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).

Production of biodiesel from oleaginous fungal lipid using highly catalytic bimetallic gold-silver core-shell nanoparticle.

AIMS: This study aims to synthesize, characterize and apply gold-silver core-shell nanoparticles (Au@Ag NPs), a nanocatalyst, to maximize biodiesel production from fungal isolate Fusarium solani (FS12) via a transesterification one-step reaction. METHODS AND RESULTS: The Au@Ag NPs structure was examined by UV-vis spectrophotometer, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). All devices were used to characterize Au@Ag NPs and confirmed successful synthesis of nanoparticles. Fungal lipid was quantitatively determined by sulfo-phospho-vanillin colorimetric method. Among 15 F. solani isolates obtained from rhizospheric soils of the date palm, F. solani (AF12) was chosen as the highly significant producer that accumulates above 20% lipid. The maximum biodiesel yield was 91.28 ± 0.19%, obtained under the optimum reaction conditions of 3% Au@Ag NPs as nanocatalyst concentration, and 1:20 oil to methanol molar ratio at 70℃ for 30 min. HPLC method was applied for monitoring in situ transesterification reaction. FTIR spectroscopy was used in qualitative analysis of biodiesel by verifying the presence of unique characteristic peaks of diagnostic significance. The quality of the biodiesel produced was confirmed by the high purity of fatty acid methyl esters analysis content up to >99%. CONCLUSIONS: These findings propose the applicability of F. solani (FS12) as a promising isolate to accumulate lipids and biodiesel production as a feedstock. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The link between nanotechnology and fungi. Au@Ag NPs were synthesized at room temperature, which displayed high catalytic activity for in situ transesterification reaction. Catalytic activity appeared at low temperature, mole ratio and short reaction time. Oleaginous fungi are described as easily grown, have short life cycle, are cost-effective, and they utilized various sources of carbon up to waste and a simplified process to develop scale-up production as well, economic value, opposite the usage of vegetable oils which need for large agricultural areas.

Limoniastrum monopetalum-Mediated Nanoparticles and Biomedicines: In Silico Study and Molecular Prediction of Biomolecules.

An in silico approach applying computer-simulated models helps enhance biomedicines by sightseeing the pharmacology of potential therapeutics. Currently, an in silico study combined with in vitro assays investigated the antimicrobial ability of Limoniastrum monopetalum and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) fabricated by its aid. AgNPs mediated by L. monopetalum were characterized using FTIR, TEM, SEM, and DLS. L. monopetalum metabolites were detected by QTOF-LCMS and assessed using an in silico study for pharmacological properties. The antibacterial ability of an L. monopetalum extract and AgNPs was investigated. PASS Online predictions and the swissADME web server were used for antibacterial activity and potential molecular target metabolites, respectively. Spherical AgNPs with a 68.79 nm average size diameter were obtained. Twelve biomolecules (ferulic acid, trihydroxy-octadecenoic acid, catechin, pinoresinol, gallic acid, myricetin, 6-hydroxyluteolin, 6,7-dihydroxy-5-methoxy 7-O-ß-d-glucopyranoside, methyl gallate, isorhamnetin, chlorogenic acid, 2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-5,7-dihydroxy-4-oxo-4H-chromen-3-yl 6-O-(6-deoxy-ß-l-mannopyranosyl)-ß-d-glucopyranoside) were identified. The L. monopetalum extract and AgNPs displayed antibacterial effects. The computational study suggested that L. Monopetalum metabolites could hold promising antibacterial activity with minimal toxicity and an acceptable pharmaceutical profile. The in silico approach indicated that metabolites 8 and 12 have the highest antibacterial activity, and swissADME web server results suggested the CA II enzyme as a potential molecular target for both metabolites. Novel therapeutic agents could be discovered using in silico molecular target prediction combined with in vitro studies. Among L. Monopetalum metabolites, metabolite 12 could serve as a starting point for potential antibacterial treatment for several human bacterial infections.

