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To align with the global goal of keeping temperature below [Formula: see text]C, a market-based initiative, “Emissions Trading System” (ETS), has been developed to mitigate climate change. However, while the carbon allowances traded at the ETS are mostly held and traded by polluting companies, financial actors engage in “speculation”, activities that might be detrimental to the functioning of the ETS have also invested in the ETS. By drawing from the big data archive of Google Trends, we construct a news-based speculation index to proxy for the role of speculation in the dynamics of carbon pricing. Given our preliminary finding of inherent volatility and the mixed-frequency nature of the dataset, we employ the GARCH-MIDAS econometric technique to test the hypothesis that an all-inclusive framework that reflects the emission compliance and emissions non-compliance dynamics of the ETS is the most accurate approach to modeling carbon prices. We show that higher speculation in the ETS fosters higher long-term volatility in carbon prices, that speculation is a good predictor of carbon prices, and that its positive impact on carbon price returns makes the ETS an attractive investment opportunity. We provide a data-driven framework upon which the growing debate about whether the behavior of the non-compliance emission actors in the ETS endangers or benefits the functioning of the ETS can be evaluated empirically.

This study aims to investigate the morphological and biochemical characteristics of thermophilic bacteria isolated from thermophilic biotopes in the Al-Jouf region of Saudi Arabia for the first time. Additionally, the production of thermostable bacterial enzymes (proteases, amylases, cellulases, gelatinases, and lipases) was investigated. Six main bacterial species were identified via 16S rRNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Twenty water and soil samples were collected from several thermophilic sites in the Dumat Al-Jandal and Al-Qurayyat cities. In total, 28 bacterial strains were isolated and biochemically characterized. Most isolated strains showed high protease and amylase production. 46 and 28% of isolated strains showed the production of cellulase and gelatinase, respectively. However, lipase production was not observed in any isolated bacteria. Four Bacillus licheniformis and two Bacillus subtilis strains exhibited high GC content (55%). Our findings suggest thermophilic bacteria as a source of thermostable enzymes for pharmaceutical and industrial applications.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of feeding three levels of concentrate 2%, 3%, and 4% with or without additives of N-carbamylglutamate (NCG) on the digestibility, feed efficiency, and daily gain of Shami goats. Twenty-four male goats were used aged 8-10 months with an initial weight 32.687 ± 1.52kg divided into six treatments in a 2×3 factorial experiment/ Completely Randomized Design. Individual feeding was used for 70 days preceded by 14 days as an adaptation period. The results of increasing concentrate showed a non-significant increase in nutrients intake with superiority of NCG treatments and a significant increase (P

Despite their promises of wealth creation, productivity increase, and improved living circumstances in Africa, industrialization, and foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows have the potential to endanger the continent’s climate, particularly given the nature of energy intensity and associated emissions connected with their expansion. Thus, this study empirically examined the extent to which industrialization and FDI inflows contribute to the predictability of climate change in Africa, focusing on the top 10 greenhouse gas (GHG) emitting countries on the continent with data spanning from 1990 to 2023. Employing a bias-adjusted ordinary least square estimation technique, we considered both in-sample and out-of-sample forecasts that include several scenario analyses. We reveal both industrialization and FDI inflows as significant predictors of climate change in Africa but with varying degrees of environmental threats. This provides the foundation for, among other things, the suggestion that African continental and sub-regional bodies consider the need for differences in climate commitment strategies across the region based on the varying nature and magnitude of manufacturing intensity and FDI inflows, as well as associated GHG emissions and the nature of climate change vulnerability.

Introduction Laboratory testing is a fundamental diagnostic and prognostic tool to ensure the quality of healthcare, treatment, and responses. This study aimed to evaluate the cost of laboratory tests performed for patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment in the oncology treatment center at Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, we aimed to reduce the cost of unnecessary laboratory tests in a 1-year period. Methods This was a quality improvement study with a quasi-experimental design using DMAIC methodology. The intervention strategy involved educating staff about adhering to the British Columbia Cancer Agency (BCCA) guidelines when ordering laboratory tests for chemotherapy patients, then integrating those guidelines into the electronic health record system. Data were collected for 200 randomly selected cases with 10 different chemotherapy protocols before and after the intervention. A paired t test was used to analyze differences in mean cost for all laboratory tests and unnecessary testing before and after the intervention. Results A significant cost reduction was achieved for unnecessary laboratory tests (77%, p < 0.01) when following the BCCA guidelines. In addition, the mean cost of all laboratory tests (including necessary and unnecessary) was significantly reduced by 45.5% (p = 0.023). Conclusion Lean thinking in clinical practice, realized by integrating a standardized laboratory test guided by BCCA guidelines into the electronic health record, significantly reduced financial costs within 1 year, thereby enhancing efficient resource utilization in the organization. This quality improvement project may serve to increase awareness of further efforts to improve resource utilization for other oncology treatment protocols.

