essential oils have caused many challenges to the essential oil use in suckling calves nutrition. Encapsulating essential oils in nanomicelles can be a practical approach to overcoming the hydrophobic and essential oils' volatile properties and increasing their stability and efficiency. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of medicinal plant essential oils as well as their micellized form on different animals, especially suckling calves. We performed a scoping literature review of articles published until July 2024 without a time limit. We searched Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar to find relevant studies using terms representing “plant essential oils”, “calf”, and “nanomicelle.” Totally articles investigated plant essential oils‐reported data as a proxy of rearing of suckling calves’ risks to determine the association between the rearing of suckling calves’ risks and the application of micelles and nanomicelles in calf feeding. The encapsulated essential oils in nanoparticles have been considered a desirable methodology for the aims of this study, especially to improve their usage, stability and efficiency. By encapsulating essential oils, micelles improve their stability and bioavailability. Nanoemulsions of plant essential oils show higher antimicrobial properties compared to pure essential oils. The small particle size may increase the association between essential oils and biological membranes as well as their transport through the membrane. In addition, the nanomicelle allows the essential oil or bioactive compounds to act intelligently and affect a specific area of the digestive tract of the suckling calf. Feeding nanoemulsions to the suckling calf can improve antioxidant indices and reduce tissue damage. It is concluded that the nanomicellization of essential oils can be considered as a promising solution for the inclusion of these bioactive items in the feeding of suckling calves. The nanomicelle form of plant essential oils is a new field of research in front of animal nutrition researchers, which has great potential to increase the efficiency of plant metabolites in improving animal health and performance.

Abstract Considering the nutritional value of pea (Pisum sativum L.) and its seed generations in crop yield, this study was conducted to investigate the effects of various generations of pea on yield and yield components in the Gorgan region of Iran. The treatments included three generations: F1, F2, and F3. Planting was carried out with a row spacing of 33 cm and an intra-row distance of 10 cm. This experiment was designed as a randomized complete block design with three replications. Sampling occurred during the flowering, green pod, and ripening stages. The following traits were measured: the number of plants with red flowers, leaf area index, stem height, number of pods per plant, weight of green pods, number of seeds per pod, weight of one hundred grains, dry biomass weight, yield of green pods, seed yield, and the harvest index. The data were analyzed using Excel and SAS software. Based on the findings of this study, it can be concluded that the green pod yield and several other traits measured in the second generation of pea did not exhibit a statistically significant difference compared to the first generation; any observed differences were minimal. However, the use of seeds from the third generation resulted in a significant decrease in yield (3,088.99 kg/ha, 2,873.71 kg/ha, and 2,095.44 kg/ha in the F1, F2, and F3 generations, respectively.) and yield components when compared to both the first and second generations. It was concluded that uilizing second-generation pea seeds from the Wolf variety can help reduce planting costs while achieving the desired yield of green pods.

Abstract Actinomycetes have garnered attention in recent decades for their antimicrobial properties and potential as substitutes for chemical pesticides and fertilizers. These microorganisms address the urgent need for new drugs due to the increasing resistance of pathogens to existing treatments. This study focuses on the isolation, identification, and evaluation of the antimicrobial properties of actinomycetes from paddy fields and rice plants. Actinomycetes were tested against seven pathogenic bacteria: drug-resistant and sensitive strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Acinetobacter baumannii. Antibiotic activity was detected in seven isolates using the agar well diffusion method. All seven isolates (100%) inhibited drug-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus, while four isolates (57.1%) were active against drug-sensitive Pseudomonas aeruginosa, three isolates (42.9%) against Klebsiella pneumoniae, and one isolate (14.3%) each against drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Molecular screening using PCR revealed the presence of non-ribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPS) (100%), polyketide synthase type I (PKS-I) (21.6%), and type II (PKS-II) (83.8%) genes in the isolated actinomycetes. Among the 37 actinomycete isolates, 12 (32.4%) were from the soil, and 25 (67.6%) were from rice plants. The study also categorized the isolates based on different rice plant varieties, with Tarom Pakootah contributing the most (64%) to the actinomycete population. This study highlights the role of actinomycetes in combating antibiotic resistance and their potential in agricultural biotechnology. Their production of valuable bioactive compounds, like polyketides and non-ribosomal peptides, makes them important for pharmaceutical and agro-industrial uses. Further studies should focus on optimizing cultivation and assessing commercial viability.

Abstract Background: Improper waste management at dumpsites in Nigeria, driven by urbanization and population growth, has led to the accumulation of hazardous heavy metals like cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg) in the environment. This contamination poses severe ecological and health risks due to heavy metals’ persistence, toxicity, and potential to enter the food chain. Dumpsites in areas like Umudike, Oboro, Ndoro, and Ariam are characterized by significant waste, with heavy metal concentrations often exceeding permissible limits.
Methods: Soil samples were collected from depths of 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm at dumpsites in Umudike, Ariam, Ndoro, and Oboro, with a control site located at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU). The physicochemical properties of the soils, including pH and electrical conductivity, were assessed. Heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn, Co, Mn, and Ni) were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. Statistical analyses, A one-way ANOVA is used to determine the significant differences in concentrations across the study sites (p < 0.05). Pearson’s correlation analysis was conducted to determine significant differences and relationships between soil properties and heavy metal concentrations.
Results: Heavy metal contamination was highest at the Umudike dumpsite, with cadmium concentrations ranging from 90.41-130.13 mg/kg compared to 0.00-1.01 mg/kg at the control site. Lead levels at dumpsites varied between 39.0 and 76.0 mg/kg, exceeding the WHO’s permissible limit of 15-25 mg/kg. Copper concentrations were highest in Ariam at 166.5 mg/kg, while the lowest value was 1.76 mg/kg at the control site. The Pollution Load Index (PLI) indicated that the Umudike site was moderately polluted, while other locations were unpolluted. Statistical analysis confirmed a strong positive correlation between soil electrical conductivity and cadmium levels, suggesting significant anthropogenic influences on contamination.
Conclusion: The study revealed that urbanization and inadequate waste management practices have significantly contributed to heavy metal contamination in soils surrounding dumpsites. The highest contamination levels were linked to cadmium and lead at the Umudike site, indicating a pressing need for remediation and stricter regulations. Implementing proper waste management systems, regular monitoring, and soil remediation measures are recommended to mitigate the ecological risks.

