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Meiosis is a critical process in sexual reproduction, and errors during this cell division can significantly impact fertility. Successful meiosis relies on the coordinated action of numerous genes involved in DNA replication, strand breaks, and subsequent rejoining. DNA topoisomerase enzymes play a vital role by regulating DNA topology, alleviating tension during replication and transcription. To elucidate the specific function of DNA topoisomerase 1α ( A t T O P 1 α ) in male reproductive development of Arabidopsis thaliana , we investigated meiotic cell division in Arabidopsis flower buds. Combining cytological and biochemical techniques, we aimed to reveal the novel contribution of A t T O P 1 α to meiosis. Our results demonstrate that the absence of A t T O P 1 α leads to aberrant chromatin behavior during meiotic division. Specifically, the top1α1 mutant displayed altered heterochromatin distribution and clustered centromere signals at early meiotic stages. Additionally, this mutant exhibited disruptions in the distribution of 45s rDNA signals and a reduced frequency of chiasma formation during metaphase I, a crucial stage for genetic exchange. Furthermore, the atm-2×top1α1 double mutant displayed even more severe meiotic defects, including incomplete synapsis, DNA fragmentation, and the presence of polyads. These observations collectively suggest that A t T O P 1 α plays a critical role in ensuring accurate meiotic progression, promoting homologous chromosome crossover formation, and potentially functioning in a shared DNA repair pathway with ATAXIA TELANGIECTASIA MUTATED (ATM) in Arabidopsis microspore mother cells., Competing Interests: Diaa Abd El-Moneim is an Academic Editor for PeerJ., (© 2024 Elesawi et al.)

Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease that is endemic in Saudi Arabia. It is transmitted to humans through direct contact with infected animals or by consuming unpasteurized dairy products. A 36-year-old Saudi man presented with left hip pain, fever, and a history of consuming unpasteurized milk. Sacroiliitis was documented by positive results from serological tests (ELISA) and magnetic resonance imaging. Treatment consisted of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), doxycycline, rifampicin, and IV gentamicin., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Ministry of National Guard Hospital issued approval IRB/0584/24. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Alshamrani et al.)

Drought is a crucial environmental stress that tremendously impacts maize production, particularly under abrupt climate changes. Consequently, breeding drought-tolerant and high-yielding maize hybrids has become decisive in sustaining its production and ensuring global food security under the global fast-growing population. The present study aimed to explore drought tolerance and agronomic performance of newly developed maize inbred lines and their hybrids. Ten newly developed maize inbred lines were crossed with two high-yielding testers using a line × tester mating design. The developed twenty hybrids alongside two high-yielding commercial hybrids were evaluated under water-deficit (5411 m 3 /ha) and well-watered (7990 m 3 /ha) conditions in dry summer climate conditions. Highly significant variations were detected among the evaluated hybrids for all studied agronomic traits under well-watered and water-deficit conditions. The inbred lines L10 and L6 were particularly notable, demonstrating the most significant negative general combining ability (GCA) effects for earliness, which is crucial for stress avoidance in both environmental settings. Inbred lines L11, L7, L6, and L1 also showed the highest positive and most significant GCA effects for key yield traits, indicating their potential as parents in breeding programs. The crosses L-10×T-1 and L-6×T-2 were outstanding for their heterotic effects on earliness in days to tasseling and silking. Similarly, the crosses L-4×T-2 and L-1×T-1 excelled in plant and ear heights under both irrigation regimes. The hybrids L-1×T-2 and L-7×T-1 demonstrated superior heterosis for chlorophyll content, number of rows per ear, and overall grain yield. Additionally, hybrids L-11×T-1 and L-11×T-2 exhibited remarkable heterotic effects for the number of grains per row, number of rows per ear, 100-kernel weight, and grain yield, highlighting their potential in breeding for productivity. Based on drought tolerance indices and cluster analysis, the cross combinations L-11×T-1, L-11×T-2, L-7×T-1, and L-1×T-2 were classified as the most drought-tolerant crosses. The principal component analysis highlighted traits such as days to tasseling, days to silking, chlorophyll content, plant height, ear height, number of grains per row, number of rows per ear, and 100-kernel weight can be taken as selection criteria for improving grain yield in maize breeding programs under limited water conditions. Based on the summarized results, the identified genetic materials could be considered promising under both conditions and hold potential for future breeding programs.