Effect of Inulin on Organic Acids and Microstructure of Synbiotic Cheddar-Type Cheese Made from Buffalo Milk.

The current study aimed to produce synbiotic cheese, adding inulin and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis as prebiotics and probiotics, respectively. The physicochemical analysis, minerals and organic acids content, sensory evaluation, and probiotic count of the cheese were performed during the ripening. The significant effect of inulin (p ≤ 0.01) was found during the ripening period, and changes in physiochemical composition, minerals, and organic acid contents were also observed. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the cheese revealed that inulin could improve the cheese structure. Meanwhile, inulin increased the likeliness of the cheese, and its probiotic viability remained above 107 colony forming unit (CFU) per gram during ripening.

Selection of DNA aptamer for label-free electrochemical aptasensor for the detection of rubella virus.

The Rubella virus (RUBV) is a highly contagious pathogen classified within the rubivirus genus, primarily infecting humans and transmitted via airborne routes. RUBV infection generally manifests as a mild illness reminiscent of measles. However, when affecting pregnant women, it can lead to a severe condition known as congenital rubella syndrome (CRS). Rubella infection could be also associated with joint pain, arthritis, and neurological disorders. Determination of Rubella immunity and diagnosis conventionally involve the Hemagglutination Inhibition (HI) test or the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). In this study, we describe the selection and characterization of specific aptamers targeting the Rubella virus by using the process of Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponantial enrichment (SELEX). The Binding affinity studies have shown that the two aptamers; R-7 and R-5 display the lowest dissociation constants (Kd) of 6.58 nM and 19.05 nM, respectively. Then, R-7 aptamer was modified with a thiol group to enable its immobilization on screen-printed gold electrodes for the Rubella virus aptasensing. The label-free electrochemical detection was achieved using square wave voltammetry (SWV). The designed aptasensor has shown an excellent performance in detecting the Rubella virus within the range of 0.0005 ng/ml to 1000 ng/ml antigen and a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.00015 ng/ml. Selectivity studies were also performed against other viral antigens and serum proteins. Finally, the biosensor applicability was successfully demonstrated in spiked serum samples.

Development of a label-free electrochemical aptasensor for Rift Valley fever virus detection.

In this research, we describe the first aptasensor for the detection of the Rift Valley Fever virus (RVFV). The process involved the selection of aptamers through the systematic evolution of ligands by the exponential enrichment (SELEX) technique. After 12 rounds of selection, 6 aptamers were selected and the corresponding binding affinities were assessed using fluorescence binding assays, revealing dissociation constants ranging from 15.45 to 40.98 nM. Notably, among the aptamers, RV2 and RV3 exhibited the highest binding affinities toward RVFV, with dissociation constants of 15.45 and 18.62 nM, respectively. Thiol-modified aptamers were subsequently immobilized onto screen-printed gold electrodes, facilitating the label-free detection of RVFV through square wave voltammetry. The voltammetric aptasensor demonstrated an excellent sensitivity, with a detection limit of 0.015 ng/mL. In addition, cross-reactivity assessments were conducted, where negligible response was obtained when the aptasensor was exposed to non-specific proteins.

Correction: Motivators and barriers to research participation among medical students in Saudi Arabia.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0284990.].

