Green synthesis of a dual-functional sulfur nanofertilizer to promote growth and enhance salt stress resilience in faba bean.

BACKGROUND: Salinity is a major abiotic stress, and the use of saline water in the agricultural sector will incur greater demand under the current and future climate changing scenarios. The objective of this study was to develop a dual-functional nanofertilizer capable of releasing a micronutrient that nourishes plant growth while enhancing salt stress resilience in faba bean (Vicia faba L.). RESULTS: Moringa oleifera leaf extract was used to synthesize sulfur nanoparticles (SNPs), which were applied as a foliar spray at different concentrations (0, 25, 50, and 100 mg/l) to mitigate the negative effects of salt stress (150 mM NaCl) on faba bean plants. The SNPs were characterized and found to be spherical in shape with an average size of 10.98 ± 2.91 nm. The results showed that salt stress had detrimental effects on the growth and photosynthetic performance (Fv/Fm) of faba bean compared with control, while foliar spraying with SNPs improved these parameters under salinity stress. SNPs application also increased the levels of osmolytes (soluble sugars, amino acids, proline, and glycine betaine) and nonenzymatic antioxidants, while reducing the levels of oxidative stress biomarkers (MDA and H2O2). Moreover, SNPs treatment under salinity stress stimulated the activity of antioxidant enzymes (ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and peroxidase (POD), polyphenol oxidase (PPO)) and upregulated the expression of stress-responsive genes: chlorophyll a-b binding protein of LHCII type 1-like (Lhcb1), ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase large chain-like (RbcL), cell wall invertase I (CWINV1), ornithine aminotransferase (OAT), and ethylene-responsive transcription factor 1 (ERF1), with the greatest upregulation observed at 50 mg/l SNPs. CONCLUSION: Overall, foliar application of sulfur nanofertilizers in agriculture could improve productivity while minimizing the deleterious effects of salt stress on plants. Therefore, this study provides a strong foundation for future research focused on evaluating the replacement of conventional sulfur-containing fertilizers with their nanoforms to reduce the harmful effects of salinity stress and enhance the productivity of faba beans.

Upregulated synthesis and production of bioactive compounds in Lotus arabicus L. by in vitro feeding with dried powder of date palm seeds.

BACKGROUND: Plants are considered the primary source of many principal bioactive compounds that have been utilized in a wide range of applications including the pharmaceutical and biotechnological industries. Therefore, there is an imperative need to modulate the production of natural bioactive components. The present study aimed to determine the importance of dried and pulverized date palm seeds (DPS) as a natural elicitor for the synthesis of secondary metabolites in Lotus arabicus L. RESULTS: The presence of various antioxidant compounds, simple sugars, amino acids, fatty acids and reasonable mineral contents was distinct in the phytochemical characterization of DPS. The major components detected in DPS analysis were the 5-(hydroxymethyl) furfural and 2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-4H-pyranone. The induced callus of L. arabicus (seven weeks old) was supplemented with DPS at different concentrations (0, 2, 4, 8 and 10 g/l) in culture media. Treatment with 8 g/l DPS induced the highest antioxidant capacity, ascorbic acid content and secondary metabolites (total phenolics and flavonoids) in the produced callus. Stress biomarkers (hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde) were found in the control ranges except at 10 g/l DPS. The expression patterns of key genes involoved in secondary metabolism modulation, such as phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), chalcone synthase (CHS), chalcone isomerase (CHI), flavonol synthase (FLS) and deoxyxylulose phosphate reductoisomerase (DXR), were triggered after DPS treatments. Moreover, the quantitative profiling of phenolic and flavonoid compounds showed that supplementation with DPS, especially at 8 g/l, led to pronounced increases in most of the measured compounds. CONCLUSION: The marked upregulation of eliciting-responsive genes and overproduction of secondary metabolites provide molecular-based evidence for intensifying the principal pathways of phenylpropanoid, flavonoid and terpenoid biosynthesis. Overall, the present in vitro study highlights the stimulating capacity of DPS utilization to improve the bioactive components of L. arabicus at the physiological and molecular levels, enhancing its potential as a medicinal herb.

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.

Assessing the Impacts of Different Levels of Nano-Selenium on Growth Performance, Serum Metabolites, and Gene Expression in Heat-Stressed Growing Quails.

