This study presents the first comprehensive genomic atlas of Egypt’s native honeybee, Apis mellifera lamarckii. Along with the Morphometric Assessment, a thorough examination of A. m. lamarckii workers and taxonomical characterization was conducted. Using PacBio long-read sequencing and Hi-C scaffolding, we generated a chromosome-scale genome assembly, revealing unique adaptations underlying its resilience to pathogens and arid climates. Key genomic findings revealed a triple-copy amplification of the Defensin-1 (Def-1) gene, providing a structural basis for its natural resistance to Varroa destructor mites. Transcriptomic profiling under pesticide stress confirmed functional consequences, showing dramatic upregulation of SFCYP5 (> 110-fold) and Def-1 (> 50-fold), alongside trade-offs including ABA suppression (0.01-fold). Morphometric analysis of 120 workers confirmed distinct physical traits, including smaller body size (proboscis: 5.45–5.46 mm; hindwing length: 6.01 mm) and reduced colony sizes compared to European subspecies. Whole-genome resequencing identified structural variants near immune loci (Def-1 and Hymenoptaecin) and detoxification genes (SFCYP family), with significant enrichment in pathogen-recognition pathways (KEGG map04626; p < 0.0001. These results resolve A. m. lamarckii’s evolutionary divergence and provide critical genomic tools for conserving its unique adaptations amid hybridization threats.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1378249.].

In this study, Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) were synthesized in green using aqueous extracts of Anethum graveolens (A. graveolens) and Datura stramonium (D. stramonium). Structural and physicochemical properties were characterized by FTIR, XRD, FE-SEM, EDX, TEM, and BET analyses, confirming crystalline CuO NPs formation with extract-dependent variations. CuO NPs derived from A. graveolens exhibited higher crystallinity, more uniform morphology, and fewer residual organics than those synthesized from D. stramonium. Cytotoxicity assessment in WI-38 normal lung fibroblasts revealed concentration-dependent effects, with A. graveolens -mediated CuO showing greater potency (IC50 = 4.94 lg/mL) than the D. stramonium counterpart (IC50 = 16.6 lg/mL). Conversely, CuO synthesized using D. stramonium demonstrated superior anticancer activity against Leukemia cell line (CCRF), Colon cancer cell line (HCT), and lung cancer cell line (A549) particularly colon and lung cancers. Gene expression analysis indicated that CuO/ A. graveolens upregulated IL-6 and Bcl-2 while reducing apoptotic markers, whereas CuO/ D. stramonium broadly suppressed cancer-related genes, including P53, Bax, IL-6, and VEG, suggesting enhanced anticancer mechanisms. Computational studies supported these findings, showing strong and stable interactions between major phenolic constituents and the cancer-related 3 M11 protein, along with favorable electronic reactivity. Overall, phytochemical composition strongly governs the structural features and biological performance of green-synthesized CuO NPs. (c) 2026 The Society of Powder Technology Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. and The Society of Powder Technology Japan. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.

Chitosan has been extensively investigated as a natural feed additive in ruminant diets; however, its effects on ruminal fermentation and enteric methane (CH4) mitigation remain inconsistent. This study aimed to evaluate the impacts of graded chitosan supplementation on in vitro digestibility, gas and CH4 production, rumen fermentation characteristics, protozoal populations, and the phylogenetic affiliation of the recovered methanogens. A total mixed ration (50

Owing to the drawbacks and adverse effects associated with conventional cancer therapies, there is growing interest in identifying effective natural alternatives. In this study, the anticancer potential of honeybee and scorpion venoms was evaluated using three human cancer cell lines: lung adenocarcinoma (A549), colon carcinoma (HCT-116), and breast adenocarcinoma (MDA-MB-231). The chemical composition, biological activity, and molecular interactions of both venoms with key cancer-related targets were investigated through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), cytotoxicity assays, gene expression analysis, and molecular docking. GC-MS analysis revealed that scorpion venom was predominantly composed of methyl isocyanide, 3-butyn-1-ol, and allene, whereas honeybee venom was characterized by caprylic anhydride, 1,3,5-triazine derivatives, and palmitin as major bioactive constituents. Functional analyses demonstrated that both venoms modulated the expression of genes associated with apoptosis and other cancer-related pathways rather than inducing apoptosis directly. Notably, scorpion venom significantly downregulated the anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-2, whereas honeybee venom upregulated its expression, indicating distinct mechanisms of action. Scorpion venom exerted pronounced pro-apoptotic effects, while honeybee venom appeared to act primarily through immunomodulatory and anti-angiogenic pathways. Molecular docking analyses confirmed favorable interactions between venom-derived compounds and key molecular targets, including Bcl-2, Bax, p53, and VEGF, supporting their potential as multi-target anticancer agents. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that honeybee and scorpion venoms possess promising anticancer properties via distinct yet complementary mechanisms, with particular efficacy against lung and breast adenocarcinoma cell lines. The results highlight the potential of these venoms as natural candidates for the development of alternative anticancer therapeutics.