Psychostimulant Medications for Physical Function and Spasticity in Children With Cerebral Palsy: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Cerebral palsy (CP) is a prevalent nonprogressive disorder that leads to impaired movement (ie, spasticity), posture, and balance, which affects functions such as walking and upper extremity tasks. Current medical treatments show efficacy in improving motor performance but have considerable side effects. Emerging off-label use of central nervous system (CNS) medications for improving motor performance has shown promising results in children with CP and other populations. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to describe a protocol for a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) to examine the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of methylphenidate (MPH) and modafinil on spasticity and motor performance in children with CP. METHODS: This will be a protocol study for a pilot, triple-masked, placebo-controlled RCT (a class I trial following the American Academy of Neurology criteria) with blinded patients, outcome assessors, and intervention delivery team. Eligible children should be diagnosed with CP levels I or II based on the Gross Motor Function Classification System and be aged between 7 and 12 years. Thirty-six children with CP will be randomized into 3 groups to receive (1) MPH (2.5 mg of MPH + 100 mg placebo), (2) modafinil (100 mg modafinil + 2.5 mg placebo), or (3) a placebo (2.5 mg placebo + 100 mg placebo), in addition to physical therapy for 12 weeks. Primary outcomes include the Gross Motor Function Measure-66 and the Modified Ashworth Scale. Secondary outcomes include the Timed Up and Go test, 5 Time Sit to Stand test, Modified Clinical Test for Sensory Interaction of Balance, and 10-Meter Walk Test. RESULTS: The protocol has been accepted by Kuwait University (VDR/EC-225) and the Ministry of Health of Kuwait (2022/2157). The inclusion of participants will start in June 2024. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of CNS stimulant medications and controlling for rehabilitation has not been studied yet. The findings of this study may determine if using CNS stimulant medications is beneficial for the reduction of spasticity and improvement of physical function in children with spastic CP. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05675098; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05675098. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/53728.

Natural Inhibitory Treatment of Fungi-Induced Deterioration of Carbonate and Cellulosic Ancient Monuments: Isolation, Identification and Simulation of Biogenic Deterioration.

Fungi play a significant role in the deterioration of various types of monuments. Therefore, the protection of ancient monuments from fungal attacks is an important goal that must attract the attention of researchers worldwide. A total of 69 fungal isolates were recovered from 22 deteriorated objects compromising paper, textiles, wood, and stone in the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) storeroom, Cairo, Egypt. The isolates were identified as 12 different species categorized into three different genera, namely, Aspergillus (9 species), Penicillium (2 species) and Trichoderma (1 species). Among them, Aspergillus fumigatus was the most prevalent species. Three essential oils were assessed for antifungal activity and compared with the antifungal effects of five synthetic microcides to identify a natural inhibitory treatment. Thyme oil and sodium azide were found to be the most active growth inhibitors, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 625 and 100 ppm, with inhibition zone diameters of 19.0 ± 0.70 - 23.76 ± 1.15 and 13.30 ± 0.35 - 19.66 ± 0.54 mm, respectively. An in vitro simulation of the biodeterioration process was conducted using spores of the A. fumigatus strain NMEC-PSTW.1 on model cubes made of paper, textile, wood, and stone materials. The changes in the characteristics of the artificially deteriorated materials were analyzed using environmental scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results revealed changes in the morphology, physical properties, and chemical composition induced by A. fumigatus NMEC-PSTW.1. Overall, thyme oil is recommended as a natural inhibitor to protect carbonate and cellulosic monuments in NMEC against fungal attack.

Eco-friendly approach to decrease the harmful effects of untreated wastewater on growth, yield, biochemical constituents, and heavy metal contents of carrot (Daucus carota L.).

Here, the impact of irrigation using untreated wastewater (WW) on carrots (Daucus carota L.) was examined. We hypothesized that the addition of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), dry algal powder (Spirulina platensis or Chlorella vulgaris), and Salix alba leaves powder would function as chelators for harmful contaminants in wastewater. The findings showed that irrigation of carrot plants with the sampled untreated wastewater led to significant decreases in the shoot lengths, fresh, dry weights of shoots and roots at stage I, the diameter of roots, pigment content, carotenoids, total soluble carbohydrate content, and soluble protein content. Furthermore, a significantly increased level of proline, total phenols, and the activities of polyphenol oxidase (PPO), peroxidase (POX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) was identified in stage I samples. In contrast to the stage I, the length of the roots, the number of leaves on each plant, wet and dry weights of the stage II roots were all greatly enhanced. In spite of the increased yield due to the wastewater irrigation, carrot roots irrigated with wastewater had significantly more cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), and lead (Pb) than is considered safe. Our data clearly show that the application of Spirulina platensis, Chlorella vulgaris, EDTA, and leaves powder of salix was able to alleviate the toxicity of wastewater on carrot plants. For example, we recorded a significant decrease in the accumulation of carrot's Cd, Ni, Co, and Pb contents. We conclude that the treatments with Spirulina platensis and Chlorella vulgaris can be utilized as eco-friendly tools to lessen the damaging effects of wastewater irrigation on carrot plants.

