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Integrated Biocontrol of Watermelon Mosaic Virus in Squash Using Artemisia Extract and Bacillus mycoides

Research Abstract

Abstract

Watermelon mosaic virus (WMV) is a major constraint in squash production, necessitating sustainable antiviral strategies. This study evaluated the efficacy of aqueous extracts from six medicinal plants: Artemisia sp., Matricaria chamomilla, Allium cepa, Allium sativum, Moringa oleifera, and Citrullus colocynthis in promoting plant growth and mitigating WMV infection. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating the efficacy of the combined application of Artemisia extract and B. mycoides revealed a synergistic effect, significantly enhancing physiological recovery and reducing disease severity compared to single treatments. Treatments were applied through seed soaking, soil inoculation, and foliar spraying in a greenhouse experiment using a randomized complete block design. Growth parameters, chlorophyll content, total soluble carbohydrates, disease severity, and antioxidant enzyme activities (PAL, PPO, CAT, SOD) were measured. A comparative evaluation of multiple application methods (seed soaking, soil inoculation, and foliar spraying) provided critical insights into the most effective delivery strategies for biocontrol agents. Soil inoculation with Artemisia extract yielded the greatest overall reduction in infection levels, outperforming both seed soaking and foliar application methods. Treatments with Artemisia extract and Matricaria chamomilla, applied either through soil or foliar inoculation, significantly improved plant height. Across treatments, systemic infection rates were significantly reduced at p ≤ 0.05, ranging from 21% to 76.6%, depending on the extract and application method. GC–MS analysis of the plant extracts revealed that Moringa and Artemisia exhibited the most significant antiviral potential. Results showed that plant extracts significantly reduced WMV severity, with Artemisia (soil inoculation) lowering disease severity from 90% to 21%. The integrated application of Artemisia extract and B. mycoides produced synergistic effects, with soil inoculation yielding the most consistent physiological and biochemical enhancements. This treatment also improved chlorophyll a, mitigating pigment loss due to WMV. Overall, these findings establish a novel eco-friendly approach for WMV management, integrating microbial and botanical interventions to promote plant resilience.
Research Authors
Mohamed Hemida Abd-Alla ,Omima Abdelsater Mohamed, Osama A. Abdalla , Ameer Elfarash , Shymaa R. Bashandy
Research Date
Research Journal
Microbial pathogensis
Research Year
2026

Aloe Vera alleviates glyphosate-based herbicide hepatotoxicity in rats via anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions

Research Abstract

Introduction: Glyphosate-Based Herbicide (GBHs) are widely used worldwide,
this study investigated the ameliorative effect of Aloe Vera against GBHs hepatic
toxicity in rats via anti-inflammatory and antioxidant Actions, with a focus on
DNA damage and apoptosis.
Methods: Twenty-four Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly classified into four
groups: Group I, represented as a control. In group II, rats were administered
500 mg/kg of Roundup herbicide as one of GBHs. In Group III, rats were
administered 200 mg/kg of Aloe Vera, and finally, in Group IV, rats were coadministered with 500 mg/kg of Roundup and 200 mg/kg of Aloe Vera, orally,
three times a week for 6 weeks.
Results and Discussion: Rats exposed to GBH showed significant oxidative
stress, evidenced by elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) and decrease the reduced
glutathione (GSH) levels, alongside increased the inflammatory markers (TNF-
α and IL-1β). Liver function enzymes (ALT, AST, LDH) were markedly elevated,
and comet assay results revealed substantial DNA fragmentation in hepatocytes.
Histopathological findings and immunohistochemical overexpression of
caspase-3 confirmed the liver pathological lesions and apoptosis, respectively.
Co-administration of Aloe Vera with GBH significantly alleviated the biochemical,
histopathological, and apoptotic alterations, but it did not fully reverse the DNA
damage. These findings suggest that Aloe Vera may offer partial hepatoprotection
against GBH toxicity through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. 

Research Authors
Nashwa Hamad1, Ahmed A. Sharkawy2, Nagwa Ibrahim3, Amany Abdel Rahman Osman4, Abdullah S. M. Aljohani5* and Heba F. Kamaly
Research Date
Research Department
Research Journal
Frontiers in Veterinary Science
Research Pages
1720985
Research Publisher
Frontiers Media SA
Research Vol
12
Research Year
2025

Ameliorative effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles and activated charcoal against the toxic effects of aflatoxins in ducks