The soil borne phytopathogen Fusarium equiseti poses a significant threat to global crop production, with limited sustainable control options. In this study, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) were green-synthesized using the extracellular filtrate of Trichoderma asperellum and characterized by SEM, XRD, FTIR, DLS, and Zeta potential apparatuses. The biosynthesized ZnO-NPs exhibited a quasi-spherical morphology with a size range of 13–19 nm, high crystallinity, and a stable negative zeta potential (− 27 mV). FTIR confirmed successful ZnO-NPs formation through the characteristic absorption band at 599 cm−1. Antifungal assays revealed a concentration dependent inhibition of mycelial growth in two examined strains of F. equiseti, achieving maximum suppression of 72.41 ± 0.01 and 73.41 ± 1.16

Calotropis procera is a medicinally significant plant valued for its diverse bioactive pharmacological compounds. Environmental stimuli, such as static magnetic field (SMF), can act as potent elicitors, altering its metabolic pathways. This study investigates the impact of SMF exposure (150 mT) for 0, 1, 2, or 3 h on primary and secondary metabolite components, antioxidant responses, and gene expression of C. procera callus cultures. SMF induced significant, time-dependent metabolic changes. Soluble sugars increased 1.6-fold after 3 h, while soluble proteins declined to 0.47-fold of controls. Phenylpropanoid biosynthesis was markedly enhanced, with phenolics and flavonoids increasing 7.5- and 3.2-fold, respectively. HPLC analysis revealed a coordinated upregulation of phenolic and flavonoid compounds. Kaempferol and ellagic acid showed a 115

IntroductionThis study presents the essential oils (EOs) derived from Origanum majorana L. (Marjoram), Mentha spicata L. (Spearmint) and Ocimum basilicum L. (Basil), which are explored for their insecticidal potential against Spodoptera littoralis larvae.MethodsEOs were extracted and analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), identifying 47, 37 and 27 compounds in O. majorana, M. spicata and O. basilicum, respectively.ResultsMajor constituents include terpinen-4-ol (25.47 %) and sabinene (18.3%) in O. majorana, piperitenone oxide (43.83 %) in M. spicata, and methyl (E)-cinnamate (48.69 %) in O. basilicum. Toxicity assays demonstrated significant larvicidal activity with LC50 values of 1.18 % for O. majorana, 0.43% for M. spicata, and 0.51% for O. basilicum. Furthermore, these EOs notably influenced the expression of defense-related genes in S. littoralis, with treated larvae showing an ~80% increase in PR1, endoglucanase (PR2) and chitinase gene expression compared to controls. Differential display confirmed the amplification of these regulated genes in treated insects.DiscussionThis research underscores the efficacy of EOs from O. majorana, M. spicata and O. basilicum as natural insecticides, providing valuable insights for sustainable pest management through specific gene markers.

Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are among the most destructive pathogens affecting tomato production worldwide, leading to severe yield losses and compromised plant health. This study evaluated the efficacy of six organic acids-benzoic, salicylic, citric, lactic, malic, and acetic acids-applied at three concentrations each, in managing Meloidogyne incognita infection in tomato cultivar "023."Among all treatments, salicylic acid (SA) exhibited the strongest nematicidal activity, achieving 100% juvenile mortality within 72 hours and the highest inhibition of egg hatchability, even at the lowest concentration (0.01%). Benzoic and malic acid followed, showing strong nematocidal effects with moderate suppression of egg hatching, while citric and lactic acids displayed intermediate efficacy. Acetic acid was the least effective. Under greenhouse conditions, Salicylic acid alleviated nematode-induced growth loss through a significant reduction in root galling, egg masses, larvae, and egg counts, resulting in marked improvements in shoot and root biomass compared to the infected untreated control and other treatments. Citric and benzoic acids moderately improved plant growth, especially in root development, whereas lactic and acetic acids had minimal effects. At the molecular level, salicylic acid markedly upregulated the expression of peroxidase (POD) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) genes, peaking at day 4 and remaining elevated through day 8. Citric, benzoic, and malic acids caused moderate induction, while lactic and acetic acids induced weak or transient expression. The expression pattern suggests dynamic and transient defense activation in response to organic acid treatments. Computational insights obtained through molecular docking simulations predicted that salicylic and benzoic acids may interfere with essential biological processes in Meloidogyne incognita. Both compounds exhibited the highest binding affinities toward several key pathogenicity-related proteins, including NAD(P)H oxidase, putative aspartyl protease, cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1, prefoldin-2, venom allergen-like protein Mi-vap-2, and protein disulfide-isomerase, complementing their in vivo nematicidal effects. Overall, salicylic acid at 0.01% emerged as the most potent and eco-friendly alternative for managing root-knot nematodes in tomato plants, combining strong nematicidal activity, enhanced plant defense responses, and molecular-level evidence of protein inhibition.

The interaction of various treatments such as abscisic acid (ABA), polyamines (PS), and biological control with Trichoderma against Meloidogyne incognita was evaluated to assess their impact on pathological indices, growth metrics, and defense mechanisms in tomato cultivars. The study assessed Meloidogyne incognita root tomato disease (number of galls and egg masses) and growth parameters (shoot, root system, and fruit weight) in two tomato cultivars (1077 and Dania 85), along with the activities of defense enzymes; peroxidase (POD), polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and expression of defense genes (POD, PPO and PR2). Specifically, the study evaluated abscisic acid (ABA; 10 µM), potassium silicate (5 g/L), and biological Trichoderma harzianum (108 CFU/ml) treatments under greenhouse conditions 45 days post-inoculation. pathological indices, including the number of galls and egg masses, were measured, along with defense enzyme activities and gene expression levels. Among the treatments applied, the 1077 cultivar demonstrated the highest resistance, exhibiting the lowest number of galls and egg masses. All treatments (ABA, PS, and Trichoderma) significantly increased growth parameters compared to the nematode-infected untreated control. Specifically, PS treatment showed the strongest enhancement in shoot fresh weight across both cultivars (1077 and Dania 85). Enzyme activities of PPO and POD, along with the gene expressions of POD, PPO and PR2, were elevated across all treatments. PS was the most effective treatment, followed by ABA and Trichoderma, significantly boosting both enzyme activities and gene expressions relative to the untreated control. The 1077 cultivar the resistant hybrid consistently outperformed Dania 85 in enzyme activities and gene expression. PS and ABA significantly enhanced growth (≤ 57.4

The rise in antimicrobial resistance to current antibiotics has driven the search for novel natural compounds with antimicrobial properties. This study aimed at evaluate the Antimicrobial, Anti-Biofilm, and Cytotoxic Potential of Turmeric synthesized AuNPs and Chitosan-AuNP Nanocomposites against MDR urinary tract infections (UTIs) Pathogens (K. pneumoniae and E. coli) and MCF-7 HCT-116 Cancer Cell Lines. Biosynthesize- characterization of turmeric-gold nanoparticles (TAuNPs) using methanolic extract of Curcuma longa rhizome by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and Zeta potential (Z-potential) analysis. Coated biosynthesized TAuNPs with biodegradable chitosan to form a chitosan-turmeric gold nanocomposite (NCS-TAuNPs). Phytochemical and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis were used to investigate the total phenolic and flavonoids contents, and chemical properties of the C. longa extract, assessment the antimicrobial and anti-biofilm efficiency of TAuNPs and NCS-TAuNPs conjugate against K. pneumoniae ESA254 and E. coli ESA253 isolates, evaluation in vitro, the cytotoxicity effects of TAuNPs and NCS-TAuNPs conjugate against MCF-7 cells and HCT-116 cancer cell lines copared with Fluorouracil (5FU) chemical anticancer drug. The results indicated that, presence of high levels (3452 mg QE/100 g DW and 2624 mg GAE/100 g DW) of flavonoids and phenolic contents in C. longa extract, the antioxidant scavenging abilities of 150 μg/mL of TAuNPs and NCS-TAuNPs conjugate against ABTS free radicals were reported 63.72 ± 0.09