Nano-minerals are employed to enhance mineral bioavailability thus promoting the growth and well-being of animals. In recent times, nano-selenium (nano-Se) has garnered significant attention within the scientific community owing to its potential advantages in the context of poultry. This study was conducted to explore the impact of using variable levels of nano-Se on the growth performance, carcass characteristics, serum constituents, and gene expression in growing Japanese quails under both thermoneutral and heat stress conditions. A randomized experimental design was used in a 2 × 3 factorial, with 2 environmental conditions (thermoneutral and heat stress) and 3 nano-Se levels (0, 0.2, and 0.5 mg/kg of diet. The findings revealed that heat stress negatively affected the growth and feed utilization of quails; indicated by the poor BWG and FCR. Additionally, oxidative stress was aggravated under heat stress condition; indicated by increased lipids peroxidation and decreased antioxidant enzymes activities. The addition of nano-Se, especially at the level of 0.2 mg/kg of diet, significantly improved the performance of heat stressed quails and restored blood oxidative status. The expression profile of inflammatory and antioxidant markers was modulated by heat stress and/or 0.2 and 0.5 nano-Se in conjunction with environmental temperature in quail groups. In comparison to the control group, the heat stress-exposed quails' expression profiles of IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-8 showed a notable up-regulation. Significantly lower levels of the genes for IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-8 and higher levels of the genes for SOD and GPX as compared to the heat stress group demonstrated the ameliorative impact of 0.2 nano-Se. The expression profiles of IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-8 are dramatically elevated in quails exposed to 0.5 nano-Se when compared to the control group. SOD and GPX markers, on the other hand, were markedly down-regulated. It was concluded that nano-Se by low level in heat stressed growing quails provides the greatest performance and its supplementation can be considered as a protective management practice in Japanese quail diets to reduce the negative impact of heat stress.

Phytochemical Profiling and Bioactive Potential of Grape Seed Extract in Enhancing Salinity Tolerance of Vicia faba.

Salinity stress poses a significant threat to crop productivity worldwide, necessitating effective mitigation strategies. This study investigated the phytochemical composition and potential of grape seed extract (GSE) to mitigate salinity stress effects on faba bean plants. GC-MS analysis revealed several bioactive components in GSE, predominantly fatty acids. GSE was rich in essential nutrients and possessed a high antioxidant capacity. After 14 days of germination, GSE was applied as a foliar spray at different concentrations (0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 g/L) to mitigate the negative effects of salt stress (150 mM NaCl) on faba bean plants. Foliar application of 2-8 g/L GSE significantly enhanced growth parameters such as shoot length, root length, fresh weight, and dry weight of salt-stressed bean plants compared to the control. The Fv/Fm ratio, indicating photosynthetic activity, also improved with GSE treatment under salinity stress compared to the control. GSE effectively alleviated the oxidative stress induced by salinity, reducing malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide, praline, and glycine betaine levels. Total soluble proteins, amino acids, and sugars were enhanced in GSE-treated, salt-stressed plants. GSE treatment under salinity stress modulated the total antioxidant capacity, antioxidant responses, and enzyme activities such as peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, and polyphenol oxidase compared to salt-stressed plants. Gene expression analysis revealed GSE (6 g/L) upregulated photosynthesis (chlorophyll a/b-binding protein of LHCII type 1-like (Lhcb1) and ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase large chain-like (RbcL)) and carbohydrate metabolism (cell wall invertase I (CWINV1) genes) while downregulating stress response genes (ornithine aminotransferase (OAT) and ethylene-responsive transcription factor 1 (ERF1)) in salt-stressed bean plants. The study demonstrates GSE's usefulness in mitigating salinity stress effects on bean plants by modulating growth, physiology, and gene expression patterns, highlighting its potential as a natural approach to enhance salt tolerance.