In plants, ARRs-B transcription factors play a crucial role in regulating cytokinin signal transduction, abiotic stress resistance, and plant development. A number of adverse environmental conditions have caused severe losses for the pepper ( Capsicum annuum L.)-a significant and economically important vegetable. Among the transcription factors of the type B-ARRs family, multiple members have different functions. In pepper, only a few members of the ARRs-B family have been reported and characterized. The current study aimed to characterize ARRs-B transcription factors in C. annuum , including phylogenetic relationships, gene structures, protein motif arrangement, and RT-qPCR expression analyses and their role in salinity stress. In total, ten genes encode CaARRs-B transcription factors ( CaARR1 to CaARR10 ) from the largest subfamily of type-B ARRs were identified in C. annum. The genome-wide analyses of the CaARRs-B family in C. annuum were performed based on the reported ARRs-B genes in Arabidopsis. An analysis of homologous alignments of candidate genes, including their phylogenetic relationships, gene structures, conserved domains, and qPCR expression profiles, was conducted. In comparison with other plant ARRs-B proteins, CaARRs-B proteins showed gene conservation and potentially specialized functions. In addition, tissue-specific expression profiles showed that CaARRs-B genes were differentially expressed, suggesting functionally divergent. CaARRs-B proteins had a typical conserved domain, including AAR-like (pfam: PF00072) and Myb DNA binding (pfam: PF00249) domains. Ten of the CaARRs-B genes were asymmetrically mapped on seven chromosomes in Pepper. Additionally, the phylogenetic tree of CaARRs-B genes from C. annuum and other plant species revealed that CaARRs-B genes were classified into four clusters, which may have evolved conservatively. Further, using quantitative real-time qRT-PCR, the study assessed the expression patterns of CaARRs-B genes in Capsicum annuum seedlings subjected to salt stress. The study used quantitative real-time qRT-PCR to examine CaARRs-B gene expression in Capsicum annuum seedlings under salt stress. Roots exhibited elevated expression of CaARR2 and CaARR9 , while leaves showed decreased expression for CaARR3, CaARR4, CaARR7 , and CaARR8 . Notably, no amplification was observed for CaARR10 . This research sheds light on the roles of CaARRs-B genes in pepper's response to salinity stress. These findings enrich our comprehension of the functional implications of CaARRs-B genes in pepper, especially in responding to salinity stress, laying a solid groundwork for subsequent in-depth studies and applications in the growth and development of Capsicum annuum ., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests., (© 2023 Alshegaihi and Alshamrani.)

Banana plantation has been introduced recently to a temperate zone in the southeastern parts of Saudi Arabia (Fifa, Dhamadh, and Beesh, located in Jazan province). The introduced banana cultivars were of a clear origin without a recorded genetic background. In the current study, the genetic variability and structure of five common banana cultivars (i.e., Red, America, Indian, French, and Baladi) were analyzed using the fluorescently labeled AFLP technique. Nine different primer pairs combinations yielded 1468 loci with 88.96% polymorphism. Among all locations, high expected heterozygosity under the Hardy-Weinberg assumption was found (0.249 ± 0.003), where Dhamadh was the highest, followed by Fifa and Beesh, respectively. Based on the PCoA and Structure analysis, the samples were not clustered by location but in pairs in accordance with the cultivar's names. However, the Red banana cultivar was found to be a hybrid between the American and Indian cultivars. Based on Φ ST , 162 molecular markers (i.e., loci under selection) were detected among cultivars. Identifying those loci using NGS techniques can reveal the genetic bases and molecular mechanisms involved in the domestication and selection indicators among banana cultivars.

Wild medicinal plants are the main source of active ingredients and provide a continuous natural source for many folk medicinal products, a role that is important for society's health with an impressive record of utilization. Thus, surveying, conserving, and precisely identifying wild medicinal plants is required. The current study aimed to precisely identify fourteen wild-sourced medicinal plants from southwest Saudi Arabia, within the Fifa mountains area located in Jazan province, using the DNA barcoding technique. Two DNA regions (nuclear ITS and chloroplast rbcL) were sequenced and analyzed for the collected species using BLAST-based and phylogeny-based identification methods. Based on our analysis, ten of the fourteen species were successfully identified by DNA barcoding, five were identified as morphologically inspected, and three were morphologically indifferent. The study was able to distinguish some key medicinal species and highlight the importance of combining morphological observation with DNA barcoding to ensure the precise identification of wild plants, especially if they are medicinally relevant and associated with public health and safety usage.