Livestock profitability hinges on reproductive efficiency, which can be significantly affected by factors such as extreme weather conditions. Early and accurate pregnancy detection is vital for optimizing reproductive physiology and ensuring economic sustainability. This study employed quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) to evaluate the expression levels of HSD11B-1 and HSD11B-2 genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from five sheep breeds: Barki, Rahmani, Rahmani x Barki crossbred, Awassi, and Ossimi. A total of 500 ewes, with 100 from each breed, and 75 rams (15 from each breed) were selected for detailed analysis based on uniform age (21.00 ± 0.75 months) and weight (45.00 ± 3.00 kg). Blood samples were collected on specified days ranging from day 9 post-mating to prepartum luteolysis to analyze gene expression associated with different gestational stages. The current analysis revealed significantly elevated levels of HSD11B-1 and HSD11B-2 gene expression in pregnant ewes compared to non-pregnant and control groups across all breeds. For the HSD11B-1 gene, expression levels progressively increased and peaked between days 35 and 40 post-mating (p < 0.001), with all breeds showing significant fold-changes during this period. Rahmani x Barki crossbred demonstrated the highest fold-changes for this gene. Both HSD11B-1 and HSD11B-2 exhibited a significant increase from day 11 to day 18 post-mating (p < 0.01). However, their expression patterns differed during gestation. HSD11B-1 recorded its highest expression levels (p < 0.001) during mid-gestation (days 35–45), while HSD11B-2 peaked earlier (p < 0.001), particularly during the post-implantation phase (days 18–25). To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to report a significant upregulation of both genes as early as day 12 post-mating, providing a new benchmark for early pregnancy detection, which previously focused on day 14. This insight into gene expression patterns provides valuable information for reproductive biology and may inform future breeding and management practices aimed at optimizing reproductive success in sheep.

Modified nano-montmorillonite is gaining attention as a feed additive for its benefits on ruminal fermentation. Chemical and mechanical methods were used to modify montmorillonite. Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CETAB) was utilized for chemical modification, while grounding was carried out to achieve the desired nanoscale particle size, resulting in the formation of the nanoscale powder known as MNMCETAB. Impacts of MNMCETAB supplementation on a basal diet, either contaminated with aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) or not at a level of 20 ppb were tested. Treatments included control (no supplements), a diet with 5 g per kilogram of dry matter (DM) of natural montmorillonite (NM), and diets with MNMCETAB at two doses, 0.5 (low) and 1 (high) grams per kilogram DM. The MNMCETAB showed better physicochemical traits than NM clay, including narrower particle size range, higher cation exchange capacity (CEC), greater specific surface area (SSA), and more functional groups. A significant linear decreasing effect (P < 0.05) of MNMCETAB addition on methane (CH) production was observed by the increasing level of the MNMCETAB clay. The control diet contaminated with AFB1 resulted in lower fiber degradability than the other treatments (P < 0.05). No variations were observed in ruminal protozoal counts by both clay supplementations, although there was a noticeable trend (P = 0.08) towards reduced protozoal populations due to AFB1 contamination. AFB1-contaminated diets showed indications of reduced (P < 0.05) levels of total volatile fatty acids (VFA), and concentrations of butyrate and propionate (P < 0.05), alongside shifts towards elevated (P = 0.006) acetate levels, while the low dose of MNMCETAB exhibited higher (P < 0.01) propionate concentrations than the other treatments. These findings underscored the anti-methanogenic properties and the favorable impacts of MNMCETAB in mitigating the adverse impacts of AFB1on ruminal fermentation and nutrient degradability.

