Exploiting the role of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria in reducing heavy metal toxicity of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.).

Microorganisms are cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative methods for removing heavy metals (HM) from contaminated agricultural soils. Therefore, this study aims to identify and characterize HM-tolerant (HMT) plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) isolated from industry-contaminated soils to determine their impact as bioremediators on HM-stressed pepper plants. Four isolates [Pseudomonas azotoformans (Pa), Serratia rubidaea (Sr), Paenibacillus pabuli (Pp) and Bacillus velezensis (Bv)] were identified based on their remarkable levels of HM tolerance in vitro. Field studies were conducted to evaluate the growth promotion and tolerance to HM toxicity of pepper plants grown in HM-polluted soils. Plants exposed to HM stress showed improved growth, physio-biochemistry, and antioxidant defense system components when treated with any of the individual isolates, in contrast to the control group that did not receive PGPR. The combined treatment of the tested HMT PGPR was, however, relatively superior to other treatments. Compared to no or single PGPR treatment, the consortia (Pa+Sr+Pp+Bv) increased the photosynthetic pigment contents, relative water content, and membrane stability index but lowered the electrolyte leakage and contents of malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide by suppressing the (non) enzymatic antioxidants in plant tissues. In pepper, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Ni contents decreased by 88.0-88.5, 63.8-66.5, 66.2-67.0, and 90.2-90.9% in leaves, and 87.2-88.1, 69.4-70.0%, 80.0-81.3, and 92.3%% in fruits, respectively. Thus, these PGPR are highly effective at immobilizing HM and reducing translocation in planta. These findings indicate that the application of HMT PGPR could be a promising "bioremediation" strategy to enhance growth and productivity of crops cultivated in soils contaminated with HM for sustainable agricultural practices.

The potential of Spirulina platensis to substitute antibiotics in Japanese quail diets: impacts on growth, carcass traits, antioxidant status, blood biochemical parameters, and cecal microorganisms.

The development of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms prompted the investigation of possible antibiotic substitutes. As a result, the purpose of the current study is to assess the effect of dietary Spirulina platensis extract as an antibiotic alternative on Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) growth, antioxidant status, blood parameters, and cecal microorganisms. There was a total of 150 Japanese quails used in this study, divided equally among 5 experimental groups (10 birds per group with 3 replicates): group 1 (G1) received a basal diet without any S. platensis extract, group 2 (G2) received a basal diet supplemented with 1 mL S. platensis extract/kg, group 3 (G3) received a basal diet supplemented with 2 mL S. platensis extract/kg, group 4 (G4) received a basal diet supplemented with 3 mL S. platensis extract/kg, and group 5 (G5) received a basal diet supplemented with 4 mL S. platensis extract/kg from d 7 until d 35. The results showed that compared to the control birds in G1, Japanese quail supplemented with 4 mL of S. platensis extract/kg of diet (G5) had significantly better live body weight, body weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, digestive enzymes, blood parameters, liver and kidney functions, lipid profile, antioxidant profile, immunological parameters, and cecal microorganism's count. There were no significant changes in the percentage of carcasses, liver, and total giblets among all the 5 groups. Only gizzard percentage showed a significant increase in G2 compared to birds in G1. In addition, intestinal pH showed a significant drop in G2 and G5 compared to birds in G1. After cooking the quail meat, the juiciness and tenderness increased as S. platensis extract levels increased, whereas aroma and taste declined slightly as S. platensis extract levels increased. Furthermore, when a high concentration of S. platensis extract was used, the lightness of the meat reduced while its redness and yellowness increased. The disk diffusion assay showed that S. platensis extract had significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Campylobacter jejuni, and Salmonella typhi, with inhibition zones ranging from 16 to 42 mm. This activity may be attributable to the volatile chemicals in S. platensis extract, of which Geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol are the primary components. In the diet of Japanese quails, it is possible to draw the conclusion that the extract of S. platensis can be utilized as a feed additive and as an alternative to antibiotics.

Dietary Paenibacillus polymyxa AM20 as a new probiotic: Improving effects on IR broiler growth performance, hepatosomatic index, thyroid hormones, lipid profile, immune response, antioxidant parameters, and caecal microorganisms.

