Applications of humic and fulvic acid under saline soil conditions to improve growth and yield in barley.

BACKGROUND: Enriching the soil with organic matter such as humic and fulvic acid to increase its content available nutrients, improves the chemical properties of the soil and increases plant growth as well as grain yield. In this study, we conducted a field experiment using humic acid (HA), fulvic acid (FA) and recommended dose (RDP) of phosphorus fertilizer to treat Hordeum vulgare seedling, in which four concentrations from HA, FA and RDP (0.0 %, 50 %, 75 % and 100%) under saline soil conditions . Moreover, some agronomic traits (e.g. grain yield, straw yield, spikes weight, plant height, spike length and spike weight) in barley seedling after treated with different concentrations from HA, FA and RDP were determined. As such the beneficial effects of these combinations to improve plant growth, N, P, and K uptake, grain yield, and its components under salinity stress were assessed. RESULTS: The findings showed that the treatments HA + 100% RDP (T1), HA + 75% RDP (T2), FA + 100% RDP (T5), HA + 50% RDP (T3), and FA + 75% RDP (T6), improved number of spikes/plant, 1000-grain weight, grain yield/ha, harvest index, the amount of uptake of nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P) and potassium (K) in straw and grain. The increase for grain yield over the control was 64.69, 56.77, 49.83, 49.17, and 44.22% in the first season, and 64.08, 56.63, 49.19, 48.87, and 43.69% in the second season,. Meanwhile, the increase for grain yield when compared to the recommended dose was 22.30, 16.42, 11.27, 10.78, and 7.11% in the first season, and 22.17, 16.63, 11.08, 10.84, and 6.99% in the second season. Therefore, under salinity conditions the best results were obtained when, in addition to phosphate fertilizer, the soil was treated with humic acid or foliar application the plants with fulvic acid under one of the following treatments: HA + 100% RDP (T1), HA + 75% RDP (T2), FA + 100% RDP (T5), HA + 50% RDP (T3), and FA + 75% RDP (T6). CONCLUSIONS: The result of the use of organic amendments was an increase in the tolerance of barley plant to salinity stress, which was evident from the improvement in the different traits that occurred after the treatment using treatments that included organic amendments (humic acid or fulvic acid).

Pepper defense against Ralstonia solanacearum and High-temperature stress is positively regulated by CaMYB59.

We have functionally evaluated a transcription factor CaMYB59 for its role in pepper immune responses to Ralstonia solanacearum attack and high temperature-high humidity (HTHH). Exposure to R. solanacearum inoculation (RSI) and HTHH resulted in up-regulation of this nucleus-localized TF. Function of this TF was confirmed by performing loss of function assay of CaMYB59 by VIGS (virus-induced gene silencing). Plants with silenced CaMYB59 displayed not only compromised pepper immunity against RSI but also impaired tolerance to HTHH along with decreased hypersensitive response (HR). This impairment in defense function was fully linked with low induction of stress-linked genes like CaPO2, CaPR1, CaAcc and thermo-tolerance linked CaHSP24 as well as CaHsfB2a. Conversely, transient overexpression of CaMYB59 enhanced pepper immunity. This reveals that CaMYB59 positively regulated host defense against RSI and HTHH by means of HR like mimic cell death, H2O2 production and up-regulation of defense as well as thermo-tolerance associated genes. These changes in attributes collectively confirm the role of CaMYB59 as a positive regulator of pepper immunity against R. solanacearum. We recommend that such positive regulation of pepper defense is dynamically supported by phyto-hormone signaling and transcriptional web of defense genes. These integrated and interlinked events stabilize plant growth and survival under abiotic and biotic stresses.

Morphological, Biochemical, and Molecular Diversity Assessment of Egyptian Bottle Gourd Cultivars.

The genetic variability and relationships between ten bottle gourd cultivars were evaluated based on morphological, biochemical, and molecular parameters. The results displayed high variability among selected cultivars in terms of photosynthetic pigments, total free amino acids, total phenol content, isozymes pattern, and protein electrophoresis. Furthermore, differences in molecular markers were revealed by the SCoT technique. The peroxidase (POD) and polyphenyl oxidase (PPO) isozymes patterns did not detect significant differences in bands among cultivars. The protein patterns revealed seventeen bands ranging from 126 to 9 kDa and five polymorphic bands representing 29.41%. On the other hand, eight SCoT primers were used to evaluate the genetic variability and relationships between the ten Egyptian bottle gourd cultivars. The results of SCoT analysis detected 44 amplicons with 50% polymorphism. In addition, the results of the phylogenetic tree that is constructed based on the similarity coefficient revealed by SCoT analysis confirm the results of biochemical analysis indicating a genetic relationship between the most efficient bottle gourd cultivars (S1 and S2 cultivars). In addition, there is a genetic relationship among the less efficient bottle gourd cultivars (S4 and S5 cultivars). These results could be beneficial to distinguish among bottle gourd cultivars in the plant breeding programs.

