National Information and Documentation Center (NIDOC), Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT)Egyptian Journal of Botany0375-923763120230101Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Applications of Seaweeds12926012110.21608/ejbo.2022.145631.2022ENMostafa El-SheekhBotany Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, EgyptnullAlaa A. FathyBotany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt Department of Biology, College of Sciences and Arts, Qassim University, Unaizah, Saudi ArabiaHani SaberBotany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, South Valley University, Qena 83523, EgyptAbdullah A. Saber5Botany Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt0000-0002-4676-6998Journal Article20220619SEAWEEDS are an indispensable natural source of bioactive metabolites characterized by multifunctional biomedical and pharmaceutical applications. For instance, seaweed-derived polyphenolics are potentially distinguished by their pivotal antioxidant effects in the treatment and/or prevention of several diseases. Moreover, pigments, fatty acids, terpenes, and terpenoids have been characterized by their potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiobesity<br />properties, besides their highly effective hepatoprotective activities. Several seaweed-extracted polysaccharides, such as alginates, ulvans, and carrageenans, have been reported to exert various medicinal effects such as immunoinflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor, antiviral, and anticoagulant activities. Furthermore, seaweed-derived minerals have been widely utilized as food supplements and cosmeceuticals. This review discusses and emphasizes the biomedical and pharmaceutical applications of seaweeds and the future perspectives for their large-scale applications to develop novel, safe, and high-valued pharmaceutical constituents.https://ejbo.journals.ekb.eg/article_260121_dc11d34df7102dc6a2cfd9c55291d6f3.pdfNational Information and Documentation Center (NIDOC), Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT)Egyptian Journal of Botany0375-923763120230101The Taxonomic Significance of Pollen and Seed Morphology in The Mimosoideae and Caesalpinoideae (Leguminosae)314325798010.21608/ejbo.2022.129708.1946ENDoaa M. El KholyBotany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University (for Girls), Cairo, EgyptAmaal H. MohamedBotany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University (for Girls), Cairo, EgyptAzza A.F. KhafagiBotany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University (for Girls), Cairo, EgyptJournal Article20220326POLLEN and seed morphology of 19 species representing 12 genera of the Mimosoideae and Caesalpinioideae was studies using light and electron microscopy. Observed variations were recorded comparatively in a data matrix and analyzed numerically by the PRIMER Ver.6 program package for cluster analysis. The ensuing dendrogram indicates the division of the species<br />into two main groups. One group includes all members of the Mimosoideae together with all three species of Senna from the Caesalpinioideae. The remaining eight species of the latter subfamily constitute the second group. Apart from the deviation of Senna from the Caesalpinioideae,<br />the distinction between the two subfamilies seems corroborated by differences in pollen and seed morphology. Senna is distinct from Cassia and deserves generic rank. The generic concept in the two subfamilies is taxonomically sound since the group of species representing one genus are attached together before joining those of other genera. Individual genera (such as Calliandra) can be singled out by their pollen aggregations.https://ejbo.journals.ekb.eg/article_257980_e2eb0a774666df75d2e62faef4b71788.pdfNational Information and Documentation Center (NIDOC), Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT)Egyptian Journal of Botany0375-923763120230101Seasonal Variations of Bacterial Populations in Refrigerated Minced Meat and The Role of Different Essential Oils in Extending Shelf life455625802310.21608/ejbo.2022.140332.2003ENMarwa A. HamadaBotany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Helwan, 11795 Cairo, Egypt0000-0001-8533-7718Ahmed M. SolimanBotany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Helwan, 11795 Cairo, EgyptHoda H. El-HendawyBotany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Helwan, 11795 Cairo, Egypt0000-0001-6304-6370Journal Article20220523THE LEVEL of bacterial contamination in two essential oil-treated or untreated minced meat samples collected from different butcher shops in Cairo Governorate in July 2019 (sample I) and January 2020 (sample II) was evaluated in this study. The samples were subjected to sensory, bacteriological, and chemical analysis. The counts of anaerobic, aerobic, coliform bacteria, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus were increased in the untreated portions of both samples. Generally, the total bacterial contamination in sample I, which was collected