The search for a natural antimicrobial agent is ongoing and critical because of the rise and rapid proliferation of antibiotic-resistant pathogenic bacteria. The current study aims to examine the effect of Paenibacillus polymyxa AM20 as an alternative antibiotic and feed additive on Indian river broiler performance, digestive enzymes, thyroid hormones, lipid profile, hepatosomatic index, immunological response, gut bacteria, and antioxidant parameters. The bacterial isolate AM20 was identified at the gene level by isolating DNA and using PCR to detect genes. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, the bacterial isolate was identified as Paenibacillus polymyxa. One hundred twenty Indian river broilers (1-day old) were randomly divided into 4 groups of 10 chicks each, with 3 replicates. The control group was fed a basal diet only, while the other 3 were administered control diets supplemented with P. polymyxa at 3 concentrations: 0.5, 1, and 1.5 mg/kg. The findings revealed that all groups that received graded amounts of P. polymyxa increased all growth parameters throughout the study. P. polymyxa treatment at 1.5 mg/kg increased body gain by 9% compared to the control due to increased feed intake (P = 0.0001), growth rate (P = 0.0001), and decreased feed conversion ratio. Compared to the control group, P. polymyxa (1.5 mg/kg) enhanced kidney functions in chickens by reducing uric acid and creatinine levels (P = 0.0451). Compared to the control group, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate transaminase levels in the liver were significantly reduced at all P. polymyxa doses. Liver function values were highest for P. polymyxa at 1.5 mg/kg. Compared to the control group, those whose diets included P. polymyxa had significantly better blood cholesterol levels, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, immunological response, thyroid function, and gut microbiota. In general, broiler chickens' economic efficiency was improved by including P. polymyxa in their diet, which also improved their growth performance, carcass dressing, specific blood biochemical levels and enzymes, and the composition of the gut microbiota.

Characterization of Portulaca oleracea Whole Plant: Evaluating Antioxidant, Anticancer, Antibacterial, and Antiviral Activities and Application as Quality Enhancer in Yogurt.

Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) is rich in phenolic compounds, protein, and iron. This study aims to produce functional yogurt with enhanced antioxidant, anticancer, antiviral, and antimicrobial properties by including safe purslane extract in yogurt formulation; the yogurt was preserved for 30 days at 4 °C, and then biochemical fluctuations were monitored. The purslane extract (PuE) had high phenolic compounds and flavonoids of 250 and 56 mg/mL, respectively. Therefore, PuE had considerable antioxidant activity, which scavenged 93% of DPPH˙, inhibited the viability of MCF-7, HCT, and HeLa cell lines by 84, 82, and 80%, respectively, and inhibited 82% of the interaction between the binding between Spike and ACE2 compared to a SARS-CoV-2 inhibitor test kit. PuE (20-40 µg/mL) inhibited the growth of tested pathogenic bacteria and Candida strains, these strains isolated from spoild yogurt and identified at gene level by PCR. Caffeic acid glucoside and catechin were the main phenolic compounds in the HPLC profile, while the main flavor compound was carvone and limonene, representing 71% of total volatile compounds (VOCs). PuE was added to rats' diets at three levels (50, 150, and 250 µg/g) compared to butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA). The body weight of the rats fed the PuE diet (250 µg/g) increased 13% more than the control. Dietary PuE in rats' diets lowered the levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels by 72% and increased the levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) by 36%. Additionally, liver parameters in rats fed PuE (150 µg/g) decreased aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels by 50, 43, and 25%, respectively, while TP, TA, and GSH were increased by 20, 50, and 40%, respectively, compared to BHA. Additionally, PuE acts as a kidney protector by lowering creatinine and urea. PuE was added to yogurt at three concentrations (50, 150, and 250 µg/g) and preserved for 30 days compared to the control. The yogurt's pH reduced during storage while acidity, TSS, and fat content increased. Adding PuE increased the yogurt's water-holding capacity, so syneresis decreased and viscosity increased, which was attributed to enhancing the texture properties (firmness, consistency, and adhesiveness). MDA decreased in PuE yogurt because of the antioxidant properties gained by PuE. Additionally, color parameters L and b were enhanced by PuE additions and sensorial traits, i.e., color, flavor, sugary taste, and texture were enhanced by purslane extract compared to the control yogurt. Concerning the microbial content in the yogurt, the lactic acid bacteria (LAB) count was maintained as a control. Adding PuE at concentrations of 50, 150, and 250 µg/g to the yogurt formulation can enhance the quality of yogurt.