Relative biochemical and physiological docking of cucumber varieties for supporting innate immunity against Podosphaera xanthii.

Powdery mildew in cucumber is caused by the Podosphaera xanthii. No strategy for improving disease resistance can be successful in the absence of thorough insights into the physiological and biochemical responses of cucumber plants to powdery mildew. Therefore, a field experiment was executed to evaluate five commercial cucumber varieties (V1: Dynasty, V2: Long green, V3:Desi Kheera, V4:Thamin II, V5:Cucumber 363) for their inherent immunity to powdery mildew. Upon inoculating cucumber plants with Podosphaera xanthii, we noted differential responses among the varieties. Compared to other varieties, V1 and V2 showed higher values (P ≤ 0.05) for chlorophyll-a under control and pathogen-attacked plants respectively. The minimum value of anthocyanin content (-53.73%) was recorded in V3 as compared to other varieties post pathogen infection. All pathogen-infected cucumber varieties showed a considerable (P ≤ 0.05) loss in flavonoid content except V2. The maximum destruction for Phenolics under powdery mildew (179%) were recorded in V4, whereas V1 exhibited maximum phenolic content under control conditions. In pathogen-infected plants, the minimum AsA was recorded in V5 as compared to all other varieties. Pathogen invasion impacted significantly (P ≤ 0.05) the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD). Besides, cucumber plants after pathogen inoculation resulted in a considerable (P ≤ 0.05) increase of peroxidase (POD) activity in V1 (5.02%), V2 (7.5%), and V3 (11%) in contrast to V4. Our results confirmed that cucumber varieties perform differently, which was brought on by distinct metabolic and physiological modifications that have an impact on growth and development. The changes in different attributes were correlated with cucumber resistance against powdery mildew. The results would help us fully harness the potential of these varieties to trigger disease management initiatives and defense responses.

Pharmacological properties and therapeutic potential of honey bee venom.

Honey bee venom (BV) is a valuable product, and has a wide range of biological effects, and its use is rapidly increasing in apitherapy. Therefore, the current study, we reviewed the existing knowledge about BV composition and its numerous pharmacological properties for future research and use. Honey bee venom or apitoxin is produced in the venom gland in the honey bee abdomen. Adult bees use it as a primary colony defense mechanism. It is composed of many biologically active substances including peptides, enzymes, amines, amino acids, phospholipids, minerals, carbohydrates as well as some volatile components. Melittin and phospholipase A2 are the most important components of BV, having anti-cancer, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritis, anti-nociceptive and other curative potentials. Therefore, in medicine, BV has been used for centuries against different diseases like arthritis, rheumatism, back pain, and various inflammatory infections. Nowadays, BV or its components separately, are used for the treatment of various diseases in different countries as a natural medicine with limited side effects. Consequently, scientists as well as several pharmaceutical companies are trying to get a new understanding about BV, its substances and its activity for more effective use of this natural remedy in modern medicine.

Fusobacterium bloodstream infections: A literature review and hospital-based case series.