In the present study, we investigated the effects of different carbon sources (glucose, sucrose, and maltose) on laccase production from mycelium of Ganoderma multistipitatum grown on malt extract agar plates. The preliminary screening test was performed on the guaiacol plate, where a maroon brown zone formed after laccase oxidation. A few pure mycelial discs of Ganoderma species were transferred into submerged fermentation nutrient broth. The nutrient medium of submerged fermentation at 20 g of glucose revealed the highest laccase activities (2300 U/L) than other carbon sources. The interesting results also shown by inorganic NaNO3 in the production of maximum laccase (7800 ± 1.1 U/L). The organic nitrogen inducer, namely yeast extract, exhibited 5834 U/L laccase activity and a potential source of laccase secretion. The results concluded that C and N inducers enhanced the laccase production. This production process is eco-friendly and effective in the removal of dye from water. Laccase from the cultural broth was partially purified by SDS-PAGE for molecular weight determination, while Native-PAGE confirmed the laccase band after staining with guaiacol. The Km and Vmax values of Lacc134 were 1.658 mm and 2.452 mM min−1, respectively. The Lacc134 of this study effectively removed the Remazol Brilliant Blue R (RBBR) dye (extensively used in textile industries and wastewater). For dye removal capacity, 2.0 mg, 4.0 mg, 5.0 mg, and 6.0 mg were used, from which 6.0 mg was most effective in removal (85% and 88%) dye concentration in 1st and 2nd h interval treatment, respectively. Total organic carbon (TOC) quantity after dye removal percentage in the first- and second-hour time interval was 62% and 89%, respectively, at 30 g glucose. According to the experimental finding of this study, the breakdown products catalyzed by Lacc134 are less hazardous due to lower molecular weight than the dye itself.

Yousry Esam-Eldin Abo-Amer,1 Amal Ahmed Mohamed,2 Mohamed Mahmoud Elhoseeny,3 Samar M Rezk,4 Sherief Abdel-Salam,5 Abdulmohsen H Alrohaimi,6 Asmaa Sayed Abdelgeliel,7 Seham Saeed Alzahrani,8 Ibrahim Jafri,8 Leena S Alqahtani,9 Eman Fayad,8 Mohamed Fakhry,10 Moataz Yousry Soliman11 1Mahala Hepatology Teaching Hospital, Hepatology& Gastroenterology Department, Gharbia, Elgharbia, Egypt; 2National Hepatology & Tropical Medicine Research Institute, Department of Biochemistry, Cairo, Egypt; 3Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Suez University, Suez, Egypt; 4Department of Clinical Nutrition, Mahalla Hepatology Teaching Hospital, El-Mahalla El-Kubra, Elgharbia, Egypt; 5Department of Tropical Medicine, Hepatology & Gastroenterology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt; 6Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, Shaqra University, Shaqra, 11961, Saudi Arabia; 7Department of Botany & Microbiology, Faculty of Science, South Valley University, Qena, 83523, Egypt; 8Department of Biotechnology, College of Science, Taif University, Taif, 21944, Saudi Arabia; 9Department of Biochemistry, College of Science, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, 23445, Saudi Arabia; 10Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Asyut, Egypt; 11Department of Hepatology, Gastroenterology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, EgyptCorrespondence: Sherief Abdel-Salam, Department of Tropical Medicine, Hepatology & Gastroenterology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, El-Bahr Street, Tanta, Egypt, Tel +201147773440, Email sheriefabdelsalam@yahoo.comBackground & Aims: This research aimed to determine how variations in the vitamin D receptor gene affected the response of H. pylori infections to eradication therapy.Patients and Methods: On 105 adult H. Pylori-positive patients, a prospective cohort study was carried out. PCR was used to genotype all patients’ VDR gene polymorphisms. The patients in the study received standard triple eradication medication (clarithromycin 500 mg, amoxicillin 1000 mg, and omeprazole 20 mg) twice daily for 14 days. A stool test for H. pylori Ag was conducted 4 weeks following the end of treatment.Results: In our study, the usual triple therapy’s H. pylori eradication rate was 75.2%. The successful eradication of H. pylori and VDR rs 2228570 gene polymorphisms was more prevalent in CT gene polymorphism (64.6%) compared to non-responders (19.2%), while treatment failure was more prevalent in CC gene polymorphism (73.1% in non-responders compared to responders 24.1%), which is statistically significant. In regards to the eradication of H. pylori and VDR rs7975232 gene polymorphisms, the success of eradication was more prevalent in AC gene polymorphism (54.4%) vs non-responders (30.4%), while all patients (14) with gene AA (17.7%) are responders to standard treatment, while the failure of treatment was more prevalent in CC gene polymorphism (69.2% in non-responder vs 27.8% in responders) which is statistically significant. Our findings demonstrated a strong correlation between patients’ responses to H. pylori treatment and polymorphisms in the VDR gene (ApaI and TaqI) (P 0.05).Conclusion: As far as we are aware, this is the first study to identify a potential link between the FokI and Apal VDR polymorphism and treatment response in H pylori-positive patients. To evaluate the findings, more research with larger number of patients and different population is required.Keywords: Helicobacter, infection, gene, polymorphism, response, eradication