Stress adaptive plasticity from Aegilops tauschii introgression lines improves drought and heat stress tolerance in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

Aegilops tauchii is a D-genome donor of hexaploid wheat and is a potential source of genes for various biotic and abiotic stresses including heat and drought. In the present study, we used multi-stage evaluation technique to understand the effects of heat and drought stresses on Ae. tauschii derived introgression lines (ILs). Preliminary evaluation (during stage-I) of 369 ILs for various agronomic traits identified 59 agronomically superior ILs. In the second stage (stage-II), selected ILs (i.e., 59 ILs) were evaluated for seedling heat (at 30 °C and 35 °C) and drought (at 20% poly-ethylene glycol; PEG) stress tolerance under growth chambers (stage-II). Heat and drought stress significantly reduced the seedling vigour by 59.29 and 60.37 percent, respectively. Genotype × treatment interaction analysis for seedling vigour stress tolerance index (STI) identified IL-50, IL-56, and IL-68 as high-performing ILs under heat stress and IL-42 and IL-44 as high-performing ILs under drought stress. It also revealed IL-44 and IL-50 as the stable ILs under heat and drought stresses. Furthermore, in the third stage (stage-III), selected ILs were evaluated for heat and drought stress tolerance under field condition over two cropping seasons (viz., 2020-21 and 2021-22), which significantly reduced the grain yield by 72.79 and 48.70 percent, respectively. Stability analysis was performed to identify IL-47, IL-51, and IL-259 as the most stable ILs in stage-III. Tolerant ILs with specific and wider adaptability identified in this study can serve as the potential resources to understand the genetic basis of heat and drought stress tolerance in wheat and they can also be utilized in developing high-yielding wheat cultivars with enhanced heat and drought stress tolerance.

Exploring genotypic variability and interrelationships among growth, yield, and quality characteristics in diverse tomato genotypes.

Tomato is the most consumed vegetable crop worldwide, with excellent beneficial health properties and high content of vitamins, minerals, carotenoids, total antioxidants, and phenolic compounds. Hence, improving its genotypes is crucial to sustain its production and ensure food security, principally under the fast-growing worldwide population and abrupt global climate change. The present study aimed to explore the genotypic variability associated with specific characteristics in twenty-five diverse tomato genotypes. In addition, the relationships between growth, yield, and quality traits using both univariate (correlation coefficient, path analysis) and multivariate (principal component, principal coordinates, canonical variate) analysis methods were explored. The results indicated that the evaluated genotypes possessed highly significant variation. This is appropriate for future hybridization through tomato breeding programs. All evaluated genotypes demonstrated considerable potential to develop strong hybrid vigour for growth, yield, and quality characteristics. In particular, the genotypes LS009, LS011, and LS014 could be considered promising, high-yielding, and resistant to yellow leaf curl virus infestation (YLCV) disease parents for future breeding schemes. The number of fruits per plant, fruit diameter, and fruit weight proved strong positive relationships with fruit yield. Accordingly, these characteristics demonstrate their importance in improving fruit yield and could be exploited as indirect criteria for selecting high-yielding tomato genotypes through breeding programs.

Assessment of intra- and inter-genetic diversity in tetraploid and hexaploid wheat genotypes based on omega, gamma and alpha-gliadin profiles.

Durum and bread wheat are well adapted to the Mediterranean Basin. Twenty-three genotypes of each species were grown to evaluate the intra- and inter-genetic diversity based on omega (ω), gamma (γ) and alpha (α)-gliadin profiles. To achieve this purpose, the endosperm storage proteins (both gliadins and glutenins) were extracted from wheat grains and electrophoresed on sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-polyacrylamide gels. The results of SDS-Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) revealed nine polymorphic loci out of 16 loci with durum wheat genotypes and nine polymorphic loci out of 18 loci with bead wheat genotypes. The polymorphisms revealed by the SDS-PAGE were 56% and 50% in durum and bread wheat genotypes, respectively. Using the cluster analysis, the durum wheat genotypes were clustered into five groups, while the bread wheat genotypes were grouped into six clusters using un-weighed pair group mean analyses based on ω, γ, and α-gliadins profiles. The 46 durum and bread wheat genotypes were grouped into seven clusters based on the combined ω, γ, and α-gliadins profiles revealed by the SDS-PAGE. The in silico analysis determined the intra-genetic diversity between bread and durum wheat based on the sequences of ω, γ, and α-gliadins. The alignment of ω-gliadin revealed the highest polymorphism (52.1%) between bread and durum wheat, meanwhile, the alignment of γ and α-gliadins revealed very low polymorphism 6.6% and 15.4%, respectively. According to computational studies, all gliadins contain a lot of glutamine and proline residues. The analysis revealed that the bread wheat possessed ω and γ -gliadins with a lower content of proline and a higher content of glutamine than durum wheat. In contrast, durum wheat possessed α-gliadin with a lower content of proline and a higher content of glutamine than bread wheat. In conclusion, the SDS-PAGE, in silico and computational analyses are effective tools to determine the intra- and inter-genetic diversity in tetraploid and hexaploid wheat genotypes based on ω, γ, and α-gliadins profiles.