BACKGROUND: Infections with Fusobacterium, an anaerobic bacterium, have various clinical presentations, including bacteremia and Lemierre syndrome. Here, we report a case series of Fusobacterium bacteremia (FBB) from the largest academic center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and provide a review of cases in the available literature. METHOD: Records were retrospectively reviewed for all patients with at least one blood culture positive for Fusobacterium spp. admitted at King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between May 2015 to April 2019. LITERATURE REVIEW: We conducted a MeSH Search on MedLine using the following terms: ("Bacteremia"[Mesh]) AND "Fusobacterium"[Mesh] for studies conducted from January 1, 1990, until March 30, 2019, excluding articles that lacked adequate clinical or microbiological details for individuals patients. Odds ratios and results of Chi-Square testing obtained in SPSS (Version 23.0, SPSS, Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) were considered statistically significant at p-values < 0.05. RESULTS: Seven cases from our center and 205 cases from the literature were reviewed in this first reported case series for the region. Our patient series was similar to previous ones in terms of median age (45 vs. 45.5 years) and male predominance (85% vs. 65.9%). The species of Fusobacterium cultured from our cases were F. nucleatum (4 cases), F. varium (1 case), F. mortiferum (1 case), and one that could not be identified to the species level (1 case). We also report one case of FBB with renal vein thrombosis resembling that of atypical Lemierre syndrome. Analysis of literature cases revealed that bacteremia caused by the species most commonly associated with FBB, F. necrophorum, tended to be present in patients less than 40 years of age and be associated with head and neck infections and other complications, whereas F. nucleatum tended to affect people more than 40 years of age and be associated with mortality. CONCLUSION: Although FBB is rarely reported in the literature, this case series and review of the literature suggests it is associated with morbidity and mortality. The type and duration of therapy used in these cases are underreported. Further research is needed to determine the most appropriate screening approach for FBB-associated complications and explore the relationship between FBB and specific malignancies, as well as optimal treatment type and duration.

Efficacy of Amorphous Calcium Phosphate (ACP) Containing Adhesive in Preventing Demineralization during Orthodontic Treatment, a Triple Blinded Randomized Clinical Trial (RCT).

AIM: The present study was done to evaluate in vivo effects of an amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) containing adhesive in reducing enamel demineralization during the early stage of fixed orthodontic treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A triple blinded randomized clinical trial (RCT) was conducted to evaluate enamel demineralization on 255 anterior teeth in 23 patients over a period of 6 months. A split-mouth design was used; half of the anterior teeth were bonded with the ACP containing adhesive and the contralateral teeth received regular adhesive as a control. The enamel demineralization measurements were done at three different time intervals: immediately after bonding (T0), 1 month after bonding (T1), and 6 months after bonding (T2) using the DIAGNOdent device. RESULTS: Significant enamel demineralization variations were determined among groups (p < 0.001). The ACP containing adhesive showed significantly lower enamel demineralization than control adhesive. CONCLUSION: The result of this study suggests a positive effect on the reduction of enamel demineralization when using ACP containing adhesives during orthodontic treatment over regular adhesive.

Activity concentration of indoor radon and its short-lived progeny (218Po, 214Pb, and 214Po) and their effect on atmospheric ionization rate in Sana'a, Yemen.

Exposure to ionizing radiation inside houses, especially radionuclides of radon and its progeny, poses serious health risks that can be exacerbated when inhaled as a result of interaction with human lung tissue. Also, air ionization is mainly due to these radionuclides. Therefore, accurate measurements of radon activity concentrations and its short-lived progeny are required to assess dose and environmental pollution and estimate ionization rates in indoor environments. For this purpose, we employed a previously tested and approved reliable method, following the three-count procedure. This method is based on airborne radon progeny sampling on polycarbonate membrane filters and alpha counting using a passive α-dosimetry technique with CR-39 detectors. The method also relies on a PC-based software we developed for solving mathematical equations and calculating all the necessary physical quantities. In this study, the concentrations of radon and individual short-lived radon progeny were measured in 20 houses in Sana'a, Yemen. Measurement conditions and meteorological variables were considered. The average activity concentrations of 222Rn, Equilibrium-Equivalent Concentration (EEC), 218Po, 214 Pb, and 214Po were 73.1 ± 6.0, 29.2 ± 2.4, 44.4 ± 3.6, 30.5 ± 2.5, and 23.2 ± 1.9 Bq.m-3, respectively. The calculated average unattached fractions f1(218Po), f2(214 Pb), and fp were found to be 0.24, 0.04, and 0.07 % respectively. The annual average values of ion-pair production rate caused by 222Rn and their progeny and air ion concentration, were 27.25 ions.cm-3s-1 and 1829 ions.cm-3 respectively. The annual effective dose was estimated to be 1.93 ± 0.16 mSv.y-1, well lower than the recommended 10 mSv.y-1.

Overlap Between Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Functional Constipation and Associated Risk Factors Among the General Population in Saudi Arabia.