Exploiting fungi in bioremediation for cleaning-up emerging pollutants in aquatic ecosystems.

Aquatic pollution negatively affects water bodies, marine ecosystems, public health, and economy. Restoration of contaminated habitats has attracted global interest since protecting the health of marine ecosystems is crucial. Bioremediation is a cost-effective and eco-friendly way of transforming hazardous, resistant contaminants into environmentally benign products using diverse biological treatments. Because of their robust morphology and broad metabolic capabilities, fungi play an important role in bioremediation. This review summarizes the features employed by aquatic fungi for detoxification and subsequent bioremediation of different toxic and recalcitrant compounds in aquatic ecosystems. It also details how mycoremediation may convert chemically-suspended matters, microbial, nutritional, and oxygen-depleting aquatic contaminants into ecologically less hazardous products using multiple modes of action. Mycoremediation can also be considered in future research studies on aquatic, including marine, ecosystems as a possible tool for sustainable management, providing a foundation for selecting and utilizing fungi either independently or in microbial consortia.

Ameliorative avian gut environment and bird productivity through the application of safe antibiotics alternatives: a comprehensive review.

The avian digestive tract is an important system for converting ingested food into the nutrients their bodies need for maintenance, growth, and reproduction (meat, table eggs, and fertile eggs). Therefore, preserving digestive system integrity is crucial to bird health and productivity. As an alternative to antibiotics, the world has recently turned to the use of natural products to enhance avian development, intestinal health, and production. Therefore, the primary goal of this review is to explain the various characteristics of the avian digestive tract and how to enhance its performance with natural, safe feed additives such as exogenous enzymes, organic acids, photogenic products, amino acids, prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics, and herbal extracts. In conclusion, the composition of the gut microbiome can be influenced by a number of circumstances, and this has important consequences for the health and productivity of birds. To better understand the connection between pathogens, the variety of therapies available, and the microbiome of the gut, additional research needs to be carried out.

Avian campylobacteriosis, prevalence, sources, hazards, antibiotic resistance, poultry meat contamination, and control measures: a comprehensive review.

Avian campylobacteriosis is a vandal infection that poses human health hazards. Campylobacter is usually colonized in the avian gut revealing mild signs in the infected birds, but retail chicken carcasses have high contamination levels of Campylobacter spp. Consequently, the contaminated avian products constitute the main source of human infection with campylobacteriosis and result in severe clinical symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, spasm, and deaths in sensitive cases. Thus, the current review aims to shed light on the prevalence of Campylobacter in broiler chickens, Campylobacter colonization, bird immunity against Campylobacter, sources of poultry infection, antibiotic resistance, poultry meat contamination, human health hazard, and the use of standard antimicrobial technology during the chicken processing of possible control strategies to overcome such problems.

Green Biogenic of Silver Nanoparticles Using Polyphenolic Extract of Olive Leaf Wastes with Focus on Their Anticancer and Antimicrobial Activities.

Agro-industrial wastes are rich in polyphenols and other bioactive compounds, and valorizing these wastes is a crucial worldwide concern for saving health and the environment. In this work, olive leaf waste was valorized by silver nitrate to produce silver nanoparticles (OLAgNPs), which exhibited various biological, antioxidant, anticancer activities against three cancer cell lines, and antimicrobial activity against multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria and fungi. The obtained OLAgNPs were spherical, with an average size of 28 nm, negatively charged at -21 mV, and surrounded by various active groups more than the parent extract based on FTIR spectra. The total phenolic and total flavonoid contents significantly increased in OLAgNPs by 42 and 50% over the olive leaf waste extract (OLWE); consequently, the antioxidant activity of OLAgNPs increased by 12% over OLWE, recording an SC50 of OLAgNPs of 5 µg/mL compared to 30 µg/mL in the extract. The phenolic compound profile detected by HPLC showed that gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, rutin, naringenin, catechin, and propyl gallate were the main compounds in the HPLC profile of OLAgNPs and OLWE; the content of these compounds was higher in OLAgNPs than OLWE by 16-fold. The higher phenolic compounds in OLAgNPs are attributable to the significant increase in biological activities of OLAgNPs than that of OLWE. OLAgNPs successfully inhibited the proliferation of three cancer cell lines, MCF-7, HeLa, and HT-29, by 79-82% compared to 55-67% in OLWE and 75-79% in doxorubicin (DOX). The preliminary worldwide problem is multi-drug resistant microorganisms (MDR) because of the random use of antibiotics. Therefore, in this study, we may find the solution in OLAgNPs with concentrations of 2.5-20 µg/mL, which significantly inhibited the growth of six MDR bacteria L. monocytogenes, B. cereus, S. aureus, Y. enterocolitica, C. jejuni, and E. coli with inhibition zone diameters of 25-37 mm and six pathogenic fungi in the range of 26-35 mm compared to antibiotics. OLAgNPs in this study may be applied safely in new medicine to mitigate free radicals, cancer, and MDR pathogens.

