Physio-molecular responses of tomato cultivars to biotic stress: Exploring the interplay between Alternaria alternata OP881811 infection and plant defence mechanisms.

Plant fungal diseases impose a formidable challenge for global agricultural productivity, a meticulous examination of host-pathogen interactions. In this intricate study, an exhaustive investigation was conducted on infected tomatoes obtained from Egyptian fields, leading to the precise molecular identification of the fungal isolate as Alternaria alternata (OP881811), and the isolate showed high identity with Chinese isolates (ON973896 and ON790502). Subsequently, fourteen diverse tomato cultivars; Cv Ferment, Cv 103, Cv Damber, Cv 186, Cv 4094, Cv Angham, Cv N 17, Cv Gesma, Cv 010, Cv branch, cv 2020, Cv 023, Cv Gana and Cv 380 were meticulously assessed to discern their susceptibility levels upon inoculation with Alternaria alternata. Thorough scrutiny of disease symptom manifestation and the extent of tomato leaf damage ensued, enabling a comprehensive evaluation of cultivar responses. Results unveiled a spectrum of plant susceptibility, with three cultivars exhibiting heightened vulnerability (Cv Ferment, Cv 103 and Cv Damber), five cultivars displaying moderate susceptibility (Cv 186, Cv 4094, Cv Angham, Cv N 17 and Cv Gesma), and six cultivars demonstrating remarkable resilience to the pathogen (Cv 010, Cv branch, cv, 2020; Cv 023, Cv Gana and Cv 380). In order to gain a thorough understanding of the underlying physiological patterns indicative of plant resistance against A. alternata, an in-depth exploration of polyphenols, flavonoids, and antioxidant enzymes ensued. These key indicators were closely examined, offering valuable insights into the interplay between plant physiology and pathogen response. Robust correlations emerged, with higher contents of these compounds correlating with heightened susceptibility, while lower levels were indicative of enhanced plant tolerance. In tandem with the physiological assessment, a thorough investigation of four pivotal defensive genes (PR5, PPO, PR3, and POX) was undertaken, employing cutting-edge Real-Time PCR technology. Gene expression profiles displayed intriguing variations across the evaluated tomato cultivars, ultimately facilitating the classification of cultivars into distinct groups based on their levels of resistance, moderate susceptibility, or heightened sensitivity. By unravelling the intricate dynamics of plant susceptibility, physiological responses, and patterns of gene expression, this comprehensive study paves the way for targeted strategies to combat plant fungal diseases. The findings contribute valuable insights into host-pathogen interactions and empower agricultural stakeholders with the knowledge required to fortify crop resilience and safeguard global food security.

Exploring the impact of nano-Se and nano-clay feed supplements on interleukin genes, immunity and growth rate in European Sea Bass (Dicentrarchus labrax).

This study aimed to investigate the effects of adding Nano-Selenium (NSe) and Nano-clay (NC) as feed supplements on European Sea Bass (Dicentrarchus labrax). Two separate experiments were conducted, one with NC and the other with NSe. Each experiment consisted of four sub-groups with varying concentrations of NC or NSe. The expression levels of five immune-related genes (TNF-α, TNF-ß, IL-2, IL-6 and IL-12) were measured using Real-time Quantitative PCR (Rt-PCR) Assay. The results showed an increase in the expression of interleukins (IL-2, IL-6 and IL-12) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and TNF-ß) after exposure to NC and NSe. TNF-α gene expression was significantly higher with both 1 mg and 10 mg concentrations of NC and NSe. TNF-ß gene expression was highest with the 5 mg concentration of NC. The concentrations of 1 mg and 10 mg for NC, and 1 mg, 5 mg, and 10 mg for NSe, led to the highest (p < 0.05) levels of IL-2 expression compared to the control. Similar trends were observed for IL-6 and IL-12 gene expression. Understanding the impact of these concentrations on gene expression, growth rate, biochemical indices, and antioxidant status can provide valuable insights into the potential applications of NC and NSe supplements on European Sea Bass.

Synthesis of Tungsten Oxide, Iron Oxide, and Copper-Doped Iron Oxide Nanocomposites and Evaluation of Their Mixing Effects with Cyromazine against Spodoptera littoralis (Boisduval).