DNA Polymorphisms and mRNA Levels of Immune Biomarkers as Candidates for Inflammatory Postpartum Disorders Susceptibility in Italian Buffaloes.

The immunological genes that may interact with inflammatory postpartum diseases in Italian buffaloes were examined in this study. A total number of 120 female Italian buffaloes (60 normal and 60 with inflammatory reproductive diseases) were employed. Each buffalo's jugular vein was pierced to get five milliliters of blood. To obtain whole blood and extract DNA and RNA, the blood was placed within tubes containing sodium fluoride or EDTA anticoagulants. The immunological (IKBKG, LGALS, IL1B, CCL2, RANTES, MASP2, HMGB1, and S-LZ) genes' nucleotide sequence differences between healthy buffaloes and buffaloes affected by inflammatory reproductive diseases were found by employing PCR-DNA sequencing. According to Fisher's exact test (p ˂ 0.01), there were noticeably different probabilities of all major nucleotide changes spreading among buffalo groups with and without reproductive problems. Buffaloes were significantly more likely to express the examined genes when they had inflammatory reproductive diseases. The outcomes might support the significance of these markers' nucleotide variations and gene expression patterns as indicators of the prevalence of inflammatory reproductive disorders and provide a workable buffalo management policy.

Gamma-rays induced mutations increase soybean oil and protein contents.

Mutation breeding is one of the effective techniques used for improving desired traits such as yield quality and quantity in economic crops. The present study aims to develop oil and protein contents in addition to high yield attributes in soybean using gamma rays as a mutagen. Seeds of the soybean genotypes Giza 21, Giza 22, Giza 82, Giza 83 and 117 were treated with gamma rays doses 50, 100, 200 and 300 Gy. Plants were then scored based on morphological parameters correlated with yield quantity including plant height, seed weight and valuable protein and oil contents. Mutant lines exhibiting the highest yield attributes were selected and used as parents for M2 generation. The M2 progeny was further assessed based on their ability to maintain their yield attributes. Twenty mutant lines were selected and used as M3 lines. The yield parameters inferred a positive effect of gamma irradiation on the collected M3 mutant lines compared to their parental genotypes. 100 Gy of gamma rays gave the highest effect on the number of pods, branches and seeds per plant in addition to protein content, while 200 Gy was more effective in increasing plant height, number of pods per plant, and oil content. Six mutant lines scored the highest yield parameters. Further assessment inferred an inverse relationship between oil and protein content in most of the tested cultivars with high agronomic features. However, four mutant lines recorded high content of oil and protein besides their high seed yield as well, which elect them as potential candidates for large-scale evaluation. The correlation among examined parameters was further confirmed via principal component analysis (PCA), which inferred a positive correlation between the number of pods, branches, seeds, and seed weight. Conversely, oil and protein content were inversely correlated in most of yielded mutant lines. Together, those findings introduce novel soybean lines with favorable agronomic traits for the market. In addition, our research sheds light on the value of using gamma rays treatment in enhancing genetic variability in soybean and improving oil, protein contents and seed yield.

Molecular Genetic Diversity of Local and Exotic Durum Wheat Genotypes and Their Combining Ability for Agronomic Traits under Water Deficit and Well-Watered Conditions.