in the summer, was greater than that in sample II, which was collected in winter. Adding 2% marjoram or thyme essential oils to the minced meat samples significantly increased their shelf life at 2ºC up to 7 and 8 days, compared with the untreated portions of the two samples, whose shelf life was 4 and 5 days, respectively. These results indicate that treatment of minced meat with essential oils, especially marjoram or thyme, extends its shelf life at 2ºC by reducing the bacterial contamination without affecting the quality and sensory properties of the meat. This study was carried out to compare the different bacterial counts in minced meat at two different seasons of the year (summer and winter), with the goal of extending the shelf life by reducing bacterial counts using different essential oils.https://ejbo.journals.ekb.eg/article_258023_921866aaf6050b9bdafb7b3ca14cf41e.pdfNational Information and Documentation Center (NIDOC), Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT)Egyptian Journal of Botany0375-923763120230101Floristic Diversity of Jeddah: An Arid Desert, Western Region of Saudi Arabia576825898010.21608/ejbo.2022.126880.1933ENGhalia S. AljedaaniDepartment of Biology, Collage of Science, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi ArabiaAmal M. FakhryDepartment of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt0000-0001-6240-5917Journal Article20220312THIS STUDY was conducted in the arid deserts of Jeddah Governorate in the western region of Saudi Arabia. The main objective is to determine the floristic composition of the area, including an explanation of its different life forms and the chorology of the recorded species. A total of 107 taxa belonging to 77 genera in 31 families of the Angiospermae were recorded.Fabaceae and Poaceae account for approximately 31.8% of the recorded species in the study area. The data also reflect a high degree of monotypic, where 42% of the recorded families were represented by a single species, and 76.6% of the genera were monotypic. Perennial species dominated the plant cover with 62%, defining the character of the vegetation, while annuals were represented by about 38%. The most common lifeforms were therophytes and chamaephytes. Chronological analysis of the floristic data revealed that the biregionalSaharo-Arabian–Sudanianchorotypeis the most dominant in the Jeddah area (18.7%), followed by the two monoregionalSudanian and Saharo-Arabian chorotypes (12.1 and 11.2%, respectively). The results also showed the predominance of biregional taxa (38.32%) over the other phytogeographical elements followed by the monoregionaltaxa (28.97%). The IUCN Red List includes 17 of the species recorded in this study in the least concern category. The current study’s findings could be useful for the conservation and management of the study area.https://ejbo.journals.ekb.eg/article_258980_8813dcf50bbb80f26f436ec57d41a4f8.pdfNational Information and Documentation Center (NIDOC), Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT)Egyptian Journal of Botany0375-923763120230101Diversity of Bacteriocin-encoding Gene Families and The Activity Spectrum among Bacillus amyloliquefaciens Isolates698325898210.21608/ejbo.2022.132139.1958ENAhmed M. HanafyDepartment of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, EgyptRasha M. AlreedyAgricultural Genetic Engineering Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Giza, EgyptYasser ElbahloulBotany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, EgyptWael S. El-SayedDepartment of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, EgyptJournal Article20220407BACTERIOCINS are considered as ideal candidates for several health care applications due to their limited range of activity and rapid degradability by proteolytic enzymes. Eight bacteriocin-producing Bacillus amyloliquefaciens isolates were screened by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using four sets of primers designed specifically to detect bacteriocin-producing genes on their chromosomes. Gene encoding for Amylocyclicin was detected in four isolates. A phylogenetic data analysis of the four Amylocyclicin-predicted proteins placed them in a separate node with their closest relatives, B. amyloliquefaciens and Bacillus velezensis strain FZmhtB, which until recently, was a member of the B. amyloliquefaciens species. Surprisingly, Subtilosin producing gene was detected in two of the previously mentioned isolates indicating that they contain multiple bacteriocin encoding genes, an unusual phenomenon for Bacillus amyloliquefaciens isolates. The remaining four isolates lacked any known bacteriocin gene family and are anticipated to contain novel gene types. The most potent of these four isolates was chosen for further large-scale production and extraction of its bacteriocin. Antibacterial activity of the extracted bacteriocin was detected in the protein fraction under the membrane cut-off value of <10,000kDa against gram-negative and gram-positive indicator bacterial isolates, with a larger average