Amal Ahmed Mohamed,1 Abdulmohsen H Alrohaimi,2 Asmaa Sayed Abdelgeliel,3 Sarah Albogami,4 Ibrahim Jafri,4 Eman Fayad,4 Nouran Mohamed,5 Nourelhuda Ahmed Nassar,6 Ahmad Sobhy Adaroas,6 Hala H Eldeeb,6 Ahmed Abdel Halim,7 Ahmed Ramadan,8 Rehab M Elnagar,9 Reem Ahmed Mohamed Abdelghafour,10 Amira Yones Mohamed,11 Maha O Mahmoud,12 Ahmed El-Kasses,13 Marwa El-Sayed,14 Mostafa Ahmed Mohammed,15 Eman A Alwaleed,3 Shrook Mousa,16 Sherief Abdel Salam,17 Soha M Abd el salam18 1Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, National Hepatology & Tropical Medicine Research Institute, Cairo, Egypt; 2Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, Shaqra University, Shaqra, Saudi Arabia; 3Department of Botany and Microbiology, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt; 4Department of Biotechnology, College of Science, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia; 5Faculty of Biotechnology, Misr University for Science and Technology, Giza, Egypt; 6Clinical Pathology Department, Elsahel Teaching Hospital, Cairo, Egypt; 7Tropical Medicine Department, National Hepatology & Tropical Medicine Research Institute, Cairo, Egypt; 8Endemic Medicine Department, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt; 9Radiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt; 10Internal Medicine Department, Damnohour Teaching Hospital, Cairo, Egypt; 11Internal Medicine Department, Mataria Teaching Hospital, Cairo, Egypt; 12Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Egyptian Russian University, Cairo, Egypt; 13Radiology Department, Elsahel Teaching Hospital, Cairo, Egypt; 14Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt; 15Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al Azhar University, Assiut Branch, Assiut, Egypt; 16Internal Medicine Department, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt; 17Department of Hepatogastroenterology and Infectious Diseases, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt; 18Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez University, Suez, EgyptCorrespondence: Sherief Abdel Salam, Department of Hepatogastroenterology and Infectious Diseases, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt, Email sheriefabdelsalam@yahoo.comBackground and Aims: SARS-CoV-2 infection has been recorded in 230 countries to date. Obesity has a negative impact on one’s quality of life and is one of the main causes of mortality globally. Obesity affects the immune system, making the host more susceptible to infectious infections. Also, obesity commonly provokes the severity of respiratory diseases so the correlation of LEP rs7799039 Polymorphism in corpulent patients with COVID-19 infection was clearly investigated in the current study.Methods: A total of 232 patients were recruited, 116 patients were obese with COVID-19 infection, and 116 patients were non obese COVID-19. Fasting blood glucose test (FBG), hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C), complete blood count (CBC), international normalized ratio (INR), urea, alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), D dimer and C-reactive protein (CRP) were estimated. C.T. scan was performed for each patient, and C.T. severity score was calculated. Genotyping for the leptin rs7799039 SNPs was performed by TaqMan® (Applied Biosystems Step One TM Real-time PCR).Results: Regarding LEP polymorphism, all individuals of non-obese groups significantly had the homozygous allele GG (100%), whereas only 56% of obese groups had GG alleles (P = 0.001). The severity scores significantly (P = 0.001) varied regarding LEP polymorphism regarding Rs7799039, where the largest proportion of those with Grade IV had the homozygous allele AA (57.1%).Conclusion: There was a correlation between the leptin gene allelic discrimination and COVID-19 CT brutality in obese patients. The A allele was considered a risk factor for severity in COVID-19 patients while the G allele contributes to decreasing that risk.Keywords: COVID-19, leptin, gene polymorphism, immunity, obesity