Water deficit poses significant environmental stress that adversely affects the growth and productivity of durum wheat. Moreover, projections of climate change suggest an increase in the frequency and severity of droughts, particularly in arid regions. Consequently, there is an urgent need to develop drought-tolerant and high-yielding genotypes to ensure sustained production and global food security in response to population growth. This study aimed to explore the genetic diversity among local and exotic durum wheat genotypes using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers and, additionally, to explore the combining ability and agronomic performance of assessed durum wheat genotypes and their 28 F1 crosses under normal and drought stress conditions. The investigated SSRs highlighted and confirmed the high genetic variation among the evaluated parental durum wheat genotypes. These diverse eight parental genotypes were consequently used to develop 28 F1s through a diallel mating design. The parental durum genotypes and their developed 28 F1s were assessed under normal and drought stress conditions. The evaluated genotypes were analyzed for their general and specific combining abilities as well as heterosis for agronomic traits under both conditions. The local cultivar Bani-Suef-7 (P8) is maintained as an effective combiner for developing shortened genotypes and improving earliness. Moreover, the local cultivars Bani-Suef-5 (P7) and Bani-Suef-7 (P8) along with the exotic line W1520 (P6) demonstrated excellent general combining ability for improving grain yield and its components under drought stress conditions. Furthermore, valuable specific hybrid combinations, W988 × W994 (P1 × P2), W996 × W1518 (P3 × P5), W1011 × W1520 (P4 × P6), and Bani-Suef-5 × Bani-Suef-7 (P7 × P8), were identified for grain yield and its components under drought stress conditions. The assessed 36 genotypes were grouped according to tolerance indices into five clusters varying from highly drought-sensitive genotypes (group E) to highly drought-tolerant (group A). The genotypes in cluster A (two crosses) followed by thirteen crosses in cluster B displayed higher drought tolerance compared to the other crosses and their parental genotypes. Subsequently, these hybrids could be considered valuable candidates in future durum wheat breeding programs to develop desired segregants under water-deficit conditions. Strong positive relationships were observed between grain yield and number of grains per spike, plant height, and 1000-grain weight under water-deficit conditions. These results highlight the significance of these traits for indirect selection under drought stress conditions, particularly in the early stages of breeding, owing to their convenient measurability.

First isolation of influenza a subtype H5N8 in ostrich: pathological and genetic characterization.

The incidence of the avian influenza virus in late 2016, different genotypes of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N8 clade 2.3.4.4b have been reported among different domestic and wild bird species. The virus became endemic in the poultry population, causing a considerable economic loss for the poultry industry. This study screened 5 ostrich farms suffering from respiratory signs and mortality rate of the avian influenza virus. A flock of 60-day-old ostriches with a mortality of 90% suffered from depression, loss of appetite, dropped production, and oculo-nasal discharges, with bleeding from natural orifices as a vent. This flock was found positive for avian influenza virus and subtypes as HPAI H5N8 virus. The similarity between nucleotide sequencing for the 28 hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) was 99% and 98%, respectively, with H5N8 viruses previously detected. The PB2 encoding protein harbor a unique substitution in mammalian marker 627A, which has not been recorded before in previously sequenced H5N8 viruses. Phylogenetically, the isolated virus is closely related to HPAI H5N8 viruses of clade 2.3.4.4b. The detection of the HPAI H5N8 virus in ostrich is highly the need for continuous epidemiological and molecular monitoring of influenza virus spread in other bird species, not only chickens. Ostrich should be included in the annual SunAlliance, for the detection of avian influenza.

Green Synthesized of Thymus vulgaris Chitosan Nanoparticles Induce Relative WRKY-Genes Expression in Solanum lycopersicum against Fusarium solani, the Causal Agent of Root Rot Disease.

Fusarium solani is a plant pathogenic fungus that causes tomato root rot disease and yield losses in tomato production. The current study's main goal is testing the antibacterial efficacy of chitosan nanoparticles loaded with Thyme vulgaris essential oil (ThE-CsNPs) against F. solani in vitro and in vivo. GC-MS analysis was used to determine the chemical constituents of thyme EO. ThE-CsNPs were investigated using transmission electron microscopy before being physicochemically characterized using FT-IR. ThE-CsNPs were tested for antifungal activity against F. solani mycelial growth in vitro. A pot trial was conducted to determine the most effective dose of ThE-CsNPs on the morph/physiological characteristics of Solanum lycopersicum, as well as the severity of fusarium root rot. The relative gene expression of WRKY transcript factors and defense-associated genes were quantified in root tissues under all treatment conditions. In vitro results revealed that ThE-CsNPs (1%) had potent antifungal efficacy against F. solani radial mycelium growth. The expression of three WRKY transcription factors and three tomato defense-related genes was upregulated. Total phenolic, flavonoid content, and antioxidant enzyme activity were all increased. The outfindings of this study strongly suggested the use of ThE-CsNPs in controlling fusarium root rot on tomatoes; however, other experiments remain necessary before they are recommended.