inhibition zone diameter observed for the gram-positive isolate. Furthermore, SDS-PAGE analysis of the partially purified active bacteriocin fraction revealed a protein fragment with a relative molecular weight between 7 and 7.5kDa. The PCR assay in this study provided coverage for all known B. amyloliquefaciens bacteriocins allowing the quick and easy screening for the presence of bacteriocin-encoding genes.https://ejbo.journals.ekb.eg/article_258982_49abaa6e1f3369f0591d9cb4d2078af6.pdfNational Information and Documentation Center (NIDOC), Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT)Egyptian Journal of Botany0375-923763120230101Effect of Pollution and Seasonal Variability on The Water Quality in Different Sites of The River Nile, Aswan, Egypt8510026011010.21608/ejbo.2022.118777.1893ENF. Elzahraa MetwalyBotany Department, Faculty of Science, Aswan University, 81528, Aswan, EgyptAmal A.A. MohamedBotany Department, Faculty of Science, Aswan University, 81528, Aswan, Egypt0000-0002-2207-7135Mohamed G. ShededBotany Department, Faculty of Science, Aswan University, 81528, Aswan, EgyptSabah A. HammadBotany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, South Valley University, 83523, Qena, Egypt0000-0001-9837-7882Journal Article20220128SURFACE water quality and the seasonal dynamics of the Nile River in the Aswan district were analyzed using multivariate data analysis and overall pollution index (OPI) analysis. Water samples were collected from four sampling sites, including a reference site (site 1) and three sites receiving effluents from different pollution sources, e.g., domestic-like pollutants (site 2), industrial (site 3), and agricultural effluents (site 4). Different water quality parameters, such as physicochemical characteristics and nutrient minerals, were analyzed in the selected sites.<br />The average OPI values were calculated by classifying the surface water quality of each siteas follows:at site 1 (1.65: excellent), site 2 (2.70:acceptable), site 3 (11.75:polluted), and site 4 (5.08:slightly polluted). In each site, the OPI values varied seasonally within the range of water quality class, except, in autumn at site 4, the OPI value was 10.00, and hence the water quality class was changed to (polluted).<br />Generally, it was concluded that the industrial effluents had an adverse effect on the surface water quality of the Nile River, Aswan. Consequently, special concerns should be assumed to maintain environmental sustainability.https://ejbo.journals.ekb.eg/article_260110_0b292df95149a28e56e045be02f46a97.pdfNational Information and Documentation Center (NIDOC), Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT)Egyptian Journal of Botany0375-923763120230101Enhancement of Growth, Lipid, and Carbohydrate Production of the Egyptian isolate Dunaliella salina SA20 Using Mozzarella Cheese Whey as a Growth Supplement10111126296510.21608/ejbo.2022.145428.2020ENHend Y. MohammadDepartment of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, EgyptFatma El-Zahraa TawfeekDepartment of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, EgyptEladl EltanahyDepartment of Botany, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt0000-0003-0894-0438Tamer A. MansourDepartment of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, EgyptZeinab KhalilDepartment of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, EgyptJournal Article20220618THE growth of <em>Dunaliella salina</em> SA20 (Dunal) Teodoresco Egyptian isolate (from El-Bardawil Lake, Sinai, Egypt) in wastewater is a more cost-effective cultivation method. Wastewater, such as mozzarella cheese whey (MCW), is produced in massive quantities as a dairy industry byproduct, and growing D. salina in such waste could be used safely in biotechnological applications. Applying different organic MCW ratios to inorganic Loeblich nutrient medium (20, 50, 75% v/v MCW/Loeblich) as growth supplement allowed mixotrophic nutrition, while growth in completely inorganic medium (100% Loeblich medium) allowed for autotrophic nutrition. The optimum growth performance of D. salina cells was observed in 20% MCW and was indicated by measured values of chlorophyll a (10.51mg/L), dry weight (405mg/L), cell count (6.92 x 106cell/ml), and optical density (1.12). Using 20% MCW, different pH values were applied to explore the pH effect on nutrient availability, and pH 7.5 was found to be optimal for growth. Additionally, a growth curve experiment comparing the mix- and autotrophic conditions presented higher values of the relative mean and maximum growth rates in mixotrophic conditions (0.19, 0.21 day−1, respectively) than in the autotrophic conditions (0.16, 0.18 day−1, respectively).https://ejbo.journals.ekb.eg/article_262965_41705ff217e376bd3505de774b3fa7af.pdfNational Information and Documentation Center (NIDOC), Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT)Egyptian Journal of Botany0375-923763120230101Effect of Drought Tolerance Inducers on Growth, Productivity and some Chemical Properties of Cotton under