Nanotechnology research is emerging as a cutting-edge technology, and nanocomposites have played a significant role in pest control. Therefore, the present study focuses on the synthesis of tungsten oxide (WO3), iron oxide (magnetic nanoparticle, MNP), and copper-doped iron oxide (MNP-Cu) nanocomposites and explores the different effects of their binary combinations with the insecticide cyromazine against Spodoptera littoralis. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. None of the tested nanomaterials showed any toxicity against the different stages of S. littoralis. Larval and pupal durations increased with increasing cyromazine and nanomaterial concentrations. The longest larval and pupal durations were recorded under treatment with the mixture of cyromazine (100 mg/L) + MNP-Cu (500 mg/L); the survival periods were 23.5 and 15.6 days, compared with 10.8 and 7.7 days in the control, respectively. The percentages of pupation and adult emergence were negatively affected by all treatments. Among the 500 mg/L nanomaterial combinations, only cyromazine (25 mg/L) and WO3 (500 mg/L) resulted in adult emergence (at a rate of 27.3%). Some abnormalities in the S. littoralis stages were observed following treatment with the tested materials. The glutathione S-transferase and alpha-esterase enzyme activities in S. littoralis were significantly increased after treatment with cyromazine, followed by cyromazine/MNP-Cu combinations. The quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Q-PCR) data showed that all treated insects had a higher immune response than the control. Finally, mixes of nanocomposites and cyromazine may be suggested as viable alternatives for S. littoralis management.

Synthesis, biological evaluation and computer-aided discovery of new thiazolidine-2,4-dione derivatives as potential antitumor VEGFR-2 inhibitors.

In this study, novel VEGFR-2-targeting thiazolidine-2,4-dione derivatives with potential anticancer properties were designed and synthesized. The ability of the designed derivatives to inhibit VEGFR-2 and stop the growth of three different cancer cell types (HT-29, A-549, and HCT-116) was examined in vitro. The IC50 value of compound 15, 0.081 µM, demonstrated the best anti-VEGFR-2 potency. Additionally, compound 15 showed remarkable anti-proliferative activities against the tested cancer cell lines, with IC50 values ranging from 13.56 to 17.8 µM. Additional flow cytometric investigations showed that compound 15 increased apoptosis in HT-29 cancer cells (from 3.1% to 31.4%) arresting their growth in the S phase. Furthermore, compound 15's apoptosis induction in the same cell line was confirmed by increasing the levels of BAX (4.8-fold) and decreasing Bcl-2 (2.8-fold). Also, compound 15 noticeably increased caspase-8 and caspase-9 levels by 1.7 and 3.2-fold, respectively. Computational methods were used to perform molecular analysis of the VEGFR-2-15 complex. Molecular dynamics simulations and molecular docking were utilized to analyze the complex's kinetic and structural characteristics. Protein-ligand interaction profiler analysis (PLIP) determined the 3D interactions and binding conformation of the VEGFR-2-15 complex. DFT analyses also provided insights into the 3D geometry, reactivity, and electronic characteristics of compound 15. Computational ADMET and toxicity experiments were conducted to determine the potential of the synthesized compounds for therapeutic development. The study's findings suggest that compound 15 might be an effective anticancer lead compound and could guide future attempts to develop new drugs.

The role of antifreeze genes in the tolerance of cold stress in the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