Green synthesis of nanoparticles is receiving more attention these days since it is simple to use and prepare, uses fewer harsh chemicals and chemical reactions, and is environmentally benign. A novel strategy aims to recycle poisonous plant chemicals and use them as natural stabilizing capping agents for nanoparticles. In this investigation, silver nanoparticles loaded with latex from Cynanchum acutum L. (Cy-AgNPs) were examined using a transmission electron microscope, FT-IR spectroscopy, and UV-visible spectroscopy. Additionally, using Vicia faba as a model test plant, the genotoxicity and cytotoxicity effects of crude latex and various concentrations of Cy-AgNPs were studied. The majority of the particles were spherical in shape. The highest antioxidant activity using DPPH was illustrated for CAgNPs (25 mg/L) (70.26 ± 1.32%) and decreased with increased concentrations of Cy-AGNPs. Antibacterial activity for all treatments was determined showing that the highest antibacterial activity was for Cy-AgNPs (50 mg/L) with inhibition zone 24 ± 0.014 mm against Bacillus subtilis , 19 ± 0.12 mm against Escherichia coli , and 23 ± 0.015 against Staphylococcus aureus . For phytochemical analysis, the highest levels of secondary metabolites from phenolic content, flavonoids, tannins, and alkaloids, were found in Cy-AgNPs (25 mg/L). Vicia faba treated with Cy-AgNPs- (25 mg/L) displayed the highest mitotic index (MI%) value of 9.08% compared to other Cy-AgNP concentrations (50-100 mg/L) and C. acutum crude latex concentrations (3%). To detect cytotoxicity, a variety of chromosomal abnormalities were used, including micronuclei at interphase, disturbed at metaphase and anaphase, chromosomal stickiness, bridges, and laggards. The concentration of Cy-AgNPs (25 mg/L) had the lowest level of chromosomal aberrations, with a value of 23.41% versus 20.81% for the control. Proteins from seeds treated with V. faba produced sixteen bands on SDS-PAGE, comprising ten monomorphic bands and six polymorphic bands, for a total percentage of polymorphism of 37.5%. Eight ISSR primers were employed to generate a total of 79 bands, 56 of which were polymorphic and 23 of which were common. Primer ISSR 14 has the highest level of polymorphism (92.86%), according to the data. Using biochemical SDS-PAGE and ISSR molecular markers, Cy-AgNPs (25 mg/L) showed the highest percentage of genomic template stability (GTS%), with values of 80% and 51.28%, respectively. The findings of this work suggest employing CyAgNPs (25 mg/L) in pharmaceutical purposes due to its highest content of bioactive compounds and lowest concentration of chromosomal abnormalities.

Exploration of and understanding diversity and variability in genotypes of germplasm determines the success of rice improvement programs. One of the most important determinants of the success of breeding programs is genetic diversity and inheritance of traits. Genetic variability analysis helps breeders to determine the appropriate selection method and standards to be used to improve the preferred trait. The aim of this study was to estimate genetic components, heritability and to obtain information about genetic diversity using cluster analysis and principal component analysis. Twenty rice genotypes with three replicates in a randomized complete block design were analyzed at the Experimental Farm at Sakha Agricultural Research Station, Sakha, Kafr El-Sheikh, Egypt, during the period from 2017 to 2020. The results of the analysis of variance showed that highly significant variations were recorded between the studied genotypes for all traits. The genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV%) and phenotypic (PCV%) coefficient of variation were moderate for plant height, panicles/plant, panicle weight, spikelets/panicle, filled grains/panicle, grain yield/plant and amylose content percentage for the first-year, second-year and combined data. This indicates the existence of beneficial genetic variability that can be exploited to improve these traits. The broad-sense estimates of heritability were high and recorded values higher than 60% for all the studied traits for the two-year and combined data, except for hulling percentage. This indicates that the selection of traits that have high heritability and are less affected by the environment leads to an acceleration of the improvement of these traits. The results from the cluster analysis and principal component analysis revealed a high level of genotypic variation among the studied genotypes and genetic diversity between them. One of the most important outcomes of this study is the successful utilization of genetic resources (germplasm) from ancient varieties and lines of rice in selecting and identifying 17 new restoration lines of rice, which have various improvement purposes in rice and hybrid rice breeding programs.