Antimicrobial resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa: navigating clinical impacts, current resistance trends, and innovations in breaking therapies.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a Gram-negative bacterium, is recognized for its adaptability and opportunistic nature. It poses a substantial challenge in clinical settings due to its complicated antibiotic resistance mechanisms, biofilm formation, and capacity for persistent infections in both animal and human hosts. Recent studies revealed a potential zoonotic transmission of P. aeruginosa between animals, the environment, and human populations which highlights awareness of this microbe. Implementation of the One Health approach, which underscores the connection between human, animal, and environmental health, we aim to offer a comprehensive perspective on the current landscape of P. aeruginosa management. This review presents innovative strategies designed to counteract P. aeruginosa infections. Traditional antibiotics, while effective in many cases, are increasingly compromised by the development of multidrug-resistant strains. Non-antibiotic avenues, such as quorum sensing inhibition, phage therapy, and nanoparticle-based treatments, are emerging as promising alternatives. However, their clinical application encounters obstacles like cost, side effects, and safety concerns. Effectively addressing P. aeruginosa infections necessitates persistent research efforts, advancements in clinical development, and a comprehension of host-pathogen interactions to deal with this resilient pathogen.

Bee chitosan nanoparticles loaded with apitoxin as a novel approach to eradication of common human bacterial, fungal pathogens and treating cancer.

Antimicrobial resistance is one of the largest medical challenges because of the rising frequency of opportunistic human microbial infections across the globe. This study aimed to extract chitosan from the exoskeletons of dead bees and load it with bee venom (commercially available as Apitoxin [Api]). Then, the ionotropic gelation method would be used to form nanoparticles that could be a novel drug-delivery system that might eradicate eight common human pathogens (i.e., two fungal and six bacteria strains). It might also be used to treat the human colon cancer cell line (Caco2 ATCC ATP-37) and human liver cancer cell line (HepG2ATCC HB-8065) cancer cell lines. The x-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and dynamic light scattering (DLS) properties, ζ-potentials, and surface appearances of the nanoparticles were evaluated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). FTIR and XRD validated that the Api was successfully encapsulated in the chitosan nanoparticles (ChB NPs). According to the TEM, the ChB NPs and the ChB NPs loaded with Apitoxin (Api@ChB NPs) had a spherical shape and uniform size distribution, with non-aggregation, for an average size of approximately 182 and 274 ± 3.8 nm, respectively, and their Zeta potential values were 37.8 ± 1.2 mV and - 10.9 mV, respectively. The Api@ChB NPs had the greatest inhibitory effect against all tested strains compared with the ChB NPs and Api alone. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the Api, ChB NPs, and Api@ChB NPs were evaluated against the offer mentioned colony forming units (CFU/mL), and their lowest MIC values were 30, 25, and 12.5 µg mL-1, respectively, against Enterococcus faecalis. Identifiable morphological features of apoptosis were observed by 3 T3 Phototox software after Api@ChB NPs had been used to treat the normal Vero ATCC CCL-81, Caco2 ATCC ATP-37, and HepG2 ATCC HB-8065 cancer cell lines for 24 h. The morphological changes were clear in a concentration-dependent manner, and the ability of the cells was 250 to 500 µg mL-1. These results revealed that Api@ChB NPs may be a promising natural nanotreatment for common human pathogens.

Prehospital Fibrinolysis Therapy in Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Narrative Review.