BACKGROUND: Tilapia is one of the most essential farmed fishes in the world. It is a tropical and subtropical freshwater fish well adapted to warm water but sensitive to cold weather. Extreme cold weather could cause severe stress and mass mortalities in tilapia. The present study was carried out to investigate the effects of cold stress on the up-regulation of antifreeze protein (AFP) genes in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Two treatment groups of fish were investigated (5 replicates of 15 fish for each group in fibreglass tanks/70 L each): 1) a control group; the fish were acclimated to lab conditions for two weeks and the water temperature was maintained at 25 °C during the whole experimental period with feeding on a commercial diet (30% crude protein). 2) Cold stress group; the same conditions as the control group except for the temperature. Initially, the temperature was decreased by one degree every 12 h. The fish started showing death symptoms when the water temperature reached 6-8 °C. In this stage the tissue (muscle) samples were taken from both groups. The immune response of fish exposed to cold stress was detected and characterized using Differential Display-PCR (DD-PCR). RESULTS: The results indicated that nine different up-regulation genes were detected in the cold-stressed fish compared to the control group. These genes are Integrin-alpha-2 (ITGA-2), Gap junction gamma-1 protein-like (GJC1), WD repeat-containing protein 59 isoform X2 (WDRP59), NUAK family SNF1-like kinase, G-protein coupled receptor-176 (GPR-176), Actin cytoskeleton-regulatory complex protein pan1-like (PAN-1), Whirlin protein (WHRN), Suppressor of tumorigenicity 7 protein isoform X2 (ST7P) and ATP-binding cassette sub-family A member 1-like isoform X2 (ABCA1). The antifreeze gene type-II amplification using a specific PCR product of 600 bp, followed by cloning and sequencing analysis revealed that the identified gene is antifreeze type-II, with similarity ranging from 70 to 95%. The in-vitro transcribed gene induced an antifreeze protein with a molecular size of 22 kDa. The antifreeze gene, ITGA-2 and the WD repeat protein belong to the lectin family (sugar-protein). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, under cold stress, Nile tilapia express many defence genes, an antifreeze gene consisting of one open reading frame of approximately 0.6 kbp.

Exploring the antibacterial potential of plant extracts and essential oils against Bacillus thermophilus in beet sugar for enhanced sucrose retention: a comparative assessment and implications.

Sugar beet is one of the greatest sources for producing sugar worldwide. However, a group of bacteria grows on beets during the storage process, leading to a reduction in sucrose yield. Our study focused on identifying common bacterial species that grow on beets during manufacturing and contribute to sucrose loss. The ultimate goal was to find a potential antibacterial agent from various plant extracts and oils to inhibit the growth of these harmful bacteria and reduce sucrose losses. The screening of bacterial species that grow on beet revealed that a large group of mesophilic bacteria, such as Bacillus subtilis, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Escherichia coli, Acinetobacter baumannii, Staphylococcus xylosus, Enterobacter amnigenus, and Aeromonas species, in addition to a dominant thermophilic species called Bacillus thermophilus, were found to be present during the manufacturing of beets. The application of 20 plant extracts and 13 different oils indicated that the extracts of Geranium gruinum, Datura stramonium, and Mentha spicata were the best antibacterials to reduce the growth of B. thermophilus with inhibition zones equal to 40, 39, and 35 mm, respectively. In contrast, the best active oils for inhibiting the growth of B. thermophilus were Mentha spicata and Ocimum bacilicum, with an inhibitory effect of 50 and 45 mm, respectively. RAPD-PCR with different primers indicated that treating sugar juice with the most effective oils against bacteria resulted in new recombinant microorganisms, confirming their roles as strong antibacterial products. The characterization of Mentha spicata and Ocimum bacilicum oils using GC/MS analysis identified cis-iso pulegone and hexadecanoic acid as the two main bioactive compounds with potential antibacterial activity. An analysis of five genes using DD-PCR that have been affected due to antibacterial activity from the highly effective oil from Mentha spicata concluded that all belonged to the family of protein defense. Our findings indicate that the application of these pure antibacterial plant extracts and oils would minimize the reduction of sucrose during sugar production.

Estimating the Prevalence of Foodborne Pathogen Campylobacter jejuni in Chicken and Its Control via Sorghum Extracts.

Campylobacter jejuni is a Gram-negative bacterium which is considered as the most reported cause of foodborne infection, especially for poultry species. The object of this work is to evaluate the occurrence of C. jejuni in chicken meat as well its control via three types of sorghum extracts (white sorghum (WS), yellow sorghum (YS), and red sorghum (RS)); antibacterial activity, antioxidant power, and cytotoxicity of sorghum extracts were also assessed. It was found that C. jejuni is very abundant in chicken meat, especially breast and thigh. WS extract showed more effectiveness than both yellow and red ones. Lyophilized WS extract offered high total phenolic compounds (TPCs) and total flavonoid compounds (TFCs) of 64.2 ± 0.8 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE/g) and 33.9 ± 0.4 mg catechol equivalent (CE)/g, respectively. Concerning the antibacterial and antioxidant activities, WS showed high and significant antibacterial activity (p < 0.001); hence, WS displayed a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 6.25%, and revealed an inhibition zone of 7.8 ± 0.3 mm; it also showed an IC50 at a concentration of 34.6 µg/mL. In our study, different samples of chicken fillet were collected and inoculated with pathogenic C. jejuni and stored at 4 °C. Inoculated samples were treated with lyophilized WS extract at (2%, 4%, and 6%), the 2% treatment showed a full reduction in C. jejuni on the 10th day, the 4% treatment showed a full reduction in C. jejuni on the 8th day, while the 6% treatment showed a full reduction in C. jejuni on the 6th day. Additionally, 2%, 4%, and 6% WS extracts were applied on un-inoculated grilled chicken fillet, which enhanced its sensory attributes. In sum, WS extract is a promising natural preservative for chicken meat with accepted sensory evaluation results thanks to its high antibacterial and antioxidant potentials.