Prolonging Irrigation Intervals11312726392510.21608/ejbo.2022.150010.2041ENAmira S.E. DrwishCotton Research Institute, Agricultural Research Centre, Giza, Egypt0000-0002-4559-5533Mohamed A. FerganiAgronomy Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11241, EgyptSaid A.F. HamodaCotton Research Institute, Agricultural Research Centre, Giza, EgyptMohamed E. El-temsahAgronomy Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11241, EgyptJournal Article20220711COTTON is known as the king of fibers and an important source of oil. The aim of this study was to evaluate the mitigating effects of three osmoprotectants, including glycine betaine (GB), proline, and chitosan each at two concentrations of 400 and 200 parts per million (ppm), 100 and 50 ppm, and 300 and 100 ppm, respectively, on water deficit stress after irrigation intervals of 10-, 15-, and 20-days, relative to the untreated (control) plants. Data indicated that prolonged irrigation interval significantly decreased growth, yield, yield components, fiber parameters, total chlorophyll, Chl. a, and Chl. b, while, proline and total soluble sugars significant increased. All drought tolerance inducers showed significant increases in cotton growth and productivity traits. Generally, GB treated plants at 400 ppm showed superior traits of all studied parameters. For example, the interaction between irrigation intervals and GB application caused significant effects on growth and productivity as well as fiber quality and chemical properties. The application of drought tolerance inducers mitigated the effects of prolonged irrigation intervals in cotton, and all drought tolerance inducers achieved higher yield and yield component values at 15 days irrigation interval compared with the control at 10 days irrigation interval. Application of 400 ppm GB could improve cotton plants endurance against the negative effect of prolonged water intervals.https://ejbo.journals.ekb.eg/article_263925_40814d1a8f4068e05749db2e8e026aad.pdfNational Information and Documentation Center (NIDOC), Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT)Egyptian Journal of Botany0375-923763120230101A New Reliable and Sensitive PCR Assay as an Early Diagnosis of Sex-Determination in Jojoba Plants Based on the Human SRY Gene12913926468710.21608/ejbo.2022.147831.2027ENMohei EL-Din SollimanPlant Biotechnology Department, College of Agricultural and Food Sciences, King Faisal University, P.O. Box 400, Al-Ahsa 31982, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Plant Biotechnology Department, National Research Centre, Dokki-Egypt, Cairo; P.O. Box. 12622; EgyptMohammed Ba AbdullahBiological sciences Dept., College of Sciences, King Faisal University, P.O. Box 400, Al-Ahsa 31982, Kingdom of Saudi ArabiaHany S. ElbarbaryCollege of Medicine, King Faisal University, P.O. Box 400, Al-Ahsa 31982, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Internal Medicine Departments, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufiya University, EgyptHeba Allah A. MohassebPlant Biotechnology Department, College of Agricultural and Food Sciences, King Faisal University, P.O. Box 400, Al-Ahsa 31982, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Plant Biotechnology Department, National Research Centre, Dokki-Egypt, Cairo; P.O. Box. 12622; EgyptJournal Article20220628JOJOBA (Simmondsia chinensis L.) is a dioecious perennial evergreen shrub that is native to the south-western deserts of North America, and has now been introduced to the Middle East. Currently, the global production of jojoba is low; this is mainly due to the high male-to-female ratio in plantations, since the plants are mainly established from seed. Hence, a proper male:female population ratio is almost impossible to maintain in the field, leading to reduced production. We report a breakthrough in the methodology for determining the sex of jojoba plants. Our research revealed that the jojoba genome contains a sequence of the SRY gene, which encodes a protein that is similar to that found in the human sex-determining region (SRY) gene. This region was amplified and matched with sequences that are found in papaya and humans. The jojoba-SRY (SRY gene) was amplified, and we closely matched its sequences with those in the papaya and human. The complete sequence of the DNA was deposited into the GenBank (MK991776, 360pb) database. Our newly developed method is rapid and straightforward, representing a breakthrough for sex determination strategies of jojoba plants at early developmental stages. The uniqueness of this approach is that it targets specific sequences in the SRY, a region that has been extensively studied in human genetics but is also apparently recognizable in plants. This useful molecular diagnostic tool is vital to agronomical breeding programs for sex determination in long-lived jojoba crops.https://ejbo.journals.ekb.eg/article_264687_ae5d72ded399abdc425e6b295aa61cf6.pdfNational Information and Documentation Center (NIDOC), Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT)Egyptian