Fusarium solani is a plant pathogenic fungus that causes tomato root rot disease and yield losses in tomato production. The current study's main goal is testing the antibacterial efficacy of chitosan nanoparticles loaded with Thyme vulgaris essential oil (ThE-CsNPs) against F. solani in vitro and in vivo. GC-MS analysis was used to determine the chemical constituents of thyme EO. ThE-CsNPs were investigated using transmission electron microscopy before being physicochemically characterized using FT-IR. ThE-CsNPs were tested for antifungal activity against F. solani mycelial growth in vitro. A pot trial was conducted to determine the most effective dose of ThE-CsNPs on the morph/physiological characteristics of Solanum lycopersicum , as well as the severity of fusarium root rot. The relative gene expression of WRKY transcript factors and defense-associated genes were quantified in root tissues under all treatment conditions. In vitro results revealed that ThE-CsNPs (1%) had potent antifungal efficacy against F. solani radial mycelium growth. The expression of three WRKY transcription factors and three tomato defense-related genes was upregulated. Total phenolic, flavonoid content, and antioxidant enzyme activity were all increased. The outfindings of this study strongly suggested the use of ThE-CsNPs in controlling fusarium root rot on tomatoes; however, other experiments remain necessary before they are recommended.

Acute kidney injury is a heterogeneous set of disorders distinguished by a sudden decrease in the glomerular filtration rate, which is evidenced by an increase in the serum creatinine concentration or oliguria and categorized by stage and cause. It is an ever-growing health problem worldwide, with no reliable treatment. In the present study, we evaluated the role of Clitoria ternatea combined with mesenchymal stem cells in treating cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury in rats. Animals were challenged with cisplatin, followed by 400 mg/kg of Asian pigeonwing extract and/or mesenchymal stem cells (106 cells/150 g body weight). Kidney functions and enzymes were recorded, and histopathological sectioning was also performed. The expression profile of IL-1β, IL-6, and caspase-3 was assessed using the quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The obtained data indicated that mesenchymal stem cells combined with the botanical extract modulated the creatinine uric acid and urea levels. Cisplatin increased the level of malondialdehyde and decreased the levels of both superoxide dismutase and glutathione; however, the dual treatment was capable of restoring the normal levels. Furthermore, all treatments modulated the IL-6, IL-1β, and caspase-3 gene expression profiles. The obtained data shed some light on adjuvant therapy using C. ternatea and mesenchymal stem cells in treating acute kidney injury; however, further investigations are required to understand these agents' synergistic mechanisms fully. The total RNA was extracted from the control, the positive control, and all of the therapeutically treated animals. The expression profiles of the IL-6, IL-1β, and caspase-3 genes were evaluated using the real-time polymerase chain reaction. Cisplatin treatment caused a significant upregulation in IL-6. All treatments could mitigate the IL-6-upregulating effect of cisplatin, with the mesenchymal stem cell treatment being the most effective. The same profile was observed in the IL-1β and caspase-3 genes, except that the dual treatment (mesenchymal stem cells and the botanical extract) was the most effective in ameliorating the adverse effect of cisplatin; it downregulated caspase-3 expression better than the positive control.