Green fabrication of chitosan nanoparticles using Lavendula angustifolia, optimization, characterization and in­vitro antibiofilm activity.

Chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) are promising polymeric nanoparticles with exceptional physicochemical, antimicrobial and biological characteristics. The CNPs are preferred for a wide range of applications in the food industry, cosmetics, agriculture, medical, and pharmaceutical fields due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, eco-friendliness, and non-toxicity. In the current study, a biologically based approach was used to biofabricate CNPs using an aqueous extract of Lavendula angustifolia leaves as a reducing agent. The TEM images show that the CNPs were spherical in shape and ranged in size from 7.24 to 9.77 nm. FTIR analysis revealed the presence of several functional groups, including C-H, C-O, CONH2, NH2, C-OH and C-O-C. The crystalline nature of CNPs is demonstrated by X-ray diffraction. The thermogravimetric analysis revealed that CNPs are thermally stable. The CNPs' surface is positively charged and has a Zeta potential of 10 mV. For optimising CNPs biofabrication, a face-centered central composite design (FCCCD) with 50 experiments was used. The artificial intelligence-based approach was used to analyse, validate, and predict CNPs biofabrication. The optimal conditions for maximum CNPs biofabrication were theoretically determined using the desirability function and experimentally verified. The optimal conditions that maximize CNPs biofabrication (10.11 mg/mL) were determined to be chitosan concentration 0.5%, leaves extract 75%, and initial pH 4.24. The antibiofilm activity of CNPs was evaluated in­vitro. The results show that 1500 µg/mL of CNPs suppressed P. aeruginosa, S. aureus and C. albicans biofilm formation by 91.83 ± 1.71%, 55.47 ± 2.12% and 66.4 ± 1.76%; respectively. The promising results of the current study in biofilm inhibition by necrotizing biofilm architecture, reducing its significant constituents and inhibiting microbial cell proliferation encourage their use as natural biosafe and biocompatible anti-adherent coating in antibiofouling membranes, medical bandage/tissues and food packaging materials.

Detection of Clostridium botulinum in Some Egyptian Fish Products, Its Control In Vitro Using Citrus Leaves Extracts, and Applicability of Citrus limon Leaf Extract in Tuna.

This study aims to detect Clostridium botulinum and its control using natural leaf extracts of Citrus limon, Citrus sinensis, and Citrus unshiu in Egyptian fish products, e.g., canned tuna, canned sardine, canned mackerel, fesikh, moloha, and renga, as well the application of C. limon in tuna. Moreover, the antibacterial activity of the C. limon leaf extract was also estimated. In the water extract, ascorbic acid, total flavonoid content (TFC), and total phenolic content (TPC) were determined by volumetric, aluminum chloride, and Folin-Ciocalteu approaches, respectively. The antioxidant ability of the extract was analyzed in vitro via free radical scavenging (DPPH) and Ferric reducing assays. The results showed variability in the distribution of the total number of positive C. botulinum in fish samples from three different governorates under study, which were (24) Alexandria, (16) Beheira, and (17) Gharbia, out of the 120 tested samples in each governorate. Additionally, the findings revealed that all three Citrus extracts contain an appropriate number of secondary metabolites, with a sustainable presence of saponin and tannins in the C. limon extract. Furthermore, all Citrus extracts inhibited bacterial growth by increasing the inhibition zone, with C. limon being the best extract (25 mm) compared to C. sinensis and C. unshiu. The overall results showed the high antioxidant and anti-Clostridium powers (p < 0.05) of C. limon leaf extract, indicating its preservative activity in fishery products during storage. Finally, C. limon leaf extract can fight off C. botulinum and is considered a promising natural preservation candidate in ensuring safe and fresh fishery products.

