Effect of agricultural crimes on cashew crop farmers in Ogbomoso Agricultural zone of Oyo State, Nigeria

Agricultural crime stays mostly under-researched. This study examined the effects of agricultural crimes on cashew crop farmers in the Ogbomoso Agricultural Zone of Oyo State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed, utilising a well-organised questionnaire administered via an interview schedule. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression. Five per cent of 180 villages were purposefully selected due to their high concentration of cashew plantations. The second stage involves the random selection of cashew crop farmers in the study area. In the third stage, 10 cashew farmers from each selected village within the study area were randomly chosen. Consequently, 90 cashew farmers were selected randomly for the study. The results revealed that most cashew farmers are men (61.1%), with an average age of 50 and 23 years of growing experience. Most of the people who answered worked on small farms (an average of 7 hectares), and they used both family and hired workers. Among the most common crimes in agriculture were theft of cashew nuts (97.8%), theft of other goods (96.7%), damage to property (86.7%), and trespassing (73.3%). These crimes caused big problems, like fewer fruits being harvested (WMS 3.14) and less income (WMS 2.99). Farmers took steps to stop theft by firing dishonest workers, marking crops and tools, and using community-based surveillance like vigilante patrols. Statistical analysis showed a significant positive correlation between levels of education and the ability to manage the effects of these crimes (r = 0.42). Agricultural crimes are a major threat to cashew production and the way farmers in the area make a living. Therefore, we recommend strengthening community policing, educating farmers, and providing institutional support to enhance security and sustain cashew production

Efficacy of fenugreek oil and black seed oil as feed additives for broiler starter chicks

This study investigated the efficacy of fenugreek oil and black seed oil as feed additives for broiler starter chicks. For four weeks, 240 day-old broiler chicks without sexes were divided into five treatments, each with four repetitions, using a randomized design. Each replicate contains 12 birds. The dietary group had diet 1 (control, without oil additive), diet 2 (vaccinated control without oil additive), diets 3, 4, and 5 were supplemented with Fenugreek and Black seed oils at a ratio of 10:10, 10:20, and 20:10 mL per kilogram diet. Data were collected on growth indices, digestibility of nutrients, blood profile, and primal cuts. There was no significant (P > 0.05) change in any of the growth metrics. Ether extract and ash digestibility differ notably (P < 0.05). Significant differences (p < 0.05) were recorded on PCV, hemoglobin, RBC, lymphocytes, heterocytes, and eosinophil counts. Values obtained for albumin, globulin, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, glucose, creatinine, and urea were significantly (P < 0.05) affected. The pancreas was significantly influenced (p < 0.05). The values of dressing percentage, head, breast, drumstick, and wings showed substantial variations (P < 0.05) in the. From this study, the supplementation of broiler starter chicken diets with fenugreek seed oil and black seed oil at (1:1) 10 mL to 10 mL of diets is recommended for better oxygen transport, overall health, and dressing percentage. The use of fenugreek oil and black seed oil at the finished phase and layer production can also be investigated

Orexin gene expression analysis in two Nigerian indigenous and exotic chickens using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR)

This study investigated orexin gene expression patterns in two Nigerian indigenous chicken ecotypes (Fulani and Yoruba) compared to the exotic Cobb-500 breed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) technology. A total of 135 birds (45 per breed) were reared for four weeks, after which liver tissue samples were collected for RNA extraction and analysis. The orexin gene serves as a crucial regulator of appetite, energy balance, and stress responses in poultry, making it an important molecular marker for understanding breed-specific physiological adaptations. RNA was extracted using the Zymo RNA mini prep kit, followed by cDNA synthesis and qPCR analysis using Luna® Universal qPCR Mastermix. The TATA box binding protein served as the housekeeping gene for normalization. Gene expression was quantified using the 2-ΔΔCT method (Livak method) to determine fold changes between breeds. Results revealed significant inter-breed variations in orexin expression levels (P < 0.05). The Fulani ecotype demonstrated the highest expression (1.37-fold), followed by Cobb-500 broilers (0.35-fold), while Yoruba ecotype chickens showed the lowest expression (0.02-fold). Melt curve analysis confirmed primer specificity and amplification consistency across all samples. These findings suggest that elevated orexin expression in Fulani chickens may reflect superior physiological adaptability and energy regulation capabilities, supporting their resilience in variable environmental conditions. The differential expression patterns highlight orexin's potential as a molecular marker for selective breeding programs aimed at improving indigenous chicken productivity while maintaining genetic diversity and environmental adaptability in Nigerian poultry systems