Common viral and bacterial avian respiratory infections: an updated review.

Many pathogens that cause chronic diseases in birds use the respiratory tract as a primary route of infection, and respiratory disorders are the main leading source of financial losses in the poultry business. Respiratory infections are a serious problem facing the poultry sector, causing severe economic losses. Avian influenza virus, Newcastle disease virus, infectious bronchitis virus, and avian pneumovirus are particularly serious viral respiratory pathogens. Mycoplasma gallisepticum, Staphylococcus, Bordetella avium, Pasteurella multocida, Riemerella anatipestifer, Chlamydophila psittaci, and Escherichia coli have been identified as the most serious bacterial respiratory pathogens in poultry. This review gives an updated summary, incorporating the latest data, about the evidence for the circulation of widespread, economically important poultry respiratory pathogens, with special reference to possible methods for the control and prevention of these pathogens.

Can deficit irrigations be an optimum solution for increasing water productivity under arid conditions? A case study on wheat plants.

Water scarcity is of growing concern in many countries around the world, especially within the arid and semi-arid zones. Accordingly, rationalizing irrigation water has become an obligation to achieve the sustainable developmental goals of these countries. This may take place via using deficit irrigation which is long thought to be an effective strategy to save and improve water productivity. The current study is a trial to evaluate the pros and cons of using 50 and 75 % of the irrigation requirements (IR) of wheat (deficit irrigations) versus 100 %IR, while precisely charting changes in wheat growth parameters, antioxidant enzymes in plant shoots and the overall nutritional status of plants (NPK contents). Accordingly, a field experiment was conducted for two successive seasons, followed a split-plot design in which deficit irrigations (two irrigations to achieve 50 % of the irrigations requirements (IR), three irrigations to attain 75 % IR, and four irrigations to fulfill 100 % IR) were placed in main plots while four different studied wheat cultivars were in subplots. Results obtained herein indicate that deficit irrigations led to significant reductions in growth parameters and productivity of all wheat cultivars, especially when using 50 % IR. It also decreased NPK contents within plant shoots while elevated their contents of proline, peroxidase, and catalase enzymes. On the other hand, this type of irrigation decreased virtual water content (VWC, the amount of water used in production on ton of wheat grains). Stress tolerance index (STI), and financial revenues per unit area were also assessed. The obtained values of grain productivity, STI, VWC and financial revenues were weighted via PCA analyses, and then introduced in a novel model to estimate the efficiency of deficit irrigations (ODEI) whose results specified that the overall efficiency decreased as follows: 50 %IR < 75 %IR < 100 %IR. In conclusion, deficit irrigation is not deemed appropriate for rationalizing irrigation water while growing wheat on arid soils.

Role of Nanoparticles in Enhancing Crop Tolerance to Abiotic Stress: A Comprehensive Review.

Plants are subjected to a wide range of abiotic stresses, such as heat, cold, drought, salinity, flooding, and heavy metals. Generally, abiotic stresses have adverse impacts on plant growth and development which affects agricultural productivity, causing food security problems, and resulting in economic losses. To reduce the negative effects of environmental stress on crop plants, novel technologies, such as nanotechnology, have emerged. Implementing nanotechnology in modern agriculture can also help improve the efficiency of water usage, prevent plant diseases, ensure food security, reduce environmental pollution, and enhance sustainability. In this regard, nanoparticles (NPs) can help combat nutrient deficiencies, promote stress tolerance, and improve the yield and quality of crops. This can be achieved by stimulating the activity of certain enzymes, increasing the contents (e.g., chlorophyll) and efficiency of photosynthesis, and controlling plant pathogens. The use of nanoscale agrochemicals, including nanopesticides, nanoherbicides, and nanofertilizers, has recently acquired increasing interest as potential plant-enhancing technologies. This review acknowledges the positive impacts of NPs in sustainable agriculture, and highlights their adverse effects on the environment, health, and food chain. Here, the role and scope of NPs as a practical tool to enhance yield and mitigate the detrimental effects of abiotic stresses in crops are described. The future perspective of nanoparticles in agriculture has also been discussed.