Breast cancer remains one of the most lethal diseases for women worldwide. Marine populations are considered a vast reservoir for novel bioactive metabolites, particularly marine Actinomycetes, which are known to produce various bioactive compounds with antitumour, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. A promising new marine strain was isolated and identified as Streptomyces albidoflavus strain EgyAB2 (16 S rRNA gene sequence accession number ON680945.1). The anticancer activity of the extracted compounds was tested in the MCF7 cell line using a sulforhodamine B (SRB) bioassay, which revealed an IC50 of 0.36 µg/ml compared to the chemotherapeutic drug 5-fluorouracil (0.35 µg/ml). Additionally, the anticancer activity was confirmed by a dimethyl-thiazol-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) bioassay, which showed an IC50 of 17.46 µg/ml. The mode of action of the treated breast carcinoma (apoptotic effect) was studied via qRT-PCR, revealing a significant role in anticancer treatment. Although the extracted compounds exhibited high antioxidant activity in the diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging assay, they presented an IC50 of 8.92 µg/ml and an inhibition percentage of 56.08

Grey mould, caused by Botrytis cinerea, is a significant pathogen necessitating high fungicide dependence in strawberry fields, potentially leading to losses of up to 55

Pesticides are widely used in agriculture before harvest to protect growing crops from pests and diseases, and after harvest to prevent post-harvest losses during storage and handling. However, their use in Egyptian fields has been associated with potential health risks hazards to humans due to misuse or excessive application. Therefore, this study assessed the rural women’s practices of rural women regarding during the safe handling, dealing, and use of pesticides. The research was conducted face-to-face interviews by questioning 271 women farmers from three agricultural villages in the Abu Homous district of El-Beheira Governorate, Egypt. Results showed that the average age of participating women in the study was 35 years, with 29.50

Secondary metabolites are distinct compounds with significant medicinal value, yet their production and chemical synthesis present considerable challenges. This necessitates the development of innovative strategies to improve their yield. This study investigated the potential of biosynthesized sulfur nanoparticles (SNPs) as an eco-friendly elicitor to enhance the synthesis of antioxidant secondary metabolites in Lotus arabicus L. callus cultures. After seven weeks, induced calli of L. arabicus L were transferred to MS media supplemented with SNPs at different concentrations (0, 25, 50, 100, and 200 mg/l). The results indicated that SNPs (100 mg/l) induced significantly higher profiles for biomass and secondary metabolite compared to the control treatments. Enzyme activities related to secondary metabolite biosynthesis, specifically phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) were enhanced in a dose-dependent manner, with the greatest increases observed at 100 mg/l SNPs. The SNPs also modulated oxidative stress markers (MDA and H2O2), generally improving callus growth conditions by reducing oxidative stress, except at the highest concentration of 200 mg/l. Additionally, the application of SNPs at 100 mg/l markedly upregulated the expression levels of six crucial genes in the biosynthesis pathway of secondary metabolites (chalcone synthase (CHS), phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), flavonol synthase (FLS), chalcone isomerase (CHI), hydroxycinnamoyl CoA quinate hydroxycinnamoyl transferase (HQT), and deoxyxylulose phosphate reductoisomerase (DXR)). Quantitative HPLC profiling of 16 phenolic and flavonoid compounds revealed that supplementation with SNPs resulted in noticeable boots in the majority of the measured compounds with SNP supplementation. Overall, the supplementation of SNPs in the culture media of L. arabicus L callus positively influenced secondary metabolite production at the molecular and physiological levels, increasing its potential for medicinal use.

Plant extracts are well-known for their powerful antioxidant, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties, making them a promising candidate for anticancer applications. This study explores the possible applications of a microfiber scaffold of polycaprolactone (PCL) and gelatin (Gel) infused with varying concentrations of Pomegranate juice extract (Pom) (0.5 %, 1 %, 1.5 %, and 2 %) for its anticancer (liver, breast, and colon) properties. Incorporating Pom into the microfiber scaffold revealed an antioxidant activity: 26 % scavenging for the loaded microfiber scaffold (2 %). Dose-dependent exposure to Pom decreased cell viability and increased inhibition percentage, with an IC50 of 114 μg/mL. The prepared microfiber scaffold ultimately demonstrated promising anticancer activity against liver, colon, and breast cancer cells (27, 42, and 37 %, respectively). Moreover, the expression patterns of the four cancer marker genes P53, Bcl2, P21 and TNF showed that the P53 expression level varies significantly among the three tested cancer lines. These findings underscore the potential of Pom-loaded electrospun microfiber scaffolds as a novel approach to anticancer therapy.