Evaluation of the Adsorption Efficacy of Bentonite on Aflatoxin M1 Levels in Contaminated Milk.

The existence of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in raw milk results in economic losses and public health risks. This research aims to examine the capability of bentonite to adsorb and/or eliminate AFM1 from various raw milk types. In addition, the effects of numerous bentonites (HAFR 1, 2, 3 and 4) on the nutritional characteristics of the milk were studied. Our findings revealed that goat milk had the highest value of AFM1 (490.30 ng/L) in comparison to other milks. AFM1 adsorption was influenced by applying bentonite (0.5 and 1 g) in a concentration-dependent manner for different time intervals (from 0 to 12 h). The percentage of AFM1 reached the maximum adsorption level after 12 h to 100, 98.5 and 98% for bentonites HAFR 3, 1 and 2, respectively. HAFR 3 (1 g bentonite) presented higher adsorption efficiency than other bentonites used in the phosphate buffer saline (PBS) and milk. Residual levels of AFM1 reached their lowest values of 0 and 1.5 ng/L while using HAFR 3 in PBS and milk, respectively. With regard to the influence of bentonite on the nutritional characteristics of milk, there was an increase in fat, protein and solid non-fat ratio while using HAFR 3 and 4, yet decreased lactose in comparison with the control. Scanning Electron Microscopy and Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy both identified bentonites as superior AFM1 binders. The results demonstrated that bentonite, particularly HAFR 3, was the most effective adsorbent and could thus be a promising candidate for the decontamination of AFM1 in milk.

Potential of montmorillonite modified by an organosulfur surfactant for reducing aflatoxin B1 toxicity and ruminal methanogenesis in vitro.

BACKGROUND: Montmorillonite clay modified by organosulfur surfactants possesses high cation exchange capacity (CEC) and adsorption capacity than their unmodified form (UM), therefore they may elevate the adverse impact of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) on ruminal fermentation and methanogenesis. Chemical and mechanical modifications were used to innovate the organically modified nano montmorillonite (MNM). The UM was modified using sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and grounded to obtain the nanoscale particle size form. The dose-response effects of the MNM supplementation to a basal diet contaminated or not with AFB1 (20 ppb) were evaluated in vitro using the gas production (GP) system. The following treatments were tested: control (basal diet without supplementations), UM diet [UM supplemented at 5000 mg /kg dry matter (DM)], and MNM diets at low (500 mg/ kg DM) and high doses (1000 mg/ kg DM). RESULTS: Results of the Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy analysis showed shifts of bands of the OH-group occurred from lower frequencies to higher frequencies in MNM, also an extra band at the lower frequency range only appeared in MNM compared to UM. Increasing the dose of the MNM resulted in linear and quadratic decreasing effects (P < 0.05) on GP and pH values. Diets supplemented with the low dose of MNM either with or without AFB1 supplementation resulted in lower (P = 0.015) methane (CH4) production, ruminal pH (P = 0.002), and ammonia concentration (P = 0.002) compared to the control with AFB1. Neither the treatments nor the AFB1 addition affected the organic matter or natural detergent fiber degradability. Contamination of AFB1 reduced (P = 0.032) CH4 production, while increased (P < 0.05) the ruminal pH and ammonia concentrations. Quadratic increases (P = 0.012) in total short-chain fatty acids and propionate by MNM supplementations were observed. CONCLUSION: These results highlighted the positive effects of MNM on reducing the adverse effects of AFB1 contaminated diets with a recommended dose of 500 mg/ kg DM under the conditions of this study.

Foliar Application of Nanoclay Promotes Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Growth and Induces Systemic Resistance against Potato Virus Y.