Response of Canola productivity to integration between mineral nitrogen with yeast extract under poor fertility sandy soil condition.

Canola is one of the important oil crops and is considered the most promising oil source and adapts to reclaimed soil conditions. The current study aimed to evaluate the influence of yeast extract (YE) integrated with nitrogen (N) rates and treatments were arranged as follows: Control (without F0), 95 kg N ha-1 (F1), 120 kg N ha-1 (F2), 142 kg N ha-1 (F3), 95 kg N ha-1 + YE (F4), 120 kg N ha-1 + YE (F5) and 142 kg N ha-1 + YE (F6) on physico-chemical properties, yield and its components for three Canola genotypes i.e. AD201 (G1), Topaz and SemuDNK 234/84 under the sandy soil. In this work, Results reveal that increasing rates of Nitrogen fertilization from 95 kg N ha-1 to 142 kg N ha-1 have a great effect on physicochemical properties yield and its components. The result proved that 142 kg N ha-1 with yeast treatment was the best treatment for three Canola genotypes. Also, the result showed that seed yield was positively correlated with Chl. a/b ratio, plant height, number of branches/plant, number of pods/plant, and number of seeds/pod, and a strong negative correlation was detected between seed oil percentage when the amount of nitrogen fertilization applied without or with yeast extract is increased.

Upgrading the physiochemical and sensory quality of yogurt by incorporating polyphenol-enriched citrus pomaces with antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antitumor activities.

Industrial pomaces are cheap sources of phenolic compounds and fibers but dumping them in landfills has negative environmental and health consequences. Therefore, valorizing these wastes in the food industry as additives significantly enhances the final product. In this study, the citrus pomaces, orange pomace (OP), mandarin pomace (MP), and lemon pomace (LP) were collected by a juice company and subjected to producing polyphenols and fiber-enriched fractions, which are included in functional yogurt; the pomace powder with different levels (1, 3, and 5%) was homogenized in cooled pasteurized milk with other ingredients (sugar and starter) before processing the yogurt fermentation. The HPLC phenolic profile showed higher phenolic content in OP extract, i.e., gallic acid (1,702.65), chlorogenic acid (1,256.22), naringenin (6,450.57), catechin (1,680.65), and propyl gallate (1,120.37) ppm with massive increases over MP (1.34-37 times) and LP (1.49-5 times). The OP extract successfully scavenged 87% of DPPH with a relative increase of about 16 and 32% over LP and MP, respectively. Additionally, it inhibits 77-90% of microbial growth at 5-8 µg/mL while killing them in the 9-14 µg/mL range. Furthermore, OP extract successfully reduced 77% of human breast carcinoma. Each of pomace powder sample (OP, MP, LP) was added to yogurt at three levels; 1, 3, and 5%, while the physiochemical, sensorial, and microbial changes were monitored during 21 days of cold storage. OP yogurt had the highest pH and lowest acidity, while LP yogurt recorded the reverse. High fat and total soluble solids (TSS) content are observed in OP yogurt because of the high fiber content in OP. The pH values of all yogurt samples decreased, while acidity, fat, and TSS increased at the end of the storage period. The OP yogurts 1 and 3% scored higher in color, flavor, and structure than other samples. By measuring the microbial load of yogurt samples, the OP (1 and 3%) contributes to the growth of probiotics (Lactobacillus spp) in yogurt samples and reduces harmful microbes. Using citrus pomace as a source of polyphenols and fiber in functional foods is recommended to enhance their physiochemical and sensory quality.

Evaluation of graphene oxide, chitosan and their complex as antibacterial agents and anticancer apoptotic effect on HeLa cell line.