Abstract The black cutworm (BCW), Agrotis ipsilon is a major underground pest poses a significant threat to many crops production, and is exposed to insecticides throughout the year, resulting in the rapid development of resistance. To effectively manage this pest and mitigate the resistance development, natural product alternative, and synergists are needed. A study was conducted on the potential of monoterpenes and piperonyl butoxide (PBO) applied to enhance the toxicity of deltamethrin against BCW. Likewise, their effects were diagnosed as synergists and inhibitors of cytochrome P450 activity. Field-collected population of BCW (F-R) showed a resistant ratio (RR) to deltamethrin, 57.41-fold greater than the susceptible strain (L-S). The mixtures of the five monoterpenes and PBO had a strong synergistic effect with deltamethrin. However, synergism was higher with the all five monoterpenes
than PBO. All mixtures inhibited cytochrome P450 (P450) activity in vivo by 58-85%, which could explain their synergistic effect. Thus, the tested monoterpenes may be considered as ecofriendly approaches for the BCW control to reduce
deltamethrin usage.

Abstract The objective of this study was to extract and assess the pharmacological potential of the fixed oil derived from P. foetida L. leaves; in light with the paucity of research on the chemical composition of P. foetida leaves fixed oil. Fresh leaves of P. foetida L. were collected from uncultivated land at Sheda Science and Technology Complex (SHESTCO), Abuja. The Clevenger apparatus was used to extract the fixed oil. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis was performed to chemically characterize the fixed oil. Antibacterial activity was also assessed against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli using the agar disc diffusion method, while antioxidant activity was evaluated using the DPPH radical scavenging assay. FTIR analysis revealed the presence of hydroxyl, carbonyl, alkane, and amide groups, suggesting potential bioactivity. The GC-MS Agilent Intuvo 9000Gc model revealed 30 identified bioactive compounds with diverse pharmaceutical potentials. The antibacterial assays showed significant activity with maximum inhibition zones of (18.05) mm on S. aureus and (13.01 mm) on E. coli. The antioxidant analysis demonstrated concentration-dependent radical scavenging activity, with a maximum inhibition of (64.5% at 0.5 mg/mL). These findings support the traditional uses of P. foetida L. and highlight its potential for developing natural antibacterial and antioxidant agents. The fixed oil of P. foetida L. shows significant antibacterial and antioxidant properties, making it a candidate for nutraceutical and therapeutic applications. Further studies are recommended to isolate specific compounds and explore their mechanisms of action.

Abstract Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent challenges in social communication and interaction, as well as restricted and repetitive behaviors. While global awareness of ASD has grown, Africa remains as one of the least studied and supported regions regarding its prevalence, diagnosis, treatment, and support systems. This review synthesizes current knowledge on ASD in Africa, addressing key areas such as prevalence rates, diagnostic challenges, treatment approaches, and support resources. Factors influencing prevalence estimates include socio-cultural beliefs, limited healthcare infrastructure, and diagnostic inconsistencies. The present review highlights the critical role of culturally adapted diagnostic tools, the integration of evidence-based practices with traditional healing, and the potential of community-based interventions to address resource gaps. Recommendations emphasize the need for comprehensive national policies, capacity building in healthcare, and public education campaigns to reduce stigma. The review concludes with a call for multidisciplinary research, inclusive education policies, and scalable technological solutions to improve ASD outcomes in Africa. This synthesis provides a foundation for advancing ASD care and inclusion, contributing to the global agenda for equitable healthcare.

Abstract Genomic selection (GS) in sheep is challenging for several reasons, including greater genetic variability between and within sheep breeds, the cost of maintenance of reference populations, and the costs and limitations associated with genotyping. The Reduced cost of genotyping combined with a good comprehension of how to maximize the advantages of GS will dramatically increase the adoption of GS in sheep. Therefore, this study evaluated genotyping scenarios on sheep's prediction accuracy, considering limitations on phenotypic and genomic data availability. To this end, a multi-breed sheep population is simulated by imitating the sheep's genetic evaluation system. Four scenarios of genotyping were compared with pedigree-based evaluation. In each genotype scenario, to examine the impact of phenotypic record on prediction accuracy, 9 cases for phenotypic record were considered based on three assumptions (existence of phenotypic record for males and females, females and males). The results indicated improved prediction accuracy using genomic information, even when a finite amount of animals were genotyped. A comparison of different genotype scenarios showed that ewe genotyping has lower prediction accuracy and ewe and ram genotype determination had average prediction accuracy. This study showed that to achieve the most accurate prediction, it is not necessary to have phenotypic and genotypic records for all animals and that the highest prediction accuracy can be achieved by determining the genotype and phenotype of choice while reducing GS costs.