Potato virus Y (PVY) is one of the most harmful phytopathogens. It causes big problems for potatoes and other important crops around the world. Nanoclays have been extensively studied for various biomedical applications. However, reports on their interactions with phytopathogens, particularly viral infections, are still limited. In this study, the protective activity of Egyptian nanoclay (CE) and standard nanoclay (CS) against PVY was evaluated on potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) plants. Their physicochemical and morphological properties were examined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS). SEM and TEM analyses revealed that CE has a spherical and hexagonal structure ranging from 20 to 80 nm in size, while CS has boulder-like and tubular structures of about 320 nm in size. FTIR and EDS showed that both nanoclay types have different functional groups and contain many vital plant nutrients that are necessary for every stage and process of the plant, including development, productivity, and metabolism. Under greenhouse conditions, a 1% nanoclay foliar application enhanced potato growth, reduced disease symptoms, and reduced PVY accumulation levels compared with non-treated plants. Significant increases in levels of antioxidant enzymes (PPO and POX) and considerable decreases in oxidative stress markers (MDA and H2O2) were also reported. Moreover, a significant increase in the transcriptional levels of defense-related genes (PAL-1, PR-5, and CHI-2) was observed. All experiment and analysis results indicate that the CE type is more effective than the CS type against PVY infection. Based on these results, the foliar applications of nanoclay could be used to manage plant viral infections in a way that is both effective and environmentally friendly. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the antiviral activity of the foliar application of nanoclay against PVY infection.

Plantago lagopus extract as a green fungicide induces systemic resistance against Rhizoctonia root rot disease in tomato plants.

Extensive use of chemical control agents and fungicides typically leads to numerous risks to human health and the environment. Using plant extracts as natural substances represents a dual key for the environment and sustainable food production, as it reduces the input of synthetic pesticides into the environment and/or controls plant pathogens. For the first time, a Plantago lagopus ethanolic extract has been characterized and evaluated for its protective and curative effects against Rhizoctonia solani in tomato plants. The results showed that P. lagopus extract (10 µg/ml) completely inhibited R. solani mycelial growth in vitro. At 20 days of post fungal inoculation, the results demonstrated that using P. lagopus extract (100 µg/ml) in vivo enhanced tomato plant growth by significantly increasing shoot and root parameters in protective and curative treatments. Furthermore, the protective and curative treatments significantly reduced the disease index by 18.66 and 38.66%, respectively. Induction of systemic resistance with upregulation of PR-1 and PR-2 and a significant increase in the transcriptional levels of PR-3 and CHS in all P. lagopus extract-treated tomato plants were reported compared to untreated plants. HPLC analysis showed that the most common polyphenolic components detected in P. lagopus extract were rutin (74206.3 mg/kg), naringenin (2388.74 mg/kg), quercetin (1249.13 mg/kg), and p-hydroxybenzoic acid (1035.87 mg/kg). In addition, the ellagic acid (798.47 mg/kg), vanillic acid (752.55 mg/kg), catechol (648.89 mg/kg), cinnamic acid (332.51 mg/kg), ferulic acid (296.32 mg/kg), benzoic acid (295.95 mg/kg), and chlorogenic acid (116.63 mg/kg) were also reported. Our study is the first to show that P. lagopus extract can help plants fight off R. solani fungal infection. Furthermore, the findings imply that using the P. lagopus extract as a natural biocontrol agent could be a sustainable strategy to manage plant fungal diseases.

Cross-Linked Chitosan/Gelatin Beads Loaded with Chlorella vulgaris Microalgae/Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles for Adsorbing Carcinogenic Bisphenol-A Pollutant from Water.

Water polluted by phenolic compounds is a global threat to health and the environment; accordingly, we prepared a green novel sorbent biological system from a chitosan (CS), gelatin (GT), and Chlorella vulgaris freshwater microalgae (m-Alg) composite impregnated with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) for the remediation of bisphenol-A (BPA) from water. C. vulgaris was selected to be one of the constituents of the prepared composite because of its high capability in phytoremediation. The morphology and the structure of CS/GT*m-Alg/ZnO beads were characterized by SEM, FTIR, XRD, and TGA. Different monitoring experimental conditions, such as contact time, pH, BPA concentration, and sorbent dosage, were optimized. The optimum conditions for the adsorption process showed outstanding removal efficiency toward BPA at pH 4.0, contact time 40.0 min, and 40.0 mg L-1 BPA initial concentration. Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin isotherm models have been studied for adsorption equilibrium, and the best fit is described by the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The adsorption kinetics has been studied using pseudo-first-order (PFO), pseudo-second-order (PSO), Elovich, and intraparticle diffusion (IPD) models. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model shows the optimum experimental fit. The monolayer adsorption capacity of the prepared CS/GT*m-Alg/ZnO for BPA was determined to be 38.24 mg g-1. The prepared CS/GT*m-Alg/ZnO beads show advantageous properties, such as their high surface area, high adsorption capacity, reusability, and cost-effectiveness.