Cancer and bacterial infection are the most serious problems threatening people's lives worldwide. However, the overuse of antibiotics as antibacterial and anticancer treatments can cause side effects and lead to drug-resistant bacteria. Therefore, developing natural materials with excellent antibacterial and anticancer activity is of great importance. In this study, different concentrations of chitosan (CS), graphene oxide (GO), and graphene oxide-chitosan composite (GO-CS) were tested to inhibit the bacterial growth of gram-positive (Bacillus cereus MG257494.1) and gram-negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1). Moreover, we used the most efficient natural antibacterial material as an anticancer treatment. The zeta potential is a vital factor for antibacterial and anticancer mechanism, at pH 3-7, the zeta potential of chitosan was positive while at pH 7-12 were negative, however, the zeta potential for GO was negative at all pH values, which (p < 0.05) increased in the GO-CS composite. Chitosan concentrations (0.2 and 1.5%) exhibited antibacterial activity against BC with inhibition zone diameters of 4 and 12 mm, respectively, and against PAO1 with 2 and 10 mm, respectively. Treating BC and PAO1 with GO:CS (1:2) and GO:CS (1:1) gave a larger (p < 0.05) inhibition zone diameter. The viability and proliferation of HeLa cells treated with chitosan were significantly decreased (p < 0.05) from 95.3% at 0% to 12.93%, 10.33%, and 5.93% at 0.2%, 0.4%, and 0.60% concentrations of chitosan, respectively. Furthermore, CS treatment increased the activity of the P53 protein, which serves as a tumor suppressor. This study suggests that chitosan is effective as an antibacterial and may be useful for cancer treatment.

Plant growth-promoting microorganisms as biocontrol agents of plant diseases: Mechanisms, challenges and future perspectives.

Plant diseases and pests are risk factors that threaten global food security. Excessive chemical pesticide applications are commonly used to reduce the effects of plant diseases caused by bacterial and fungal pathogens. A major concern, as we strive toward more sustainable agriculture, is to increase crop yields for the increasing population. Microbial biological control agents (MBCAs) have proved their efficacy to be a green strategy to manage plant diseases, stimulate plant growth and performance, and increase yield. Besides their role in growth enhancement, plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria/fungi (PGPR/PGPF) could suppress plant diseases by producing inhibitory chemicals and inducing immune responses in plants against phytopathogens. As biofertilizers and biopesticides, PGPR and PGPF are considered as feasible, attractive economic approach for sustainable agriculture; thus, resulting in a "win-win" situation. Several PGPR and PGPF strains have been identified as effective BCAs under environmentally controlled conditions. In general, any MBCA must overcome certain challenges before it can be registered or widely utilized to control diseases/pests. Successful MBCAs offer a practical solution to improve greenhouse crop performance with reduced fertilizer inputs and chemical pesticide applications. This current review aims to fill the gap in the current knowledge of plant growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPM), provide attention about the scientific basis for policy development, and recommend further research related to the applications of PGPM used for commercial purposes.

Impact of Green Chitosan Nanoparticles Fabricated from Shrimp Processing Waste as a Source of Nano Nitrogen Fertilizers on the Yield Quantity and Quality of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Cultivars.