The purpose of this research was to describe the need of development of "Reading Comprehension" teaching materials to students and lecturers of Indonesian Language and Literature Education Department, Gorontalo. This research is included in the research and development to develop educational products in the form of teaching materials. Mixed research design was used in this study to explore the data needs of the development of reading materials learning. Quantitative data was obtained from the responses of 36 respondents and 2 lecturers of the Reading subjects on the questionnaire needs analysis and questionnaire of teaching material analysis that is being used today. Likert Scale was used in questionnaire of needs analysis seen from 7 aspects, namely: content of teaching material, reading strategy, text type, text genre, text topic, learning activity, and evaluation of learning (81 items) and questionnaire of teaching material analysis that was being used that amounted to 5 aspects, namely: the content of teaching materials, organization of teaching materials, language, layout, and completeness of teaching material support (31 items). Qualitative data were obtained from open questions about the experiences of students and lecturers in reading learning in the same questionnaire, as well as content analysis of the material being used. The results showed that the requirement of development of teaching materials, students and lecturers assessed 63 items (77.78%) in the required category, and 18 items (22.22%) with the required categories. Then, the teaching materials currently in use still lack the aspects of the content, the text type, the text genre, the text topic, and the evaluation of each learning unit. Details of the results obtained 4 items (12.90%) as low category, 22 items (70.97%) as enough category, and 5 items (16.13%) as high category.