Commiphora gileadensis L. is a medicinal plant, known as balsam, with pharmaceutical potential for its phytochemical activities and chemical constituents. Genetic diversity is a genetic tool used in medicinal plant evolution and conservation. Three accessions from C. gileadensis were collected from three localities in Saudi Arabia (Jeddah, Jizan and Riyadh). Genetic characterization was carried out using physio-biochemical parameters, molecular markers (inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) and start codon targeted (SCoT)), DNA barcoding (18 S rRNA and ITS rDNA regions), relative gene expressions (phenylalanine ammonia-lyase 1 (PAL1), defensin (PR-12)) and pathogenesis-related protein (AFPRT). The results of this study showed that C. gileadensis accession C3, collected from Riyadh, had the highest content from the physio-biochemical parameters perspective, with values of 92.54 mg/g and 77.13 mg/g for total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC), respectively. Furthermore, the highest content of antioxidant enzyme activity was present in accession C3 with values of 16.87, 60.87, 35.76 and 27.98 U mg -1 for superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT) (mol/min/mg FW) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) (U mg -1 protein), respectively. The highest total number of bands and number of unique bands were 138 and 59, respectively, for the SCoT marker. The SCoT marker was the most efficient for the genetic diversity of C. gileadensis by producing the highest polymorphism (75.63%). DNA barcoding using 18 S and ITS showed the nearby Commiphora genus and clustered C . gileadensis accessions from Jeddah and Jizan in one clade and the C. gileadensis accession from Ryiadh in a separate cluster. Moreover, relative gene expression of the PAL1, defensin (PR-12) and AFPRT (PR1) genes was upregulated in the C . gileadensis accession from Ryiadh. In conclusion, ecological and environmental conditions in each locality affect the genomic expression and genetic diversity, which can help the evolution of important medicinal plants and improve breeding and conservation systems.

Chamomile ( Matricariarecutita L.) is one of the most important medicinal plants with various applications. The flowers and flower heads are the main organs inthe production of essential oil. The essential improvement goals of chamomile are considered to be high flower yield and oil content, as well asthe suitability for mechanical harvesting. The present study aimed to improve the flower yield, oil content and mechanical harvestability of German chamomile via chemical and physical mutagens. Three German chamomile populations (Fayum, Benysuif and Menia) were irradiated with 100, 200, 300 and 400 Gray doses of gamma rays, as well as chemically mutagenized using 0.001, 0.002 and 0.003 mol/mL of sodium azide for 4 h. The two mutagens produced a wide range of changes in the flowers' shape and size. At M 3 generation, 18 mutants (11 from gamma irradiation and 7 from sodium azide mutagenization) were selected and morphologically characterized. Five out of eighteen mutants were selected for morphological and chemical characterization for oil content, oil composition and oil quality in M 4 generation. Two promising mutants, F/LF5-2-1 and B/HNOF 8-4-2, were selected based on their performance in most studied traits during three generations, as well as the high percentage of cut efficiency and a homogenous flower horizon, which qualify them as suitable candidates for mechanical harvesting. The two mutants are late flowering elite mutants; the F/LF5-2-1 mutant possessed the highest oil content (1.77%) and number of flowers/plant (1595), while the second promising B/HNOF 8-4-2 mutant hada high oil content (1.29%) and chamazulene percentage (13.98%) compared to control plants. These results suggest that the B/HNOF 8-4-2 and F/LF5-2-1 mutants could be integrated as potential parents into breeding programs for a high number of flowers, high oil content, oil composition and oil color traits for German chamomile improvement.

Wheat is the third most producing crop in China after maize and rice. In order to enhance the nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and grain yield of winter wheat, a two-year field experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of different nitrogen ratios and doses at various development stages of winter wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.). A total of five N doses (0, N75, N150, N225, and N300 kg ha -1 ) as main plots and two N ratios were applied in split doses (50%:50% and 60%:40%, referring to 50% at sowing time and 50% at jointing stage, 50% at sowing time + 50% at flowering stage, 50% at sowing time + 50% at grain filling stage, and 60% + 40% N ratio applied as a 60% at sowing time and 40% at jointing stage, 60% at sowing time and 40% at flowering stage, and 60% at sowing time and 40% at grain filling stage in subplots). The results of this study revealed that a nitrogen dose of 225 kg ha -1 significantly augmented the plant height by 27% and above ground biomass (ABG) by 24% at the grain filling stage, and the leaf area was enhanced by 149% at the flowering stage under 60 + 40% ratios. Furthermore, the N225 kg ha -1 significantly prompted the photosynthetic rate by 47% at the jointing and flowering stages followed by grain filling stage compared to the control. The correlation analysis exhibited the positive relationship between nitrogen uptake and nitrogen content, chlorophyll, and dry biomass, revealing that NUE enhanced and ultimately increased the winter wheat yield. In conclusion, our results depicted that optimizing the nitrogen dose (N225 kg/ha -1 ) with a 60% + 40% ratio at jointing stage increased the grain yield and nitrogen utilization rate.