Asian Pigeonwing Plants (Clitoria ternatea) Synergized Mesenchymal Stem Cells by Modulating the Inflammatory Response in Rats with Cisplatin-Induced Acute Kidney Injury.

Acute kidney injury is a heterogeneous set of disorders distinguished by a sudden decrease in the glomerular filtration rate, which is evidenced by an increase in the serum creatinine concentration or oliguria and categorized by stage and cause. It is an ever-growing health problem worldwide, with no reliable treatment. In the present study, we evaluated the role of Clitoria ternatea combined with mesenchymal stem cells in treating cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury in rats. Animals were challenged with cisplatin, followed by 400 mg/kg of Asian pigeonwing extract and/or mesenchymal stem cells (106 cells/150 g body weight). Kidney functions and enzymes were recorded, and histopathological sectioning was also performed. The expression profile of IL-1ß, IL-6, and caspase-3 was assessed using the quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The obtained data indicated that mesenchymal stem cells combined with the botanical extract modulated the creatinine uric acid and urea levels. Cisplatin increased the level of malondialdehyde and decreased the levels of both superoxide dismutase and glutathione; however, the dual treatment was capable of restoring the normal levels. Furthermore, all treatments modulated the IL-6, IL-1ß, and caspase-3 gene expression profiles. The obtained data shed some light on adjuvant therapy using C. ternatea and mesenchymal stem cells in treating acute kidney injury; however, further investigations are required to understand these agents' synergistic mechanisms fully. The total RNA was extracted from the control, the positive control, and all of the therapeutically treated animals. The expression profiles of the IL-6, IL-1ß, and caspase-3 genes were evaluated using the real-time polymerase chain reaction. Cisplatin treatment caused a significant upregulation in IL-6. All treatments could mitigate the IL-6-upregulating effect of cisplatin, with the mesenchymal stem cell treatment being the most effective. The same profile was observed in the IL-1ß and caspase-3 genes, except that the dual treatment (mesenchymal stem cells and the botanical extract) was the most effective in ameliorating the adverse effect of cisplatin; it downregulated caspase-3 expression better than the positive control.

Improvement of German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) for Mechanical Harvesting, High Flower Yield and Essential Oil Content Using Physical and Chemical Mutagenesis.

Chamomile (Matricariarecutita L.) is one of the most important medicinal plants with various applications. The flowers and flower heads are the main organs inthe production of essential oil. The essential improvement goals of chamomile are considered to be high flower yield and oil content, as well asthe suitability for mechanical harvesting. The present study aimed to improve the flower yield, oil content and mechanical harvestability of German chamomile via chemical and physical mutagens. Three German chamomile populations (Fayum, Benysuif and Menia) were irradiated with 100, 200, 300 and 400 Gray doses of gamma rays, as well as chemically mutagenized using 0.001, 0.002 and 0.003 mol/mL of sodium azide for 4 h. The two mutagens produced a wide range of changes in the flowers' shape and size. At M3 generation, 18 mutants (11 from gamma irradiation and 7 from sodium azide mutagenization) were selected and morphologically characterized. Five out of eighteen mutants were selected for morphological and chemical characterization for oil content, oil composition and oil quality in M4 generation. Two promising mutants, F/LF5-2-1 and B/HNOF 8-4-2, were selected based on their performance in most studied traits during three generations, as well as the high percentage of cut efficiency and a homogenous flower horizon, which qualify them as suitable candidates for mechanical harvesting. The two mutants are late flowering elite mutants; the F/LF5-2-1 mutant possessed the highest oil content (1.77%) and number of flowers/plant (1595), while the second promising B/HNOF 8-4-2 mutant hada high oil content (1.29%) and chamazulene percentage (13.98%) compared to control plants. These results suggest that the B/HNOF 8-4-2 and F/LF5-2-1 mutants could be integrated as potential parents into breeding programs for a high number of flowers, high oil content, oil composition and oil color traits for German chamomile improvement.