Research Abstract

To determine the potential toxic effects of aflatoxins (AFs), the ameliorative role of zinc oxide nanoparticles and activated charcoal against aflatoxicosis, and finally, the effective role of the recovery period against aflatoxins toxic effects and their residues. A total of 70 one-day-old Moulard ducklings were obtained and classified into seven groups, comprising 10 ducklings per group. The control group (G1) ducklings were fed on a basal diet free from AFs. Group 2 (G2) ducklings received a naturally AFs-contaminated feed with 50 ppb total AFs. Group 3 (G3) ducklings consumed 50 ppb AFs-contaminated feed and 10 mg/kg/feed zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs). Group 4 (G4) ducklings consumed 50 ppb AFs-contaminated feed and 1.5% of the ration activated charcoal. Group 5 (G5) ducklings consumed 50 ppb AFs-contaminated feed with ZnONPs and an activated charcoal combination. Group 6 (G6) ducklings …

Research Authors
Zakaria M Zaky, Tarek M Sobhy, Safwat Ali, Nashwa Hamad, Aly A Othman, Heba F Kamaly
Research Date
Research Department
Research Journal
Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology
Research Pages
127741
Research Publisher
Urban & Fischer
Research Vol
92
Research Year
2025

Hydrogen cyanamide poisoning: multiple microscopic analyses evidence of forensic entomotoxicology succession on decomposing covered/uncovered rat carrions

Research Abstract
Background
Forensic entomotoxicology is a crucial field that studies the effects of drugs and poisons on carrion-feeding insects, particularly in crime investigations. Hydrogen cyanamide, a plant growth regulator, is hazardous and used in agriculture but is limited in some countries due to its high cost and severe toxicity. The terrestrial isopod Porcellio laevis plays a vital role in soil ecosystems and biosystem management. Accordingly, authors aimed to examine the impact of hydrogen cyanamide toxicity on arthropods, specifically Porcellio laevis, Musca domestica (House flies), and Sarcophaga sp. (Flesh flies) visiting decomposing covered/uncovered rat carrions, which could be relevant in forensic investigations. A total of 20 rats were divided into two control (I and II, covered/uncovered) and two treated groups (III and IV, covered/uncovered, euthanized using hydrogen cyanamide). Arthropods were gathered bi-daily …
Research Authors
Fatma El-Zahraa A Abd El-Aziz, Asmaa R Abdel-Malek, Marwa Kh Mohammed, Muhammad Alaa Eldeen, Noha Esmael Ebrahem
Research Date
Research Department
Research Journal
Egyptian Journal of Forensic Sciences
Research Pages
20
Research Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Research Vol
15
Research Year
2025

The role of nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) and Nrf2 signalling in methanol-induced on brain, eye, and pancreas toxicity in rats

Research Abstract

Toxic methyl alcohol is widely employed in industry, and it is highly toxic. Only 15 cc ingestion can result in irreversible blindness. The mechanism of toxicity is still a matter of debate. This study was conducted to investigate the incorporation of nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) and Nrf2 signaling pathways in the toxicity of the brain, eye, and pancreas following ingestion of methyl alcohol and the possible protective role of PPAR-γ modulators. Twenty-four adult Wister albino rats were divided into four groups of six rats each: a control group, a pioglitazone group, a methanol group, and a combined pioglitazone and methanol group. Oxidative stress markers, random blood sugar, insulin, and pancreatic function measurements were evaluated. Western blot analysis for PPAR-γ and Nrf2 protein expressions was performed. Histopathological examination was performed for eye …

Research Authors
Meriam NN Rezk, Mariem Maher Shafek Keryakous, Michael A Fawzy, Fatma El-Zahraa A Abd El, Asmaa FA Dawood, Hanan D Yassa, Nermeen N Welson
Research Date
Research Department
Research Journal
NeuroToxicology
Research Year
2025

Water remediation using mesoporous silica monolith nanocomposites functionalized with Prussian blue

Research Abstract

A simple, one-pot method was designed for preparing nanocomposite material and its potential applications for water remediation. X-ray diffraction, Fourier Transform infrared, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and derivative thermogravimetry, and N2 adsorption and desorption isotherm techniques were used to examine the chemical and physical characteristics of the prepared nanomaterials. The developed nano-sized sorbent has a good surface area of about 106.788 m2 g−1. The synthesized nanocomposite was employed as a sorbent to remove several heavy metals, such as Cd(II), Cu(II), Fe(III), Pb(II), Mn(II), and Cr(VI), and different pesticides (e.g., Diazinon, Parathion Methyl, Malathion, Parathion ethyl, Epoxide, DDE, Dieldrin, and Aldrin). The removal efficiencies were found to be in the range of 9.52–94.8%, 23.14–99.40%, and 8.91–85.50% for pesticides, heavy metals, and physical contaminants, respectively. In addition, the sorption capacities of the different metals ranged from 2.31 to 9.94 mg g−1, and from 2.67 to 28.00 mg g−1 for different pesticides. While it was 31.49–306.63 mg g−1 for physical contaminants.