Acute myocardial infarction is a fatal condition. Acute myocardial infarction requires appropriate timely reperfusion therapy to improve the outcomes. Fibrinolysis and percutaneous coronary intervention are the cornerstone strategies for managing such cases. In this review, our objective is to summarize the available evidence concerning the administration of prehospital fibrinolysis and its impact on patient outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction. We conducted a comprehensive literature search across PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Our search strategy included the following terms: "Prehospital," "EMS," "Emergency Medical Services," "ambulance," "Fibrinolytic Therapy," "alteplase," "streptokinase," "reteplase," "tenecteplase," "Acute Myocardial Infarction," and "patient outcomes." We found prehospital administration of fibrinolysis may improve the outcomes and decrease the mortality rate. We found that some recommendations were to use prehospital fibrinolysis only if the percutaneous coronary intervention was not accessible within two hours. Additionally, we discussed recommendations to use newer prehospital fibrinolysis as they have better efficacy and safety outcomes. In conclusion, prehospital fibrinolysis decreases the total ischemic time and improves outcomes in acute myocardial infarction patients when timely percutaneous coronary intervention is not available. The guidelines strongly recommend it when the anticipated time for percutaneous coronary intervention exceeds two hours. Ongoing research optimizes patient selection, treatment tools, and prehospital systems of care.

Safety and efficacy of apixaban versus low-molecular weight heparin or vitamin-K antagonists for venous thromboembolism treatment in patients with severe renal failure: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic kidney disease is an independent risk factor for venous thromboembolism (VTE). Traditionally, Low Molecular Weight Heparin (LMWH) followed by warfarin has been the conventional therapy for VTE treatment. Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), including apixaban, have shown several advantages over the traditional therapy in individuals with normal kidney function. This meta-analysis aims to review the safety and efficacy of apixaban compared to warfarin or LMWH for the treatment of VTE in severe renal failure. METHOD: We conducted literature search in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases. Retrospective observational studies involving clinical effectiveness and safety outcomes of apixaban compared to warfarin in adult patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <30 mL/min/m2 or on dialysis were included. RESULTS: Eight studies were included in the analysis. Significant reduction in VTE recurrence observed in apixaban compared to warfarin (RR, 0.65; 95 % CI, 0.43-0.98; P = 0.04; I2 = 78 %). No significant difference in all-cause mortality between apixaban and warfarin (RR, 0.99; 95 % CI, 0.91-1.07; P = 0.74; I2 = 0 %). Apixaban showed a significantly lower rate of major bleeding (RR, 0.72; 95 % CI, 0.62-0.84; P < 0.0001; I2 = 34 %) and minor bleeding events (RR, 0.42; 95 % CI, 0.21-0.86; P = 0.02; I2 = 10 %) compared to warfarin. No significant difference observed in clinically relevant non-major bleeding between apixaban and warfarin (RR, 0.81; 95 % CI, 0.65-1.00; P = 0.05; I2 = 67 %). CONCLUSION: Apixaban was favored over warfarin for treating VTE in severe renal failure, reducing VTE recurrence and bleeding risk. No differences were observed in all-cause mortality and CRNMB events. More evidence is required due to limited RCTs and prospective studies.

Experience of Parents with Children Undergoing Chemotherapy.

Background: The care of a child receiving chemotherapy has a significant impact on the parents and family structure, which has been explored in depth in a few studies in Saudi Arabia. The purpose of this study is to further explore the lived experiences of Saudi Arabian parents in caring for their children receiving chemotherapy. Methodology: A qualitative descriptive design was used in this study with a sample of 17 parents of children receiving chemotherapy. The participants were recruited using the snow-balling technique throughout the community, as well as from the University Hospital, Pediatric Oncology Department. The data were collected via in-person and virtual methods using semi-structured, open-ended interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: The findings of the study were placed into two main themes: family experience and stages of disease. Family experiences include the parents and siblings' experiences. The stages of disease include three sub-themes: the pre-diagnosis phase, diagnosis phase, and treatment phase. Conclusion: The cancer journey had a huge impact on the parents and siblings. The study revealed important findings related to the experiences during the stages of diseases and lived experiences of parents and siblings including psychological, physiological, social, and financial impacts.