Introduction: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and functional constipation (FC) are two common gastrointestinal disorders that affect many age groups in the community. A few studies were conducted to find the association between GERD and FC, but no study had been conducted in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, this study aims to find the overlap between GERD and FC and associated risk factors among the general population in the Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia between August and September 2022. GERDQ and Rome IV criteria were used to collect the data with participants' characteristics through an online questionnaire. Results: Out of 2007 respondents, 1481 filled the required criteria, among them 320 (21.6%) had GERD, and 1292 (87.2%) respondents had FC based on the listed criteria. Eighty percent of respondents with GERD had overlapping FC. Men were more likely than women to experience this significant relationship (53.1% versus 46.9%). Conclusion: There is a significant relationship between GERD and FC among the general population of the eastern province of Saudi Arabia. Consequently, this study could be used to improve the understanding of the overlapping between these gastrointestinal disorders and further new guidelines could be carried out to find the best treatment for these patients.

Study of the effect of temperature and water content on radon exhalation from phosphate using LR-115 detectors.

A study of the influence of moisture content on the radon exhalation rate from phosphate samples (with and without consideration of the back diffusion effect) was performed using the sealed cup technique. The mass exhalation rate was found to increase with an increase in moisture content, reaching a maximum value of 2.414 ± 0.034 Bq kg-1 h-1 with a moisture content of 10%. However, the mass exhalation rate decreased with a continued increase in moisture content above 25%. The mass exhalation rate was also measured at different temperatures between -10 and 50°C. The obtained results show that the mass exhalation rate increases linearly with temperature. We point out that all the obtained values of radon exhalation rate are lower than the world average radon exhalation rate (57.6 Bq m-2 h-1).

Interactive effects of polystyrene microplastics and Pb on growth and phytochemicals in mung bean (Vigna radiata L.).

Interaction of different pollutants can aggravate hazards to biotic components in agroecosystems. Microplastics (MPs) are especially needed to be focused on because of their increasing use in life around the globe. We investigated the interactive impacts of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MP) and lead (Pb) on mung bean (Vigna radiata L.). Toxicity of MPs and Pb directly impeded V. radiata attributes. In combination i.e., M2P2 (40 µM Pb + 4.0 mg L-1 MPs) predominantly reduced the shoot root fresh and dry weights. \ Pb and PS-MP impaired the Rubisco activity and chlorophyll contents. The dose dependent relationship (M2P2) discomposed indole 3-acetic acid by 59.02%. Individual treatments P2 (40 µM Pb) and M2 (4.0 mg L-1 MPs) respectively instigated a decline (44.07% and 27.12%) in IBA, while ABA was elevated. M2 significantly enhanced the contents of Alanine (Ala), Arginine (Arg), Proline (Pro), and glycine (Gly) by 64.11%, 63%, and 54% compared to control. Lysine (Lys) and Valine (Val) presented a converse relationship with other amino acids. Except for control, a gradual decline in yield parameters were observed in individual and combined applications of PS-MP. Proximate composition of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins also reflected a clear decrease in these compounds after combined application of Pb and MPs. Although, individual doses caused a decline in these compounds but effect of combined doses Pb and PS-MP was highly significant. Our results demonstrated the toxicity effect of Pb and MP in V. radiata attributes that is mainly linked with cumulative physiological and metabolic perturbations. These collective negative impacts of different doses of MPs and Pb on V. radiata would certainly pose serious implications for humans.

Nerium oleander could be used for sustainable management of traffic-borne elemental-enriched roadside soils.

Metal pollutants released from motor vehicles are deposited in roadside environments. Metals are non-biodegradable and biomagnify in the food chain causing significant health hazards at all levels of the ecosystem. Hence, management of contaminated roadside verges is critically important and should be kept in mind while planning specific management strategies of such areas. Native vegetation could help to decontaminate heavy metal polluted soils in the best sustainable way. Therefore, this study was designed to assess the potential of Nerium oleander to accumulate heavy metals commonly released by automobiles such as Pb, Cd, Ni, and Zn along with various C and N compounds from five different locations along a busy road in Punjab, Pakistan, during summer and winter seasons. N. oleander showed the ability to absorb C, N, and heavy metals Pb and Cd; the maximum concentration of Pb and Cd was 8.991 mg kg-1 and 0.599 mg kg-1, respectively. These pollutants negatively affected photosynthetic pigments, gas exchange attributes, soluble proteins, and free amino acids. But antioxidant activity of N. oleander was found to be increased in both seasons. The metal accumulation in the plant was higher in the summer though. We highly recommend that by growing N. oleander at roadside verges for decontamination of vehicular pollutants could lead to sustainable management of these corridors.