Journal of Botany0375-923763120230101The Physiological Response of Some Cotton Cultivars to Water Stress and Growth Inducers14115726469310.21608/ejbo.2022.150436.2045ENAlshaimaa A. IbrahimPhysiology Department, Cotton Research Institute, Agriculture Research Center, Giza, Egypt0000-0003-2349-3015E. A. El-WarakyPhysiology Department, Cotton Research Institute, Agriculture Research Center, Giza, EgyptSanaa G. GebalyPhysiology Department, Cotton Research Institute, Agriculture Research Center, Giza, EgyptJournal Article20220716WATER deficiency is the most common abiotic stress in cotton production in Egypt. Although, cotton plants react strongly to soil moisture, water-deficit conditions during squaring and flowering stages diminish plant growth and productivity. The experiment was conducted to evaluate the physiological response of three Egyptian cotton cultivars (Giza 94, 96 and 97), under irrigation intervals (normal and severe water-deficit conditions) and with spraying with growth inducers [calcium(Ca)-boron(B) and mixed amino acids] and their interactions on the leaves chemical constituents and yield components during the 2020 and 2021 seasons. The experiment design was a split-split plot with three replicates. The main plots included three cotton cultivars, the subplots included two irrigation intervals and the sub-subplots included spraying with growth inducers at squaring and flowering stages (400ppm). The results revealed that the performance of the three cotton cultivars was significantly different in chemical constituents and yield components via their different genetic potentials, with the best results registered by Giza 97 compared to Giza 94 and 96. Water-deficit conditions significantly reduced leaves pigment content and all yield components, but significantly improved all osmolyte compounds (total soluble sugars, total phenol, total free amino acids, free proline and total antioxidant capacity) compared to normal conditions. Spraying with growth inducers significantly enhanced the chemical constituents and yield components compared to untreated plants in relation to their positive effects in improving photosynthesis, sugar biosynthesis and all cotton cultivar yields. Giza 97 sprayed with Ca-B under normal conditions recorded the best results compared to other treatments.https://ejbo.journals.ekb.eg/article_264693_dac9c39df83520929e9d44f9d146ad4c.pdfNational Information and Documentation Center (NIDOC), Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT)Egyptian Journal of Botany0375-923763120230101Effect of Priming with Natural Plant Extract on the Growth, Hormonal Status, and Yield Value of Triticum asetivum (L.) Grown under Lead and Nickel Stress15917426783010.21608/ejbo.2022.129151.1943ENAfaf A. NessemBotany Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, EgyptAwatif A. MohsenBotany Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, EgyptAmira AtlamBotany Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, EgyptGehad A. RagabBotany Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, EgyptJournal Article20220323HEAVY metal pollution is widespread worldwide, threatening global food security. An experiment was conducted on wheat (Triticum asetivum L.) to evaluate the hazard impacts of lead (Pb) and nickel (Ni) stresses and the mitigating role of Sonchus oleraceus (S) extract as a grain priming application. It was revealed that the growth traits of wheat plants (e.g., including lengths, fresh and dry masses of root and shoot, leaf area, and yield attributes) were significantly reduced by 100mM Pb or Ni. Chlorophylls, total pigments, and photosynthetic activity (Fv/Fm) declined, although carotenoids increased significantly. Ni stress had the highest reduction compared to the control. Moreover, the endogenous status of phytohormones and the chemical composition of the yielded grains were modified by Pb and Ni in a different pattern, indicating that wheat had varying tolerance responses to different heavy metals. The beneficial components of S that support its promising alleviating role were exhibited in an analysis of extracts. Most wheat metabolic activities were restored by the S priming, with additional significant enhancements in growth criteria, photosynthetic parameters, and crop yield productivity. The accumulation of heavy metals in the produced grains was limited by priming with S extract, with an additional enhancement in their nutritional value. The phytohormonal balance was retrieved after grain priming with the S extract. Therefore, using natural S extract as a simple priming application could be a sustainable and safe method to alleviate the adverse effects of Pb and Ni stress on wheat productivity.https://ejbo.journals.ekb.eg/article_267830_825bf7fdc8cd7cba7d4500154b4140ca.pdfNational Information and Documentation Center (NIDOC), Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT)Egyptian Journal of Botany0375-923763120230101Evaluation of the Role of Cobalt Nutrition in the Oxidative Machinery of