INTRODUCTION: Despite being common disorder, the curative treatment for degenerative diseases are not yet available. Although Tualang honey (TH) has been reported to protect against neurodegeneration, but the effect of TH-mediated silver nanoparticles (THSN) on neurodegeneration is poorly understood. Thus, we conducted this study aimed to determine the effects of THSN on the levels of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), caspase-3 activity, and hippocampal morphology in Kainic Acid (KA) induced neurodegeneration in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 72 Male Sprague Dawley rats were randomized into six groups which were the control, THSN 10mg, THSN 50 mg, KA only, KA+THSN 10 mg, and KA+THSN 50 mg groups. Each group was pre-treated orally with either distilled water or THSN (10 mg/kg or 50 mg/kg), according to their respective group. Following the last pre-treatment, each rat was injected with KA (15 mg/kg) or saline. After 24 h and 5 days of KA induction, all rats were sacrificed, and the hippocampus from each rat was harvested. Cresyl Violet and Fluoro Jade C staining were carried out to examine the number of viable cells and degenerating neurons. TNF-α level and caspase-3 activity in the hippocampus were measured using commercially available ELISA kits. RESULTS: Rats with KA-induced neurodegeneration demonstrated a significant increase (p<0.05) of TNF-α level and caspase-3 activity with a lower number of viable cells and increased number of degenerating neurons in the hippocampus. The pre-treatments of THSN groups improved these changes by lowering the TNF-α level and caspase-3 activity and decreasing the number of degenerating neurons. CONCLUSION: THSN could have potential neuroprotective effects in ameliorating TNF-α level, caspase-3 activity, and hippocampal damage in KA-induced male rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To align with the global goal of keeping temperature below 2 ∘ C, a market-based initiative, "Emissions Trading System" (ETS), has been developed to mitigate climate change. However, while the carbon allowances traded at the ETS are mostly held and traded by polluting companies, financial actors engage in "speculation", activities that might be detrimental to the functioning of the ETS have also invested in the ETS. By drawing from the big data archive of Google Trends, we construct a news-based speculation index to proxy for the role of speculation in the dynamics of carbon pricing. Given our preliminary finding of inherent volatility and the mixed-frequency nature of the dataset, we employ the GARCH-MIDAS econometric technique to test the hypothesis that an all-inclusive framework that reflects the emission compliance and emissions non-compliance dynamics of the ETS is the most accurate approach to modeling carbon prices. We show that higher speculation in the ETS fosters higher long-term volatility in carbon prices, that speculation is a good predictor of carbon prices, and that its positive impact on carbon price returns makes the ETS an attractive investment opportunity. We provide a data-driven framework upon which the growing debate about whether the behavior of the non-compliance emission actors in the ETS endangers or benefits the functioning of the ETS can be evaluated empirically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A critical milestone in nano-biotechnology is establishing reliable and ecological friendly methods for fabricating metal oxide NPs. Because of their great biodegradable, electrical, mechanical, and optical qualities, zirconia NPs (ZrO2NPs) attract much interest among all zirconia NPs (ZrO2NPs). Zirconium oxide (ZrO2) has piqued the interest of researchers throughout the world, particularly since the development of methods for the manufacture of nano-sized particles. An extensive study into the creation of nanoparticles utilizing various synthetic techniques and their potential uses has been stimulated by their high luminous efficiency, wide bandgap, and high exciton binding energy. Zirconium dioxide nanoparticles may be used as antimicrobial and anticancer agents in food packaging. In response to the growing interest in nano ZrO2, researchers invented and developed methods for synthesizing nanoparticles. ZrO2 nanocomposites with various morphologies have recently been created using biological (green chemistry) methods. Microbes and plants both contribute to the production of zirconia in the laboratory. Capping and stabilizing agents are provided by the biomolecules found in plant extracts, whereas microorganisms provide enzymes as capping and stabilizing agents (intracellular or extracellular). It is possible to analyze the nanoparticles produced using a variety of analytical approaches, including ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). When applied to bacteria (both Gram-positive and Gram-negative) and fungi, ZrO2NPs show promising antibacterial capabilities. Normal and malignant cells are sensitive to ZrO2 nanoparticles, which can be explained by the generation of reactive oxygen (ROS). This work discusses and describes many ways of producing ZrO2 nanoparticles, their properties, and various application possibilities.

Abstract Here, the authors described a sustainable green synthesis approach to synthesize cuprous oxide nanoparticles (NPs) using Olea europaea extract. The resulting synthesized cuprous oxide NPs were characterized by the UV–Visible spectra, scanning electron microscopy (SEM)/energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The average cuprous oxide NPs crystallite size of about 30 nm was calculated using the Scherrer formula. According to TEM, the resulting synthesized cuprous oxide NPs are spherical shaped. The cuprous oxide NP provides good antibacterial activity versus the two strains compared to Olea europaea aqueous extract; cuprous oxide NP has higher MIC against Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Biological-based conversion of agricultural residues into bioactive compounds may be considered to be the basis for various vital industries. However, finding a suitable microorganism is a challenge in the bioconversion process. Therefore, this study was conducted to find local fungal isolates able to convert a combination of plant biomass residues into organic acids (OAs). Based on their cellulase and phytase activities and rock phosphate (RP) solubilization potential, an efficient 15 fungal isolates (named F1 to F15) were selected and identified by both morphological and molecular methods using the 18S rRNA sequencing technique. The best fungal isolate (F15) was identified as Aspergillus japonicus. After 4 weeks of incubation below solid-state fermentation (SSF) with a mix of sugarcane bagasse and faba bean straw (3:7), with 7.5% (v/w) fungal inoculum to the growth medium, the biodegradation process by the fungus reached its peak, i.e., maximum cellulolytic activity and RP solubilization ability. Under such fermentation conditions, seven organic acids were detected using HPLC, in the following order: ascorbic acid > oxalic acid > formic acid > malic acid > succinic acid > lactic acid > citric acid. Based on the results, Aspergillus japonicus (F15) could produce OAs and cellulose enzymes, and could be considered a new single-step bio-converter of sugarcane bagasse and faba bean straw residues into OAs. Furthermore, this fungus could be a new source of fungal cellulose, and could present a practical approach to reducing environmental contamination. Additional work is encouraged for more optimization of fermentation conditions.