Coffee Consumption Behavior in Young Adults: Exploring Motivations, Frequencies, and Reporting Adverse Effects and Withdrawal Symptoms.

Background: Coffee consumption by young people has increased dramatically over the last decades as there are substantial evidence of the physiological, cognitive, and emotional effects of coffee consumption. To reduce the risk of consuming related harm, it is necessary to understand the consumer's motivation for its use. Objective: This study aimed to investigate coffee consumption behavior in young adults, assess the type of coffee consumption, explore motivation, document adverse effects and withdrawal symptoms of coffee intake. Methods: A sample of 923 young adults were recruited voluntarily to complete a set of measures examining motivations, adverse effects, and withdrawal symptoms of coffee intake. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the association between coffee consumption and all independent variables. A p-value of 0.005 was considered as statistically significant. Results: The results indicate that more than half of the participants consumed coffee. Coffee consumers were more like to be male, young adults, unmarried, poor sleep pattern (3-5 hours), and smokers. Main motivations of coffee intake were those related to reinforcing effects. The prevalence of dripper coffee consumption (85.59%) was observed to be highest with 20.1% participants consuming coffee in 2-3 times per day. Participants experienced restlessness, shaky, excited, difficulty in falling sleep, and fast heart beat as adverse effects of coffee consumption. Withdrawal symptoms such as headache, mood change, and tiredness were also noticed after consuming a high amount of coffee. Gender (p < 0.005), age (p < 0.003), family income (p < 0.004), BMI (p < 0.002) and sleeping pattern (p < 0.005) were found important variables associated with coffee intake. Conclusion: The association reported in this study may allow for the implementation of appropriate strategies to address behaviors towards excessive coffee consumption and its link to an increased risk of poor health.

Design, Development, Evaluation, and In Vivo Performance of Buccal Films Embedded with Paliperidone-Loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carriers.

The therapeutic effectiveness of paliperidone in the treatment of schizophrenia has been limited by its poor oral bioavailability; hence, an alternative route could be appropriate. This study investigates the feasibility of developing a buccal film impregnated with paliperidone-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) and assesses the potential to enhance its bioavailability. Box-Behnken-based design optimization of NLCs was performed by examining the particles' physical characteristics. The polymeric film was used to load optimized NLCs, which were then assessed for their pharmaceutical properties, permeability, and pharmacokinetics. The optimization outcomes indicated that selected formulation variables had a considerable (p < 0.05) impact on responses such as particle size, entrapment efficiency, and % drug release. Desired characteristics such as a negative charge, higher entrapment efficiency, and nanoparticles with ideal size distribution were shown by optimized NLC dispersions. The developed film demonstrated excellent physico-mechanical properties, appropriate texture, good drug excipient compatibility (chemically stable formulation), and amorphous drug nature. A sustained Weibull model drug release (p < 0.0005) and superior flux (~5-fold higher, p < 0.005) were seen in NLC-loaded film compared to plain-drug-loaded film. The pharmacokinetics profile in rabbits supports the goal of buccal therapy as evidenced by significantly higher AUC0-12 (p < 0.0001) and greater relative bioavailability (236%) than the control. These results support the conclusion that paliperidone-loaded NLC buccal film has the potential to be an alternate therapy for its effective administration in the treatment of schizophrenia.

Automated Laryngeal Cancer Detection and Classification Using Dwarf Mongoose Optimization Algorithm with Deep Learning.

Laryngeal cancer (LCA) is a serious disease with a concerning global rise in incidence. Accurate treatment for LCA is particularly challenging in later stages, due to its complex nature as a head and neck malignancy. To address this challenge, researchers have been actively developing various analysis methods and tools to assist medical professionals in efficient LCA identification. However, existing tools and methods often suffer from various limitations, including low accuracy in early-stage LCA detection, high computational complexity, and lengthy patient screening times. With this motivation, this study presents an Automated Laryngeal Cancer Detection and Classification using a Dwarf Mongoose Optimization Algorithm with Deep Learning (ALCAD-DMODL) technique. The main objective of the ALCAD-DMODL method is to recognize the existence of LCA using the DL model. In the presented ALCAD-DMODL technique, a median filtering (MF)-based noise removal process takes place to get rid of the noise. Additionally, the ALCAD-DMODL technique involves the EfficientNet-B0 model for deriving feature vectors from the pre-processed images. For optimal hyperparameter tuning of the EfficientNet-B0 model, the DMO algorithm can be applied to select the parameters. Finally, the multi-head bidirectional gated recurrent unit (MBGRU) model is applied for the recognition and classification of LCA. The simulation result analysis of the ALCAD-DMODL technique is carried out on the throat region image dataset. The comparison study stated the supremacy of the ALCAD-DMODL technique in terms of distinct measures.