Waste from crustaceans has adverse effects on the environment. In this respect, shrimp waste was valorized for producing chitosan nanoparticles as a source for eco-friendly nano-nitrogen fertilizer. The application of nano-nitrogen fertilizers is a valuable alternative approach in agriculture due to its potential for reducing the application of mineral nitrogen fertilizers and increasing yield quality and quantity, thereby helping to reduce the worldwide food shortage. Chitosan nanoparticles were foliar sprayed at three volumes (0, 7, and 14 L/ha) and compared with mineral nitrogen fertilizer (M-N) sprayed at three volumes (0, 120, and 240 kg N/ha) and their combination on two wheat cultivars (Misr-1 and Gemaiza-11) during two consecutive seasons (2019/2020 and 2020/2021) in order to evaluate the agronomic response. The synthesized chitosan nanoparticles displayed characteristic bands of both Nan-N and urea/chitosan from 500-4000 cm -1 . They are stable and have a huge surface area of 73.21 m 2 g -1 . The results revealed significant differences among wheat cultivars, fertilization applications, individual or combined, and their interactions for yield-contributing traits. Foliar application of nano-nitrogen fertilizer at 14 L/ha combined with mineral fertilizer at 240 kg/ha significantly increased total chlorophyll content by 41 and 31% compared to control; concerning plant height, the two cultivars recorded the tallest plants (86.2 and 86.5 cm) compared to control. On the other hand, the heaviest 1000-grain weight (55.8 and 57.4 g) was recorded with treatment of 120 kg Mn-N and 14 L Nan-N/ha compared to the control (47.6 and 45.5 g). The Misr-1 cultivar achieved the highest values for grain yield and nitrogen (1.30 and 1.91 mg/L) and potassium (9.87 and 9.81 mg/L) in the two studied seasons when foliarly sprayed with the combination of 120 kg Mn-N/ha + 14 L Nan-N/ha compared to the Gemaiza-11 cultivar. It can be concluded that Misr-1 exhibited higher levels of total chlorophyll content, spike length, 100-grain weight, grain yield in kg/ha, and nitrogen and potassium. However, Gemaiza-11 displayed higher biomass and straw yield values, plant height, and sodium concentration values. It could be economically recommended to use the application of 120 kg Mn-N/ha + 14 L Nan-N/ha on the Misr-1 cultivar to achieve the highest crop yield.

Alfalfa ( Medicago sativa L.) is one of the most important perennial forage crops to build effective diets for livestock producers. Forage crop improvement depends largely on the availability of diverse germplasms and their efficient utilization. The present investigation was conducted at Ismailia Agricultural Research Station to assess twenty-one alfalfa genotypes for yield components, forage yield and quality traits during 2019/2020 and 2020/2021. The genotypes were evaluated in field experiments with three replicates and a randomized complete block design, using analysis of variance, estimate of genetic variability, estimate of broad sense heritability (h b 2 ) and cluster analysis to identify the inter relationships among the studied genotypes as well as principal component analysis (PCA) to explain the majority of the total variation. Significant differences were found among genotypes for all studied traits. The general mean of the studied traits was higher in the second year than the first year. Moreover, the combined analysis showed highly significant differences between the two years, genotypes and the year × gen. interaction for the traits studied. The genotype F18 recorded the highest values for plant height, number of tiller/m 2 , total fresh yield and total dry yield, while, the genotype F49 ranked first for leaf/stem ratio. The results showed highly significant variation among the studied genotypes for crude protein %, crude fiber % and ash %. Data revealed that the genotypes P13 and P5 showed the highest values for crude protein %, whereas, the genotype F18 recorded the highest values for crude fiber % and ash content. The results revealed high estimates of genotypic coefficient and phenotypic coefficient of variation (GCV% and PCV%) with high hb2, indicating the presence of genetic variability and effective potential selection for these traits. The cluster analysis exhibited considerable genetic diversity among the genotypes, which classified the twenty one genotypes of alfalfa into five sub-clusters. The genotypes F18, F49, K75, S35, P20, P5 and P13 recorded the highest values for all studied traits compared with other clusters. Furthermore, the PC analysis grouped the studied genotypes into groups and remained scattered in all four quadrants based on all studied traits. Ultimately, superior genotypes were identified can be utilized for crop improvement in future breeding schemes.