Drought-Stressed Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Plants at the Reproductive Stage17519126813910.21608/ejbo.2022.149777.2037ENShaimaa M.N. TourkyBotany Department, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, PO Box 35516, Mansoura, Egypt0000-0003-1510-7540Samy A. Abo-HamedBotany Department, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, PO Box 35516, Mansoura, Egypt0000-0003-0213-1330Heba A. SalehBotany Department, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, PO Box 35516, Mansoura, EgyptWafaa M. ShukryBotany Department, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, PO Box 35516, Mansoura, Egypt0000-0003-0813-847xJournal Article20220707THIS STUDY evaluated the impact of cobalt (Co) nutrition at the optimum concentration on growth and oxidative stress in two Egyptian rice varieties (Sakha 104 and Giza 178) under drought stress. The stress was applied at different irrigation intervals (six and eight days), and irrigation after four days was set as control through the reproductive stage. The roots and shoots parameters (lengths, and fresh and dry weights), oxidative stress biomarkers; membrane injury, lipid peroxidation, proline accumulation, protein content, total phenols, and flavonoids contents, along with the activities of catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POX), and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) enzymes, were used to evaluate the strength of reactive oxygen species (ROS) detoxification in both rice varieties. Water deficit and oxidative stress affected Giza 178 less than Sakha 104. Stressed rice plants of both varieties treated with Co at the optimum concentration reduced the hurtful impact of drought, particularly in Giza 178, by enhancing root and shoot growth and biomass and the efficiency of the oxidative defense system. This was obvious in a substantial decrease in membrane injury and lipid peroxidation, while a significant increase was apparent in proline and protein content, total phenols, and total flavonoids. Additionally, the dynamic activities of antioxidant enzymes were substantially higher in Giza 178 than Sakha 104, when compared to untreated plants. The findings could be helpful in research projects aimed at developing anti-drought stress techniques for rice plants.https://ejbo.journals.ekb.eg/article_268139_fd55e9f46713fd69cbff8638117dbf43.pdfNational Information and Documentation Center (NIDOC), Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT)Egyptian Journal of Botany0375-923763120230101GIS Mapping of Main Pharmaceutical Plants in Al-Baha Region19320826912110.21608/ejbo.2022.164792.2148ENAbdullah AlaklabiDepartment of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Bisha, P.O. Box 551, Bisha, 61922, Saudi ArabiaAbdul Wali Al-KhulaidiDepartment of Biology, College of Science and Arts, Albaha University (BU), Saudi Arabia Agricultural Research and Extension Authority (AREA), YemenNageeb A. Al-SagheerDepartment of Biology, College of Science and Arts, Albaha University (BU), Saudi Arabia Agricultural Research and Extension Authority (AREA), YemenJournal Article20221002FOR THIS STUDY, we used geographic information systems (GIS) and ground surveys to map the important pharmaceutical plants in Albaha region of Saudi Arabia. We used GIS functions to generate distribution, richness, and density maps for 39 plants from 23 families and 25 genera. Three of these species are endemic to Saudi Arabia; two are found in both Saudi Arabia and Yemen, and five are found only in East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Five species belong to the family Xanthorrhoeaceae; four belong to each of the two families Euphorbiaceae and Burseraceae, and three belong to each of the families Amaranthaceae and Papaveraceae. For each species of a pharmaceutical plant, we calculated density per hectare and determined a frequency percentage. Our study area was in southwestern Saudi Arabia, between latitudes 16 and 21, and longitudes 40 and 41. This is the first study that uses GIS to show the distribution of pharmaceutical plants in this region and can be considered a basic resource for the mapping and domestication of all pharmaceutical plants in Saudi Arabia. This may contribute to cultivate the Pharmaceutical Plants on a commercial scale, with consequent economic benefits at both individual and national levels.https://ejbo.journals.ekb.eg/article_269121_8229677381f7b41fce51663c49492602.pdfNational Information and Documentation Center (NIDOC), Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT)Egyptian Journal of Botany0375-923763120230101Effects of Untreated Wastewater Irrigation on Peanut (Arachis hypogea) Productivity and Human Health20923126912610.21608/ejbo.2022.124879.1931ENAsmaa A. AhmedBotany Department, Faculty of Women for Arts, Science and Education, Ain Shams University, Cairo, EgyptMona N. Abd El-WahedBotany Department, Faculty of Women for Arts, Science and Education, Ain Shams University, Cairo, EgyptSeliem M. MadboulyNational Institute of Oceanography and fisher (NIOF), EgyptZinab AhmedAbdelgawadBotany Department, Women’s College, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt0000-0002-1721-6460Journal Article20220523Wastewater irrigation is used by farmers when water becomes scarce. This work aims to study the effects of wastewater irrigation on the agrarian economy and human health. Irrigation water and soil samples were collected from the Shibin drain and the Al Sharqawia canal. The physicochemical features of the drainage water, canal water, polluted soil, and unpolluted soils were analyzed. The vegetative and productivity traits of peanut plants were evaluated including to their mineral nutrient content, primary metabolic products, and heavy metal content. Irrigation with wastewater resulted in lower pod, seed, and biomass productivity, with reductions of 50%, 52.5%, and 42.9% respectively. Chlorophyll <em>a</em> and chlorophyll <em>b</em> levels were also decreased but carotenoid levels were increased. Wastewater irrigation resulted in a decrease in carbohydrate content, crude protein, lipid, content crude energy, and growth energy, Heavy metal concentrations increased, specifically those of Fe, Mn, Zn, Co, Cu, Pb, and Cd. Peanut plants were found to accumulate heavy metals and store Zn, Mn, Cu, Pb, and Cd in their seeds, proving hazardous to human health. Irrigation with wastewater negatively impacts the general economy and human well-being; therefore, this study recommends the enactment of legislation that prohibits irrigation with untreated drainage and prevents the disposal of domestic, industrial, and agricultural wastewater into irrigation canals.https://ejbo.journals.ekb.eg/article_269126_c447b9a07fe51f9eea2909e0fa58a4c3.pdfNational Information and Documentation Center (NIDOC), Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT)Egyptian Journal of Botany0375-923763120230101Bioactive Secondary Metabolites from Aspergillus fumigatus ON428521 Isolated from Wadi El Rayan, El Fayum Governorate23325026955710.21608/ejbo.2022.152366.2058ENFatma Y. MokhtarBotany and Microbiology Department. Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Cairo, EgyptAmany Abo-El NasrBotany and Microbiology Department. Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Cairo, EgyptMahmoud M. ElaasserRegional Center for Mycology and Biotechnology, Al Azhar University, Cairo, EgyptYasmin M. ElsabaBotany and Microbiology Department. Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Cairo, EgyptJournal Article20220725Fungi were isolated from Wadi El Rayan soils, and their secondary metabolites, extracted by petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, and chloroform, were tested for antimicrobial activities. Among the isolates, fungus-F1 extracts exhibited remarkable inhibitory activity against the tested microorganisms; therefore, it was subjected to morphological and molecular identification, and the fungus identified as Aspergillus fumigatus ON428521. With an inhibition zone ranging from 7mm to 21.4mm, ethyl acetate extract exerted the greatest activity. However, the petroleum ether extract only reached 16.5mm, and the chloroform extract demonstrated a lower activity level. Interestingly, activity was higher against tested Gram negative than those of Gram positive bacteria. Furthermore, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus mutans, and Cryptococcus neoformans were treated with ethyl acetate extract to explore possible effects on ultrastructure using transmission electron microscopy. The cell walls of treated cells lost their uniformity, ruptured, and became thicker. Moreover, the antitumor activities were evaluated against hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) and prostate carcinoma (PC-3) cell lines using the MTT assay, which revealed a high inhibitory activity with petroleum ether extract (IC50= 61.02 ± 1.64 and 90.31± 2.37μg/mL, respectively). Lower inhibition was detected with ethyl acetate extract (IC50 of 84.42±3.36 and 121.98 ±3.46μg/mL against HepG2 and PC-3, respectively). In addition, antioxidant activity was evaluated using the DPPH radical scavenging assay, and ethyl acetate extract demonstrated moderate activity with IC50 = 278.24 ± 8.52μg/mL, followed by petroleum ether (581.07 ± 41.95μg/mL). The phytochemical analysis showed that the ethyl acetate extract is rich in phenolics, followed by flavonoids and alkaloids while lipids are the major component of the petroleum ether extract. GC-MS analysis of petroleum ether extract gives dodecanamine, N, N-dimethyl-, lupeol acetate, amyrin, kojic acid, and oleanenol-acetate as the major components. In conclusion, ethyl acetate and petroleum ether extracts of A. fumigatus F1 exhibited moderate antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antitumor properties.https://ejbo.journals.ekb.eg/article_269557_b6863bdff6eb77989f133aad7476c027.pdfNational Information and Documentation Center (NIDOC), Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT)Egyptian Journal of Botany0375-923763120230101Exploring the Effectiveness