The blockage signal for PD-L1/CD274 gene variants and their potential impact on lung carcinoma susceptibility.

BACKGROUND: The programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1/CD274) gene plays a key function in suppressing anti-tumor immunity through binding to its receptor PD-1 on stimulated T lymphocytes. However, robust associations among diverse populations and lung susceptibility remain unclear. The tentative purpose of this research is to investigate whether PD-L1/CD274 polymorphisms modulate susceptibility to lung carcinoma using totalitarian techniques, including genetic analysis, and sophisticated bioinformatic methods. METHODS: PD-L1/CD274 (rs822336, rs2297136, and rs4143815) variants were genotyped in 126 lung carcinoma cases and 117 healthy controls using tetra-primer ARMS-PCR. Logistic regression and bioinformatics analyses assessed genetic associations. RESULTS: The rs2297136 GA genotype significantly increased lung cancer risk by 3.7-fold versus GG genotype (OR 3.69, 95 % CI 1.39-9.81, p = 0.016), with the minor A allele also increasing risk (OR 1.47, p = 0.044). In contrast, the rs4143815 CC genotype was associated with 70 % decreased cancer risk versus GG (OR 0.30, 95 % CI 0.11-0.87, p = 0.012), although the minor C allele itself was not significant. The rs822336 variant showed no association. Haplotype and multivariate analyses supported these findings. In silico predictions suggested functional impacts on PD-L1 expression and activity. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified novel associations between PD-L1/CD274 polymorphisms and susceptibility to lung cancer in Egyptians. The rs2297136 variant increased risk while the rs4143815 variant conferred protection, highlighting the PD-1/PD-L1 axis as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target in lung oncogenesis. Replication in larger cohorts and functional studies are warranted.

Chemical composition and fatty acid content of some spices and herbs under Saudi Arabia conditions.

Some Saudi herbs and spices were analyzed. The results indicated that mustard, black cumin, and cress seeds contain high amount of fat 38.45%, 31.95% and 23.19%, respectively, as compared to clove (16.63%), black pepper (5.34%) and fenugreek (4.51%) seeds. Cress, mustard, black cumin and black pepper contain higher protein contents ranging from 26.61 to 25.45%, as compared to fenugreek (12.91%) and clove (6.9%). Crude fiber and ash content ranged from 6.36 to 23.6% and from 3.57 to 7.1%, respectively. All seeds contain high levels of potassium (ranging from 383 to 823 mg/100 g), followed by calcium (ranging from 75 to 270 mg/100 g), Magnesium (ranged from 42 to 102 mg/100 g) and iron (ranged from 20.5 to 65 mg/100 g). However, zinc, manganese and copper were found at low levels. The major fatty acids in cress and mustard were linolenic acid (48.43%) and erucic acid (29.81%), respectively. The lenoleic acid was the major fatty acid in black cumin, fenugreek, black pepper and clove oils being 68.07%, 34.85%, 33.03% and 44.73%, respectively. Total unsaturated fatty acids were 83.24, 95.62, 86.46, 92.99, 81.34 and 87.82% for cress, mustard, black cumin, fenugreek, black pepper and clove, respectively. The differences in the results obtained are due to environmental factors, production areas, cultivars used to produce seeds and also due to the different methods used to prepare these local spices.

Collapsing Glomerulopathy Superimposed on Diabetic Nephropathy.

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is characterized by progressive increase in proteinuria and decline in renal functions. Various forms of nondiabetic kidney disease may be superimposed on DN, which can alter the progression of DN. Collapsing glomerulopathy (CG) may superimpose on DN, and is characterized by rapid worsening of renal failure and has poor prognosis. In our institute, renal biopsies were performed in diabetic patients for increasing proteinuria or worsening renal functions. There were seven cases of CG superimposed on DN. All patients except one had a history of long standing diabetes mellitus. All patients had nephrotic range proteinuria. Four patients had severe renal failure at presentation. Renal biopsy showed CG superimposed on DN. Six patients progressed to end-stage renal disease during follow-up; one patient is in chronic kidney disease-stage 3b. The development of CG contributes to an increased level or new onset proteinuria in DN, and can lead to rapid worsening of renal failure. The diagnosis of CG superimposed on DN is of prognostic significance.