Expression profiling of HSP 70 and interleukins 2, 6 and 12 genes of Barki sheep during summer and winter seasons in two different locations.

The objectives of this research were to contrast the expression values of heat shock protein (HSP70) and interleukins 2, 6 and 12 (IL 2, IL 6 and IL 12) genes in summer and winter in two different locations in Egypt (Alexandria zone and Matrouh zone) to deduce changes in thermo-physiological traits and biochemical blood metabolites of Barki sheep. A total of 50 ewes (20 in Alexandria and 30 in Matrouh) were individually blood sampled to determine plasma total protein (TP), Albumin, Globulin and Glucose constituents and T3, T4 and cortisol hormones. The thermo-physiological parameters of rectal temperature (RT, °C), skin temperature (ST, °C), Wool temperature (WT, °C), respiration rate (RR, breaths/min) and pulse rate (PR, beats/min) were measured for each ewe. Expressions of IL 2, IL 6, IL 12 and HSP 70 in summer and winter were analyzed along with thermo-physiological parameters and blood biochemical metabolites. In both locations, THI had significant effects on ST, WT, PR and RR, but not significant on RT. However, it had no significant effects on blood plasma metabolites and hormonal concentrations in the two locations in summer and winter. In Alexandria location, THI had negative significant effect on the expressions of IL-2 and IL-6 but positively affected on HSP70 genes in winter, while the expression of IL-12 gene was not affected by seasons, whereas in Matrouh zone, the effects of THI on the expressions of all tolerance genes were not significant. The results of the current study suggest that IL-2, IL-6 and HSP70 genes could be used as molecular markers for heat/cold stress.

Quantitative detection of induced systemic resistance genes of potato roots upon ethylene treatment and cyst nematode, Globodera rostochiensis, infection during plant-nematode interactions.

Potato cyst nematodes caused by Globodera rostochiensis, are quarantine-restricted pests causing significant yield losses to potato growers. The phytohormone ethylene play significant roles in various plant-pathogen interactions, however, the molecular knowledge of how ethylene influences potato-nematode interaction is still lacking. Precise detection of potato-induced genes is essential for recognizing plant-induced systemic resistance (ISR). Candidate genes or PR- proteins with putative functions in modulating the response to potato cyst nematode stress were selected and functionally characterized. Using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), we measured the quantified expression of four pathogenesis-related (PR) genes, PR2, PR3, peroxidase, and polyphenol oxidase. The activation of these genes is intermediate during the ISR signaling in the root tissues. Using different ethylene concentrations could detect and induce defense genes in infected potato roots compared to the control treatment. The observed differences in the gene expression of treated infected plants are because of different concentrations of ethylene treatment and pathogenicity. Besides, the overexpressed or suppressed of defense- related genes during developmental stages and pathogen infection. We concluded that ethylene treatments positively affected potato defensive genes expression levels against cyst nematode infection. The results emphasize the necessity of studying molecular signaling pathways controlling biotic stress responses. Understanding such mechanisms will be critical for the development of broad-spectrum and stress-tolerant crops in the future.

Root extracts of Saussurea costus as prospective detoxifying food additive against sodium nitrite toxicity in male rats.

The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of three different extracts of Saussurea costus roots (ethanol, methanol, and water) as a food additive in alleviating the harmful effect of sodium nitrite in rat meals. Thirty-five adult male rats were divided into five groups as follows: control, sodium nitrite (NaNO2; 75 mg/kg BW, single oral dose), S. costus 70% ethanol, 70% methanol, and aqueous extracts (300 mg/kg BW), respectively for four weeks followed by a single dose of NaNO2 24h before decapitation. Results showed that the 70% ethanol extract of S. costus has a higher concentration of total phenolic content, total flavonoids, and antioxidant effect than the 70% methanol and water extracts. Rats pretreated with S. costus extracts reduced the harmful effects induced by NaNO2 and improved the hematological parameters, liver, and kidney function biomarkers as well as lipid profile as compared to the NaNO2 group. Furthermore, S. costus improved the histopathological alterations in the liver and kidney induced by NaNO2 and improved meat sensory evaluation. Conclusively, the 70% ethanol extract of S. costus roots is the most effective extract as an antioxidant against the toxicity of sodium nitrite in male rats and might be used safely as a natural additive in the food industry.