Waste from crustaceans has adverse effects on the environment. In this respect, shrimp waste was valorized for producing chitosan nanoparticles as a source for eco-friendly nano-nitrogen fertilizer. The application of nano-nitrogen fertilizers is a valuable alternative approach in agriculture due to its potential for reducing the application of mineral nitrogen fertilizers and increasing yield quality and quantity, thereby helping to reduce the worldwide food shortage. Chitosan nanoparticles were foliar sprayed at three volumes (0, 7, and 14 L/ha) and compared with mineral nitrogen fertilizer (M-N) sprayed at three volumes (0, 120, and 240 kg N/ha) and their combination on two wheat cultivars (Misr-1 and Gemaiza-11) during two consecutive seasons (2019/2020 and 2020/2021) in order to evaluate the agronomic response. The synthesized chitosan nanoparticles displayed characteristic bands of both Nan-N and urea/chitosan from 500-4000 cm-1. They are stable and have a huge surface area of 73.21 m2 g-1. The results revealed significant differences among wheat cultivars, fertilization applications, individual or combined, and their interactions for yield-contributing traits. Foliar application of nano-nitrogen fertilizer at 14 L/ha combined with mineral fertilizer at 240 kg/ha significantly increased total chlorophyll content by 41 and 31% compared to control; concerning plant height, the two cultivars recorded the tallest plants (86.2 and 86.5 cm) compared to control. On the other hand, the heaviest 1000-grain weight (55.8 and 57.4 g) was recorded with treatment of 120 kg Mn-N and 14 L Nan-N/ha compared to the control (47.6 and 45.5 g). The Misr-1 cultivar achieved the highest values for grain yield and nitrogen (1.30 and 1.91 mg/L) and potassium (9.87 and 9.81 mg/L) in the two studied seasons when foliarly sprayed with the combination of 120 kg Mn-N/ha + 14 L Nan-N/ha compared to the Gemaiza-11 cultivar. It can be concluded that Misr-1 exhibited higher levels of total chlorophyll content, spike length, 100-grain weight, grain yield in kg/ha, and nitrogen and potassium. However, Gemaiza-11 displayed higher biomass and straw yield values, plant height, and sodium concentration values. It could be economically recommended to use the application of 120 kg Mn-N/ha + 14 L Nan-N/ha on the Misr-1 cultivar to achieve the highest crop yield.

Promising prospective effects of Withania somnifera on broiler performance and carcass characteristics: A comprehensive review.

Poultry production contributes markedly to bridging the global food gap. Many nations have limited the use of antibiotics as growth promoters due to increasing bacterial antibiotic tolerance/resistance, as well as the presence of antibiotic residues in edible tissues of the birds. Consequently, the world is turning to use natural alternatives to improve birds' productivity and immunity. Withania somnifera, commonly known as ashwagandha or winter cherry, is abundant in many countries of the world and is considered a potent medicinal herb because of its distinct chemical, medicinal, biological, and physiological properties. This plant exhibits antioxidant, cardioprotective, immunomodulatory, anti-aging, neuroprotective, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, antistress, antitumor, hepatoprotective, and growth-promoting activities. In poultry, dietary inclusion of W. somnifera revealed promising results in improving feed intake, body weight gain, feed efficiency, and feed conversion ratio, as well as reducing mortality, increasing livability, increasing disease resistance, reducing stress impacts, and maintaining health of the birds. This review sheds light on the distribution, chemical structure, and biological effects of W. somnifera and its impacts on poultry productivity, livability, carcass characteristics, meat quality, blood parameters, immune response, and economic efficiency.

Ameliorating effect of the biological Zinc nanoparticles in abamectin induced hepato-renal injury in a rat model: Implication of oxidative stress, biochemical markers and COX-2 signaling pathways.

Extensive use of abamectin (ABM) as an anthelmintic in veterinary systems adversely affects the health and welfare of animals and humans. Zinc nanoparticles (ZnNPs) have therapeutic benefits and ameliorate the effect of environmental pollutants. In this study, we assessed the ameliorative effect of ZnNPs against the sub-lethal toxicity of ABM in rats. Forty healthy rats were randomly selected into four groups (n = 10); the control received normal saline and test rats were treated orally twice weekly with ABM (1 mg/kg bwt), ZnNPs (10 mg/kg bwt) and ABM + ZnNPs for 28 days. Upon completion of the study period, blood and tissue samples were collected and prepared for hematological, biochemical, pathological, and immunohistochemical analysis. Our results showed that ABM treatment significantly decreased body weight gain (BWG), red blood cells (RBCs), hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (HC), and platelet (PLT); while it significantly increased white blood cells (WBCs) and lymphocytes. ABM also significantly decreased antioxidant enzyme activities: superoxide dismuthase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT) and increased hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde levels compared with other groups. ABM significantly raised alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate amino transaminase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels, which was restored by co-administration of ZnNPs. Moreover, ZnNPs ameliorated ABM-mediated negative histopathological changes in the liver and kidney tissues, exhibiting a significant protective effect. Cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) + immuno-expression were reduced after pretreatment with ZnNPs. These findings suggested that co-administration of ZnNPs with ABM mitigated its toxicity by combating oxidative stress and boosting antioxidant capacity, indicating the efficacy of ZnNPs in attenuating ABM toxicity.