Comparative nutritional and phytochemical profiles of some exotic and local berries for health boosting effects

This study investigated the comparative nutritional and phytochemical profiles of exotic berry species like strawberries, blueberry, and local ones such as phalsa, and rasbhari. The study included qualitative and quantitative analyses of sugars, proteins, vitamin C, phytochemicals, and protein profiling using SDS-PAGE. All four berries exhibited a rich array of nutrients, including significant levels of sugars, proteins, and vitamin C. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, terpenoids, glycosides, and saponins in all the berries. Strawberry and phalsa demonstrated high levels of vitamin C (0.102 mg mL and 0.208 mg mL), while phalsa exhibited the highest protein content (6 mg mL). All berries exhibited strong antioxidant activity. Protein profiling using SDS-PAGE revealed distinct protein band patterns for each species, suggesting unique protein compositions. These findings suggest that these berries possess valuable nutritional and functional properties, and their incorporation into a balanced diet may contribute to improved human health. Further research is warranted to investigate the bioavailability and potential health benefits of the identified bioactive compounds in humans

Molecular analysis coupling of some amino-derivatives with WRN exonuclease using a theoretical model

Studies indicate that some types of cancer have been associated with Werner syndrome (WR), which is characterized by premature aging. Some WR inhibitors, such as camptothecin, HRO761, VVD-133214, and KWR05, have been used to treat this clinical pathology; however, the interaction of these drugs with some biomolecule related with WR is not clear. For this reason, in this study, the coupling of amino derivatives (compounds 1-25) with WRN exonuclease was determined using 2fbt protein, HOR761, NSC19630, NSC617145, and NCS drugs as theoretical tools in the DockingServer program. Besides, physicochemical parameters, such as HOMO (highest occupied molecular orbital), LUMO (lowest unoccupied molecular orbital), MR (molecular refractivity), and MV (molar volume), involved in the chemical structure of amino derivatives 1-25 were determined. The results showed differences in HOMO-LUMO, MR, and MV values for compounds 1-25. This data suggests that the reactivity of each compound depends on different functional groups involved in their chemical structure. Other data indicate that inhibition constant involved in the coupling of amino derivatives with 2fbt protein for compounds 3 (1.30), 6 (1.20), 7 (1.46), 8 (1.03), 14 (1.04), 15 (1.02), and 21 (2.57) was lower in comparison with the controls. These data indicate that these amino derivatives have higher affinity for the 2fbt protein surface, which may translate as changes in the biological activity of the WRN exonuclease and induce changes in cancer cell growth

Embodying occupational justice and narratives: A theatre-pedagogy session in occupational therapy education

This study explores how a theatre-pedagogy session supported first-year occupational therapy students in engaging with the foundational concepts of occupational justice and occupational narratives. The session was embedded in a core undergraduate course and aimed to provide a relational, embodied alternative to theoretical instruction. The session followed a four-phase structure - activation, deconstruction, reconstruction, and reflection - and was grounded in embodied participation, symbolic interaction, and collective meaning-making. Post-session interviews were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Findings suggest that participants began to interpret occupational justice and occupational narratives not through theoretical abstraction, but through lived, emotional, and relational experience. Themes such as narrative expression, positional tension, and socio-cultural awareness emerged as central. While understandings remained tentative, they marked an entry point into the personal and social dimensions of professional learning. The study illustrates how theatre pedagogy can support the development of reflexivity and critical awareness in early stages of professional education, contributing to wider conversations around the role of arts-based methods in socially responsive and justice-oriented occupational therapy

Analysis of the coupling of twenty-five benzothiazole analogs with the β1-adrenergic receptor using a theoretical model

Some benzothiazoles have been developed with biological activity on the cardiovascular system through interaction with different biomolecules; however, the coupling with the β1-adrenergic receptor is not clear. This research aimed to determine the interaction of some benzothiazole analogs (1-25) with the β1-adrenergic receptor using some theoretical models. In this way, 2ycv protein and the controls (metoprolol, propranolol, and cyanopindolol) were used as theoretical tools in the DockingServer software. The results showed differences in the interaction of benzothiazole derivatives compared with the controls. Other data indicate that the inhibition constant (Ki) for benzothiazole analogs 10, 22, 23, and 25 was lower compared with metoprolol and cyanopindolol. All these data indicate that compounds 10, 22, 23, and 25 may act as β1-adrenergic receptor inhibitors, translated into changes in blood pressure. Therefore, the benzothiazole derivatives 10, 22, 23, and 25 could be good antihypertensive agents