Introduction and Purpose: In silico approach helps develop biomedicines and is useful for exploring the pharmacology of potential therapeutics using computer-simulated models. In vitro assays were used to determine the anti-microbial and cytotoxic efficacies of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized with the shrub Lycium shawii., Methods: In silico predicting was performed to assess the L. shawii metabolites identified using QTOF-LCMS for their pharmacological properties. L. shawii mediated AgNPs were synthesized and characterized (FTIR, TEM, SEM, DLS and EDX). The anti-bacterial efficacies of L. shawii extract, AgNPs, and penicillin-conjugated AgNPs (pen-AgNPs) were determined. The cytotoxicity of the AgNPs was measured against colorectal cancer cell line (HCT116), normal breast epithelium (MCF 10 A), and breast cancer cell line (MDA MB 231)., Results and Discussion: Five molecules (costunolide, catechin, emodin, lyciumaside, and aloe emodin 11-O-rhamnoside) were detected in the L. shawii extract. AgNPs (69 nm) were spherical with crystallographic structure. All three agents prepared showed inhibitory activity against the tested bacteria, the most efficacious being pen-AgNPs. High cytotoxicity of AgNPs (IC 50 62 μg/ml) was observed against HCT116, IC 50 was 78 μg/ml for MCF 10 A, and 250 μg/ml for MDA MB 231, of which cells showed apoptotic features under TEM examination. The in silico approach indicated that the carbonic anhydrase IX enzyme was the target molecule mediating anti-cancer and anti-bacterial activities and that emodin was the metabolite in action., Conclusions: Combining in vitro studies and in silico molecular target prediction helps find novel therapeutic agents. Among L. shawii metabolites, emodin is suggested for further studies as an agent for drug development against pathogenic bacteria and cancer., (Copyright © 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.. All rights reserved.)

Water scarcity is a major environmental stress that adversatively impacts wheat growth, production, and quality. Furthermore, drought is predicted to be more frequent and severe as a result of climate change, particularly in arid regions. Hence, breeding for drought-tolerant and high-yielding wheat genotypes has become more decisive to sustain its production and ensure global food security with continuing population growth. The present study aimed at evaluating different parental bread wheat genotypes (exotic and local) and their hybrids under normal and drought stress conditions. Gene action controlling physiological, agronomic, and quality traits through half-diallel analysis was applied. The results showed that water-deficit stress substantially decreased chlorophyll content, photosynthetic efficiency (FV/Fm), relative water content, grain yield, and yield attributes. On the other hand, proline content, antioxidant enzyme activities (CAT, POD, and SOD), grain protein content, wet gluten content, and dry gluten content were significantly increased compared to well-watered conditions. The 36 evaluated genotypes were classified based on drought tolerance indices into 5 groups varying from highly drought-tolerant (group A) to highly drought-sensitive genotypes (group E). The parental genotypes P 3 and P 8 were identified as good combiners to increase chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll content, relative water content, grain yield, and yield components under water deficit conditions. Additionally, the cross combinations P 2 × P 4 , P 3 × P 5 , P 3 × P 8 , and P 6 × P 7 were the most promising combinations to increase yield traits and multiple physiological parameters under water deficit conditions. Furthermore, P 1 , P 2 , and P 5 were recognized as promising parents to improve grain protein content and wet and dry gluten contents under drought stress. In addition, the crosses P 1 × P 4 , P 2 × P 3 , P 2 × P 5 , P 2 × P 6 , P 4 × P 7 , P 5 × P 7 , P 5 × P 8 , P 6 × P 8 , and P 7 × P 8 were the best combinations to improve grain protein content under water-stressed and non-stressed conditions. Certain physiological traits displayed highly positive associations with grain yield and its contributing traits under drought stress such as chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll content, photosynthetic efficiency (Fv/Fm), proline content, and relative water content, which suggest their importance for indirect selection under water deficit conditions. Otherwise, grain protein content was negatively correlated with grain yield, indicating that selection for higher grain yield could reduce grain protein content under drought stress conditions.