This work gives a comprehensive chromatographic assessment of biodiesel generation from plant seed oil using ecologically friendly nano‐catalysts. Researchers all over the world are actively looking for new ways to satisfy the urgent need for clean and renewable energy sources. The resultant biodiesel was fully characterized utilizing modern techniques like scanning electron microscopy, energy diffraction X‐ray and X‐ray diffraction. The biodiesel gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis revealed four significant peaks of fatty acid methyl esters, indicating high‐quality biodiesel production. Furthermore, the biodiesel fuel qualities were discovered to be comparable with international standards such as ASTM D‐6571 and EN‐14214. This indicates that the iron‐modified clay nano‐catalyst can be used as a catalyst for large‐scale biodiesel production. This work is important because it could lead to the large‐scale production of a novel, non‐food feedstock. We may lessen our reliance on fossil fuels and contribute to a more sustainable and ecologically friendly energy future by leveraging the usage of biodiesel produced in this way. The chromatographic assessment of biodiesel production from non‐edible seed oil using environmentally benign nano‐catalysts holds significant promise in advancing sustainable and eco‐friendly biodiesel production methods, contributing to a cleaner and more environmentally responsible energy sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The haloarchaeal diversity of four hypersaline alkaline lakes from the Wadi El-Natrun depression (Northern Egypt) was investigated using culture-independent polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) of 16S rRNA gene phylotypes, which was combined with remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS) data to highlight the distribution pattern of the microbial diversity in water and sediment samples. The majority of archaeal sequences identified in all four lakes belonged to the phyla Euryarchaeota and Crenarchaeota. Sediment samples from Beida Lake and water samples from El-Hamra Lake showed the highest levels of archaeal diversity. Sequence similarities ≥ 95% were found between six of the acquired clones and uncultured Halorhabdus, Euryarchaeota, and archaeon clones. In addition, two clones shared a high level of sequence similarity (97%) with unclassified archaea, while other nine clones exhibited 96% to 99% sequence similarity with uncultured archaeon clones, and only one clone showed 97% identity with an uncultured Crenarchaeota. Likewise, 7 DGGE bands presented a sequence similarity of 90 to 98% to Halogranum sp., Halalkalicoccus tibetensis, Halalkalicoccus jeotgali, uncultured Halorubrum, Halobacteriaceae sp., or uncultured haloarchaeon. In conclusion, while the variety of alkaliphilic haloarchaea in the examined soda lakes was restricted, the possibility of uncovering novel species for biotechnological applications from these extreme habitats remains promising.

Saudi Arabia is part of a hot dry desert region and is characterized by stressful conditions. The main goal of this research was to identify endophytic fungal (EF) community composition, diversity and abundance in relation to their plant hosts and soil stress. The above-ground parts of six wild plants (Haloxylon salicornicum, Salsola kali, Heliotropium bacciferum, Erica verticillata, Salsola imbricata and Bienertia sinuspersici) were sampled, surface-sterilized and cut into small pieces, which were cultured and incubated for 4–6 weeks. Isolates were grouped and identified by using both morphological and ITS rDNA molecular data. The diversity and community structure of plant-endophyte associations were studied. A total of 455 EF isolates were grouped into 25 different taxa; 21 of which were identified at the species level, 2 at genus level and 2 were unclassified fungi. Here, 95.65% of the identified genera were Ascomycota; of which 36.36, 31.81 and 31.81% were members of the classes Dothideomycetes, Eurotiomycetes and Sordariomycetes, respectively. S. imbricata showed the highest isolation rate and colonization frequency (CF%) of EF when compared to other plant species. Additionally, S. imbricata demonstrated the highest species richness and species diversity of the EF community predominated by the genus Fusarium. Conclusively, the core culturable EF genera of six wild plants were identified (unculturable taxa were not identified in this study). The composition of the EF community was revealed to have a strong correlation to both the electrical conductivity and pH of the soil and a moderate correlation to both the host species and the host family. The abundance and diversity of EF communities of the six plants were environment-dependent.