Endoscopic Excision of Primary Tracheal Schwannoma: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND Primary tracheal schwannoma is a rare neurogenic tumor. Early stage presents with nonspecific symptoms, and asthma is sometimes misdiagnosed. However, as the tumor grows, it presents with obstructive symptoms of the tracheal lumen. This tumor has been managed by open resection surgery until recently, when endoscopic excision became an option. The endoscopic excision reduces complications, operative time, and postoperative recovery period and is indicated in nonrecurrent surgical cases in which tumors are up to 2 cm in size, are pedunculated, and have no extratracheal extension, or in cases of poor cardiopulmonary status. We present a rare case of primary tracheal schwannoma managed by endoscopic excision. CASE REPORT A 37-year-old man was referred to our clinic with progressive shortness of breath and wheezing that started 3 months prior to presentation. Computed tomography showed a well-defined rounded, solid intraluminal tracheal mass at the proximal segment (at the level of the thoracic inlet). There was no extratracheal extension or enlarged cervical lymph nodes. The patient underwent endoscopic excision of the mass. A sickle knife, micro scissor, and suction diathermy were used for incision, stripping, and hemostasis done through the tumor pedicle. The first postoperative visit after 2 weeks showed subjective symptom improvement, and the flexible bronchoscope showed a completely healed surgical site with patent airway. Histopathological examination and immunohistochemistry confirmed the diagnosis of primary tracheal schwannoma. CONCLUSIONS Primary tracheal schwannoma is rare. An endoscopic excision is an excellent option, but patients need to be appropriately selected and followed up to avoid recurrence.

In vitro efficacy of Boswellia carterii resin extracts formulated as an emulsifiable concentrate against Tetranychus urticae and phytopathogenic fungi.

Contemporary agriculture heavily relies on pesticides for pest eradication and disease management. Consequently, current study was carried out to assess the acaricidal/antifungal efficacy of emulsifiable concentrate (10 % EC) derived from Boswellia carterii (B. carterii) against adult females of Tetranychus urticae (T. urticae), and five fungal pathogens. The meticulous examination of the chemical constitution of the crude extracts derived from the resin of B. carterii was conducted through the employment of the venerable technique known as Gas-Liquid Chromatography (GLC). The formulated petroleum-ether extract (FPEE) and formulated ethyl-acetate extract (FEAE) of B. carterii at a concentration of 10 mg ml-1 exhibited notable antioxidant activity with rates of 62.0 % and 90.8 %, respectively. In vitro, the FEAE exhibited potent inhibition against all the tested phytopathogenic fungi at different concentrations, whereas FPEE showed comparatively less efficacy. Interestingly, at 4000 ppm concentration, FEAE completely ceased the mycelial growth compared with the control. Moreover, following a span of 72 h of intervention, FPEE exhibited a greater degree of toxicity towards mature females of the T. urticae. This was evidenced by the LC50 value of 422.52 parts per million (ppm) for FPEE, which surpassed the LC50 value of 539.50 ppm observed for FEAE. In summary, the present study indicates that B. carterii resin formulated as an emulsifiable concentrate (10 % EC) can offer a natural and effective alternative for integrated pest management, thereby reducing reliance on synthetic pesticides and offering a more environmentally sustainable strategy for pest control.

Green Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using an Aqueous Extract of Punica granatum for Antimicrobial and Catalytic Activity.