Formulation and evaluation of Syzygium aromaticum essential oil nanoemulsion: Effects on Tribolium castaneum, wheat growth, and molecular docking for pest control

The nanoemulsion was prepared using ethanol (3%), the biosurfactant Tween 80 (5%), and water (80%), which together constituted 20% (v/v) of the nanoemulsion. The toxicity of Syzygium aromaticum (clove) essential oil nanoemulsion was evaluated against the population of Tribolium castaneum in terms of LC50 (lethal concentration), which was determined to be 112.93 ppm. The impact of the clove essential oil nanoemulsion formulated at LC50 on wheat germination and seedling growth was assessed using a pot test. Results showed that the treatment inhibited wheat seedling growth and reduced the overall growth rate. Additionally, the metabolites of adult T. castaneum beetles were analyzed following exposure to a sub-lethal concentration (LC20) of the clove oil nanoemulsion. The sub-lethal dose significantly decreased glycogen and glucose levels in all adult beetles while increasing invertase activity and total protein in resistant populations throughout the exposure period. These metabolic changes highlight the biochemical impact of the nanoemulsion. A molecular docking study was conducted to predict the mode of action of the major components of the essential oil and nanoemulsion, namely eugenol and α-humulene, at the binding site of the enzyme alkaline acid phosphatase of Tribolium castaneum. The results provide insights into the molecular interactions between insect-plant compounds and their effects at the biochemical level. These findings suggest the potential of clove essential oil nanoemulsion as a natural, eco-friendly solution for sustainable pesticide management in stored grain facilities. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the need to understand the side effects on both animals and humans to ensure safe applications

Integrative machine learning reveals potential signature genes using transcriptomics in colon cancer

Colon cancer is a significant health burden in the world and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Despite advancements in diagnosis and treatment, identifying potential biomarkers for early detection and therapeutic targets remains challenging. This study used an integrative approach combining transcriptomics and machine learning to identify signature genes and pathways associated with colon cancer. RNA-Seq data from The Cancer Genome Atlas- Colon Adenocarcinoma (TCGA-COAD) project, comprising 485 samples, were analyzed in this study. Differential gene expression analysis revealed 657 upregulated and 8,566 downregulated genes. Notably, EPB41L3, TSPAN7, and ABI3BP were identified as highly upregulated, while LYVE1, PLPP1, and NFE2L3 were significantly downregulated in tumor samples. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) identified dysregulated pathways, including E2F targets, MYC targets, and G2M checkpoints, underscoring cell cycle regulation and metabolic reprogramming alterations in colon cancer. Machine learning models-Random Forest, Neural Networks, and Logistic Regression-achieved high classification accuracy (97–99%). Key genes consistently identified across these models highlight their potential translational relevance as biomarkers. This study integrates differential expression analysis, pathway enrichment, and machine learning to uncover critical insights into colon cancer biology. The study lays the groundwork for developing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, with the identified genes and pathways serving as potential candidates for further validation and clinical applications. This approach exemplifies the potential of precision medicine to advance colon cancer research and improve patient outcomes

Solidago species in grasslands of Paraguay and their relationship to hepatic photosensitivity in cattle

Paraguayan livestock production uses forage grasses as a basic diet. Many species of weeds grow in these pastures, and some of them, like the Solidago genus, are toxic to the animals. This genus is reported to cause hepatic photosensitivity in cattle due to the toxic compound, saponins, contained mainly in the leaves. Saponins induce liver damage because they hamper the breakdown of photodynamic metabolites like phylloerythrin, formed from chlorophyll metabolism. Some species of Solidago are recognized in South America, but only two species are reported in Paraguay, and have been a cause of confusion in their identification and distribution due to the great morphological similarity they have. In the past, Solidago chilensis was the only species recorded in Paraguay and was related to causing hepatic photosensitivity in cattle. However, recent studies of the genus have demonstrated that Solidago microglossa is the dominant species of the genus Solidago in Paraguay, widely distributed across these grasslands. Therefore, the objective of this research is to define the dominant species of Solidago in Paraguay and as the primary cause behind photosensitive health disorders in cattle