Quinoa ( Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is a halophytic crop that can withstand a variety of abiotic stresses, including salt. The present research examined the mechanisms of salt tolerance in five different quinoa genotypes at four different salinity levels (control (60), 80, 120, and 160 mM NaCl). ISSR and SCoT analysis revealed high polymorphism percentages of 90.91% and 85.26%, respectively. Furthermore, ISSR 1 and SCoT 7 attained the greatest number of polymorphic amplicons (27 and 26), respectively. Notably, LINE-6 and M-28 genotypes demonstrated the greatest number of unique positive and negative amplicons (50 and 42) generated from ISSR and SCoT, respectively. Protein pattern analysis detected 11 bands with a polymorphism percentage 27.27% among the quinoa genotypes, with three unique bands distinguishable for the M-28 genotype. Similarity correlation indicated that the highest similarity was between S-10 and Regeolone-3 (0.657), while the lowest similarity was between M-28 and LINE-6 (0.44). Significant variations existed among the studied salinity treatments, genotypes, and the interactions between them. The highest and lowest values for all the studied morpho-physiological and biochemical traits were recorded at 60 and 160 mM NaCl concentrations, respectively, except for the Na and proline contents, which exhibited the opposite relationship. The M-28 genotype demonstrated the highest values for all studied characteristics, while the LINE-6 genotype represented the lowest in both seasons. On the other hand, mRNA transcript levels for CqSOS1 did not exhibit differential expression in roots and leaf tissues, while the expression of CqNHX1 was upregulated more in both tissues for the M-28 genotype than for the LINE-6 genotype, and its maximum induction was seen in the leaves. Overall, the genotypes M-28 and LINE-6 were identified as the most and least salinity-tolerant, respectively.

Background: Malnutrition is highly prevalent among the elderly and is associated with poor clinical prognosis, decreased functional status, and increased morbidity and mortality., Objective: To estimate the prevalence of geriatric malnutrition among outpatients of a geriatric clinic and to determine factors associated with malnutrition., Design: Cross-sectional study., Setting: Geriatric outpatient clinic of the King Abdul Aziz University Hospital, Jeddah., Patients and Methods: All patients older than 60 years of age who attended the clinic during January 2016 were eligible for inclusion. Nutritional status was assessed using anthropometric data and by hemoglobin and albumin levels and lymphocyte count. The MNA was used to define malnutrition., Main Outcome Measures: Anthropometric measures, biochemical tests, and the scores on the short version of the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA)., Results: According to the MNA results, 8 (5.3%) of 152 elderly patients suffered overt malnutrition and 50 (32.9%) were at risk of malnutrition (71 males and 41 females; aged 72.4 [8.6] years). The prevalence of malnutrition was significantly higher among females (44.6%; 95% CI, 1.01-4.08; P=.044) than in males (28.3%). Malnourished patients were older than patients with normal nutritional status (mean 72.4 [8.6] years), and more common in patients who lived alone (62.5%). The malnourished patients had significantly smaller calf circumferences (63.4; 95% CI, 1.51-3.20; P=.001), and lower albumin and hemoglobin levels (P=.001). A significantly higher percentage of the malnourished patients compared with normal patients had experienced weight loss (37.9%; P < .001) and decreased food intake (56.9%; P < .001) during the previous three months. Binary logistic regression revealed that being female and living alone were significant predictors for being categorized as malnourished or at risk of malnutrition., Conclusion: The prevalence of malnutrition is high among geriatric outpatients. Routine screening for malnutrition among geriatric patients would allow early diagnosis and prompt intervention., Limitations: The heterogeneity of the study group (different diseases at different stages) could influence the generalizability of our findings. The relatively small number of patients (P=.002) is a potential limitation.

Two cases of inverted and impacted third molars are described. They were conservatively managed without surgery. Complications that may arise from surgical removal of inverted and impacted teeth must be carefully considered beforehand. These should be weighed against the benefit of surgical removal. The two cases are reported because impaction with inversion of a molar tooth is not common.