Research Authors
Ahmad Abo Markeb, K Abdelhameed, WA El-Said, NA El-Maali
Research Department
Research Journal
International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology
Research Pages
7615–7630
Research Publisher
Springer Nature
Research Vol
21
Research Website
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13762-024-05506-x
Research Year
2024

Validation and optimization of a Prussian blue nanoparticle-based method for efficient detection and removal of lead ions in environmental samples

Research Abstract

Lead (Pb2+) poisoning in water is now a more serious environmental concern than any other, due to its potential toxicity and accumulation in the human body. The Prussian blue nanoparticles (PBNPs) effectively removed organic and inorganic pollutants from aqueous solution. This study comprehensively investigates the adsorption properties of PBNPs for Pb2+ removal, optimizing experimental conditions through various analytical techniques. Key validation parameters—linearity, precision, accuracy, the limit of detection (LOD), the limit of quantification (LOQ), and the method detection limit (MDL)—were assessed. We investigate a comprehensive study focused on the adsorption properties of Prussian blue nanoparticles (PBNPs) for Pb2+ removal from aqueous solutions. The adsorption process was most effective at pH 7.5, achieving an adsorption capacity of 190 mg g−1. Kinetic analysis revealed that the adsorption follows a pseudo-second-order model with a chemisorption mechanism, while isothermal studies confirmed monolayer adsorption consistent with the Langmuir model. Thermodynamic analysis indicated that the process is spontaneous and endothermic. The Pb2+ concentration was precisely measured using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy (GFAAS) and flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS), with strong linearity (R2 = 0.997), LOQ = 0.179 mg L−1, and LOD = 0.056 mg L−1 for FAAS. These findings show that the PBNPs have a significant potential for effective Pb2+ removal and are reusable, making them suitable for eco-friendly remediation applications. Validation parameters confirmed that trace Pb2+ levels in environmental samples were accurately and precisely detected. The study emphasizes the high absorption capacity of PBNPs for lead, which was evaluated using different experimental approaches and methodologies.

Research Authors
Asmaa Y Wahman, Kawthar Abd El-Hameed, Ahmad Abo Markeb, Waleed El-Said, Nagwa Abo El-Maali
Research Department
Research Journal
RSC Advances
Research Pages
6833-6846
Research Publisher
Royal Society of Chemistry
Research Vol
15(9)
Research Website
https://pubs.rsc.org/ra/article/15/9/6833/905903/Validation-and-optimization-of-a-Prussian-blue
Research Year
2025

Potential microalgae biorefinery cascade: effect of temperature in Nannochloropsis oculata biomass for biofuels and nanoparticles green-synthesis for heavy metals remediation

Research Abstract

Microalgae are potential candidates for biorefinery schemes. They have advantages such as high growth rates, versatility for adaptation, and accumulation of value-added compounds. Moreover, Nannochloropsis oculata is investigated for its potential to accumulate fatty acids with bioenergy potential, especially when cultured under stressful temperature conditions. However, the residual biomass obtained after lipid extraction is generally not exploited; due to this, there is an opportunity to analyze the potential of these wastes to develop different bioproducts approaching biorefinery schemes. This work aims to use N. oculata biomass grown under thermal stress to determine potential biodiesel production. Also, the residual defatted biomass revalorization for nanomaterials synthesis (and its applications) was analyzed. N. oculata cultures have shown a good growth performance under high temperatures (35 °C), being a potential candidate to scale up microalgae cultures under tropical climates. Also, the biomass obtained showed adequate lipid productivity (reaching values for 25 °C of 0.07 ± 0.02 and 35 °C of 0.08 ± 0.01 g L−1 d−1); besides, both fatty acids profiles could be suitable for biodiesel production. Furthermore, residual biomass was valuable for green-synthesis of two different nanoparticles: silver (AgNPs) and iron (nZVI), with sizes between 26 and 320 nm; besides, NPs obtained showed potential for Pb2+ and Cd2+ remediation, reaching up removals of 68.7 ± 0.13 to 100 ± 0.00% for lead, and 16.9 ± 0.53 to 92.5 ± 0.26% for cadmium.

Research Authors
AJ Gárate-Osuna, A Valdez-Ortiz, Ahmad Abo Markeb, X Font, R Barrena, MA Franco-Nava, DU Santos-Ballardo
Research Department
Research Journal
Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery
Research Pages
21297–21310
Research Publisher
Springer
Research Vol
15
Research Website
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13399-025-06692-5
Research Year
2025

Stability analysis, circuit simulation, and color image encryption of a novel four-dimensional hyperchaotic model with hidden and self-excited attractors

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