Innovative Approach for Controlling Black Rot of Persimmon Fruits by Means of Nanobiotechnology from Nanochitosan and Rosmarinic Acid-Mediated Selenium Nanoparticles.

The protection of persimmon fruits (Diospyros kaki L.) from postharvest fungal infestation with Alternaria alternata (A. alternate; black rot) is a major agricultural and economic demand worldwide. Edible coatings (ECs) based on biopolymers and phytocompounds were proposed to maintain fruit quality, especially with nanomaterials' applications. Chitosan nanoparticles (NCt), rosmarinic acid bio-mediated selenium nanoparticles (RA/SeNPs) and their composites were produced, characterized and evaluated as ECs for managing persimmon black rot. The constructed NCt, RA/SeNPs and NCt/RA/SeNPs composite had diminished particles' size diameters. The ECs solution of 1% NCt and NCt/RA/SeNPs composite led to a significant reduction of A. alternata radial growth in vitro, with 77.4 and 97.2%, respectively. The most powerful ECs formula contained 10 mg/mL from NCt/RA/SeNPs composite, which significantly reduced fungal growth than imazalil fungicide. The coating of persimmon with nanoparticles-based ECs resulted in a significant reduction of black rot disease severity and incidence in artificially infected fruits; the treatment with 1% of NCt/RA/SeNPs could completely (100%) hinder disease incidence and severity in coated fruits, whereas imazalil reduced them by 88.6 and 73.4%, respectively. The firmness of fruits is greatly augmented after ECs treatments, particularly with formulated coatings with 1% NCt/RA/SeNPs composite, which maintain fruits firmness by 85.7%. The produced ECs in the current study, based on NCt/RA/SeNPs composite, are greatly recommended as innovatively constructed human-friendly matrix to suppress the postharvest destructive fungi (A. alternata) and maintain the shelf-life and quality of persimmon fruits.

Development of New Iso-Cytoplasmic Rice-Restorer Lines and New Rice Hybrids with Superior Grain Yield and Grain Quality Characteristics by Utilizing Restorers' Fertility Genes.

This research was carried out at the Experimental Farm of Sakha Agricultural Research Station, Sakha, Kafr El-Sheikh, Egypt, during the 2018-2020 rice-growing seasons to develop and evaluate four iso-cytoplasmic rice-restorer lines: NRL79, NRL80, NRL81, and NRL82, as well as Giza 178, with ten new hybrids in order to estimate genotypic coefficient, phenotypic coefficient, heritability in a broad sense, and advantage over Giza 178 as a check variety (control) of new restorer lines. This study also estimated combining ability, gene action, better-parent heterosis (BP), mid-parents heterosis (MP), and standard heterosis (SH) over Egyptian Hybrid one (IR69A × Giza 178) as a check hybrid (control) for grain yield, agronomic traits, and some grain quality characters in restorer lines and hybrids. The percentage of advantage over commercial-variety Giza 178 (check) was significant, and highly significant among the newly developed restorer fertility lines for all the studied traits. This indicates that the selection is a highly effective factor in improving these traits. New restorer fertility lines showed highly significant positive values over commercial restorer for grain yield; the values ranged from 51% for NRL80 to 100.4% for NRL82, respectively. Meanwhile, in regard to the grain shape of paddy rice, three lines of the promising lines showed highly significant negative desirable values compared with Giza 178; the values ranged from -7.7% for the NRL80 to -15.2% for NRL79, respectively. Based on the superiority of the new lines, the new lines can be used as new restorer fertility lines to breed promising new hybrids and new inbred rice lines or varieties. From the results of the testcross experiment, the four promising lines were identified as effective restorer fertility lines for two cytoplasmic male sterile (CMS) lines. Moreover, the six rice hybrids showed values for SH heterosis of grain yield/plant of more than 15% over the check hybrid variety, with high values of 1000-grain weight and desirable grain shape; these hybrids were G46A × NRL81 (125.1%), G46A × NRL80 (66.9%), IR69A × NRL79 (47.2%), G46A × NRL79 (24.6%), IR69A × NRL81 (23.4%), and IR69A × NRL82 (16.2%).