Prevalence, antibiotic sensitivity profile, and phylogenetic analysis of Escherichia coli isolated from raw dromedary camel milk in Matrouh Governorate, Egypt.

Objective: Most people in Matrouh Governorate consume camel milk as a treatment for many diseases in a raw state to obtain nutritive value. Raw dromedary camel milk can be contaminated by Escherichia coli through fecal matter at any point of milk handling; therefore, it may lose its value and safety specifications. This survey aimed to estimate the incidence of E. coli in fresh camel milk. Materials and Methods: 100 fresh camel milk samples (50 from markets and 50 from farms) were randomly collected from different districts in Matrouh Governorate, Egypt, over 4 months for the detection of E. coli incidence through conventional bacterial isolation, molecular investigation, and gene sequencing. Results: The prevalence rates of E. coli in the examined market and farm raw camel milk based on conventional methods were 24% and 8%, respectively, while those by molecular identification using phoA as an E. coli determinate gene were 4% and 6%, respectively. Moreover, E. coli phoA gene phylogenetic analysis revealed high sequence similarity to E. coli strain CP033158.1 in India and E. coli strain CP047594.1 in China. Antibiotic sensitivity of E. coli isolates showed high susceptibility to norfloxacin (10 µg) and cefoperazone (75 µg). On the other hand, high resistance was found in rifamycin (30 µg) and cefoxitin (30 µg). Conclusion: The results indicate that market camel milk is more contaminated than the farms' own. Additionally, antibiotic resistance is increasing due to antibiotic abuse.

Antidiabetic Phytochemicals From Medicinal Plants: Prospective Candidates for New Drug Discovery and Development.

Diabetes, a chronic physiological dysfunction affecting people of different age groups and severely impairs the harmony of peoples' normal life worldwide. Despite the availability of insulin preparations and several synthetic oral antidiabetic drugs, there is a crucial need for the discovery and development of novel antidiabetic drugs because of the development of resistance and side effects of those drugs in long-term use. On the contrary, plants or herbal sources are getting popular day by day to the scientists, researchers, and pharmaceutical companies all over the world to search for potential bioactive compound(s) for the discovery and development of targeted novel antidiabetic drugs that may control diabetes with the least unwanted effects of conventional antidiabetic drugs. In this review, we have presented the prospective candidates comprised of either isolated phytochemical(s) and/or extract(s) containing bioactive phytoconstituents which have been reported in several in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies possessing noteworthy antidiabetic potential. The mode of actions, attributed to antidiabetic activities of the reported phytochemicals and/or plant extracts have also been described to focus on the prospective phytochemicals and phytosources for further studies in the discovery and development of novel antidiabetic therapeutics.

A Case Study in Saudi Arabia: Biodiversity of Maize Seed-Borne Pathogenic Fungi in Relation to Biochemical, Physiological, and Molecular Characteristics.

Microbiodiversity is usually correlated with environmental conditions. This investigation is a case study to cover the lack of knowledge on the correlation of biochemical, physiological, and molecular attributes with the distribution of seed-borne pathogenic fungi of maize under the environmental conditions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to help forecast any destructive epidemics. Forty-one fungal species belonging to 24 genera were detected using standard moist blotter (SMB), deep freezing blotter (DFB), and agar plate (AP) techniques. SMB was superior in detecting the maximum numbers (36 species) of seed-borne mycoflora. The pathogenicity assay revealed that, among 18 seed-borne fungal pathogens used, 12 isolates caused high percentages of rotted seeds and seedling mortality symptoms, which were identified molecularly using an internal transcribed spacer sequence. Two Curvularia spp. and Sarocladium zeae were reported for the first time in KSA. The strains showed various enzymatic activities and amino acid profiles under different environmental setups. Temperature and humidity were the environmental variables influencing the fungal pathogenicity. The highest pathogenicity was correlated with the presence and concentration of threonine, alanine, glutamic, aspartic acids, and protein. The study concluded with the discovery of four new phytopathogens in KSA and, further, evidenced a marked correlation among the investigated variables. Nevertheless, more studies are encouraged to include additional physiological properties of the phytopathogens, such as toxigenic activity, as well as extend the fungal biodiversity study to other plants.