The peel aqueous extract of Punica granatum was utilized to fabricate zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) as a green approach. The synthesized NPs were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy, which was attached to an energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX). Spherical, well arranged, and crystallographic structures of ZnO-NPs were formed with sizes of 10-45 nm. The biological activities of ZnO-NPs, including antimicrobial and catalytic activity for methylene blue dye, were assessed. Data analysis showed that the antimicrobial activity against pathogenic Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as unicellular fungi, was observed to occur in a dose-dependent manner, displaying varied inhibition zones and low minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values in the ranges of 6.25-12.5 µg mL-1. The degradation efficacy of methylene blue (MB) using ZnO-NPs is dependent on nano-catalyst concentration, contact time, and incubation condition (UV-light emission). The maximum MB degradation percentages of 93.4 ± 0.2% was attained at 20 µg mL-1 after 210 min in presence of UV-light. Data analysis showed that there is no significant difference between the degradation percentages after 210, 1440, and 1800 min. Moreover, the nano-catalyst showed high stability and efficacy to degrade MB for five cycles with decreasing values of 4%. Overall, P. granatum-based ZnO-NPs are promising tools to inhibit the growth of pathogenic microbes and degradation of MB in the presence of UV-light emission.

Motivators and barriers to research participation among medical students in Saudi Arabia.

Little is known about the obstacles medical students face when conducting research in Saudi Arabia. Moreover, the proportion of medical students in research has been unknown in our region compared to other regions. We sought to identify the barriers and motivators that influence undergraduate medical students in pursuing research. This was a cross-sectional study design, utilizing an online survey distributed through social media platforms from the 17th of December 2021 to the 8th of April 2022. The survey was distributed to four universities in Saudi Arabia. Participants' characteristics, details regarding involvement in research, and attitude towards research were collected. Frequency measures were used to characterize the demographics and chi-squared tests to determine associations. A total of 435 students were included in the final analysis. The highest proportion of students that responded were second year, followed by first year medical students. Less than half (47.6%) of medical students were involved in research. A significant correlation was revealed between the involvement in research and higher participants' Grade Point Average (GPA). The top three incentives for pursuing undergraduate research were "admission into residency programs" (44.8%), "interest in research" (28.7%), and "financial return" (10.8%). However, the top three limitations were "lack of time" (29.2%), "lack of mentoring" (16.8%), and "lack of interest in research" (14.7%). System-related barriers and motivators were the main reasons behind the involvement of medical students in research. Our study is a call for action to raise awareness among medical students about the importance of research and to provide solutions to overcome these barriers.

Biochar improves the growth and physiological traits of alfalfa, amaranth and maize grown under salt stress.

Purpose: Salinity is a main factor in decreasing seed germination, plant growth and yield. Salinity stress is a major problem for economic crops, as it can reduce crop yields and quality. Salinity stress occurs when the soil or water in which a crop is grown has a high salt content. Biochar improve plant growth and physiological traits under salt stress. The aim of the present study, the impact of biochar on growth, root morphological traits and physiological properties of alfalfa, amaranth and maize and soil enzyme activities under saline sands. Methods: We studied the impact of biochar on plant growth and the physiological properties of alfalfa, amaranth and maize under salt stress conditions. After 40 days, plant growth parameters (plant height, shoot and root fresh weights), root morphological traits and physiological properties were measured. Soil nutrients such as the P, K and total N contents in soil and soil enzyme activities were analyzed. Results: The results showed that the maize, alfalfa, and amaranth under biochar treatments significantly enhanced the plant height and root morphological traits over the control. The biochar on significantly increased the total root length, root diameter, and root volume. Compared to the control, the biochar significantly increased the chlorophyll a and b content, total chlorophyll and carotenoid content under salt stress. Furthermore, the biochar significantly increased enzyme activities of soil under salt stress in the three crops. Conclusions: Biochar treatments promote plant growth and physiological traits of alfalfa, amaranth, and maize under the salt stress condition. Overall, biochar is an effective way to mitigate salinity stress in crops. It can help to reduce the amount of salt in the soil, improve the soil structure, and increase the availability of essential nutrients, which can all help to improve crop yields.