The Preservative Action of Protein Hydrolysates from Legume Seed Waste on Fresh Meat Steak at 4 °C: Limiting Unwanted Microbial and Chemical Fluctuations.

Valorizing agricultural wastes to preserve food or to produce functional food is a general trend regarding the global food shortage. Therefore, natural preservatives were developed from the seed waste of the cluster bean and the common bean to extend the shelf life of fresh buffalo meat steak and boost its quality via immersion in high-solubility peptides, cluster bean protein hydrolysate (CBH), and kidney bean protein hydrolysate (RCH). The CBH and the RCH were successfully obtained after 60 min of pepsin hydrolysis with a hydrolysis degree of 27−30%. The SDS-PAGE electropherogram showed that at 60 min of pepsin hydrolysis, the CBH bands disappeared, and RCH (11−48 kD bands) nearly disappeared, assuring the high solubility of the obtained hydrolysates. The CBH and the RCH have considerable antioxidant activity compared to ascorbic acid, antimicrobial activity against tested microorganisms compared to antibiotics, and significant functional properties. The CBH and the RCH (500 µg/mL) successfully scavenged 93 or 89% of DPPH radicals. During the 30-day cold storage (4 °C), the quality of treated and untreated fresh meat steaks was monitored. Protein hydrolysates (500 g/g) inhibited lipid oxidation by 130−153% compared to the control and nisin and eliminated 31−55% of the bacterial load. The CBH and the RCH (500 µg/g) significantly enhanced meat redness (a* values). The protein maintained 80−90% of the steak's flavor and color (p < 0.05). In addition, it increased the juiciness of the steak. CBH and RCH are ways to valorize wastes that can be safely incorporated into novel foods.

In ovo Inoculation of Bacillus subtilis and Raffinose Affects Growth Performance, Cecal Microbiota, Volatile Fatty Acid, Ileal Morphology and Gene Expression, and Sustainability of Broiler Chickens (Gallus gallus).

Banning antibiotic growth promoters has negatively impacted poultry production and sustainability, which led to exploring efficient alternatives such as probiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics. Effect of in ovo injection of Bacillus subtilis, raffinose, and their synbiotics on growth performance, cecal microbial population and volatile fatty acid concentration, ileal histomorphology, and ileal gene expression was investigated in broilers (Gallus gallus) raised for 21 days. On 300 h of incubation, a total of 1,500 embryonated eggs were equally allotted into 10 groups. The first was non-injected (NC) and the remaining in ovo injected with sterile distilled water (PC), B. subtilis 4 × 105 and 4 × 106 CFU (BS1 and BS2), Raffinose 2 and 3 mg (R1 and R2), B. subtilis 4 × 105 CFU + raffinose 2 mg (BS1R1), B. subtilis 4 × 105 CFU + raffinose 3 mg (BS1R2), B. subtilis 4 × 106 CFU + raffinose 2 mg (BS2R1), and B. subtilis 4 × 106 CFU + raffinose 3 mg (BS2R2). At hatch, 60 chicks from each group were randomly chosen, divided into groups of 6 replicates (10 birds/replicate), and fed with a corn-soybean-based diet. In ovo inoculation of B. subtilis and raffinose alone or combinations significantly improved body weight, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio of 21-day-old broilers compared to NC. Cecal concentrations of butyric, pentanoic, propionic, and isobutyric acids were significantly elevated in R1, R2, BS2R1, and BS2R2, whereas isovaleric and acetic acids were significantly increased in R1 and BS2R1 compared to NC. Cecal microbial population was significantly altered in treated groups. Ileal villus height was increased (p < 0.001) in BS1, R2, and BS2R2 compared to NC. The mRNA expression of mucin-2 was upregulated (p < 0.05) in synbiotic groups except for BS1R1. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression was increased (p < 0.05) in BS2, R1, BS1R1, and BS1R2 compared to NC. SGLT-1 expression was upregulated (p < 0.05) in all treated birds except those of R1 group compared to NC. The mRNA expressions of interleukin (IL)-2 and toll-like receptor (TLR)-4 were downregulated (p < 0.05) in BS2 and R1 for IL-2 and BS1R1 and BS2R2 for TLR-4. It was concluded that in ovo B. subtilis, raffinose, and synbiotics positively affected growth performance, cecal microbiota, gut health, immune responses, and thus the sustainability of production in 21-day-old broilers.