of Lepidium sativum for Inhibiting Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Lines: In vitro Analysis, Molecular Docking, and Pathway Enrichment Analysis25126426972210.21608/ejbo.2022.118677.1891ENShaimaa NazirChemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Cairo, EgyptNour Abdel-GhaniChemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Cairo, EgyptMohamed A.M. AtiaMolecular Genetic and Genome Mapping Laboratory, Genome Mapping Department, Agriculture Genetic Engineering Research Institute (AGERI), Agriculture Research Centre (ARC), Giza, 12619, EgyptAhmed A. El-SherifChemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Cairo, EgyptJournal Article20220205THE GROWING increase in the burden of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) across the world emphasizes the need for new modes of therapy. Therefore, Lepidium sativum has recently garnered increased attention for various medicinal uses. This study aimed to identify the chemical constituencies of garden cress seeds (methylene chloride and ethyl acetate extracts) and their impact on two HCC cell lines by measuring some apoptotic genes’ expression. In addition, evaluation of their antimicrobial and antifungal activities. Regarding L. sativum’s chemical composition, GC–MS analysis of the Methylene chloride extract led to identifying twenty-eight compounds, including hydrocarbons, terpenoids, and other volatile compounds. At the same time, the ethyl acetate extract identifies twelve compounds, including 3,4-dihydro-2H-1,5-(3”-T-butyl) benzodioxepine, cetane, linolenic acid, and oleic acid. However, both extracts revealed a weak antibacterial effect and no antifungal activity. The gene expression results revealed that all genes (TGFβ, SMAD3, BAX, and P53) showed upregulation trends in the HuH-7 and HEPG2 cells compared to the untreated control cells in both extracts of Lepidium sativum. Among Methylene chloride compounds, Molecular docking computations revealed higher binding affinities of compound 17 (Eugenol) against active EGFR (docking scores of −30.46 kcal/mol). Furthermore, the Pathway Enrichment Analysis results demonstrated that Neutrophil degranulation and Interleukin-4/Interleukin-13 signaling pathways were found to be the most significant pathways targeted by Eugenol, which may explain its potential as a therapeutic agent for cancer therapy.https://ejbo.journals.ekb.eg/article_269722_651ad070714528a9dceca6c36903c47b.pdfNational Information and Documentation Center (NIDOC), Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT)Egyptian Journal of Botany0375-923763120230101Phytotoxicity and Genotoxicity Evaluations of Chromium Hexavalent (CrVI) on Allium cepa and Nigella sativa Root Cells26528027062510.21608/ejbo.2022.164124.2144ENMahmoud EzzatBotany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt0000-0002-4933-9975Abbas ElghameryBotany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, EgyptHany A.M. MahgoubBotany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt0000-0003-3461-0125Abdelghany S. ShabanBotany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt0000-0001-9500-0115Journal Article20221002One of the leading global causes of environmental contamination, heavy metals hurt agriculture and human health through the food chain. Through the use of mitotic index (MI), chromosomal aberrations (CAs), and DNA damage, the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of Cr (VI) on the root tips of Allium cepa and Nigella sativa were assessed. Six Cr(VI) concentrations of 50,100,400,700,1000,and 2000 ppm were administered for 6,12,18,and 24 hours. The germination percentages of A. cepa and N. sativa seeds decreased at 400 ppm for both plants, with no germination detected in N. sativa L after 700 ppm application. The percentage of mitotic index in the treated group was significantly lower than that of the control cells after exposure to varying concentrations of Cr (VI) for varying amounts of time. It was determined that these decreases were statistically significant. The reduction of MI in N. sativa root tips was more pronounced than that of A. cepa. The largest abnormal percentages were identified in N. sativa after 24 hours of exposure to 100 ppm, while A. cepa showed abnormal percentages after 24 hours of exposure to 400 ppm. In all mitotic phases, distinct anomalies in the division of root tip cells were found in both plant species. A few examples of these deviations are stickiness, c-mitosis, anaphase-telophase bridges, disturbed laggards, and micronucleus. The comet test, which looks for single-strand breaks in DNA, was used to figure out how dangerous Cr (VI) is to the DNA in A. cepa root cells.https://ejbo.journals.ekb.eg/article_270625_8f4120435ec2e7fc4f7ad0cbf762fbb4.pdfNational Information and Documentation Center (NIDOC), Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT)Egyptian Journal of Botany0375-923763120230101Chlorine Inactivation of PhiX174 Bacteriophage in Treated Sewage and Drinking Water Samples28129327269710.21608/ejbo.2022.148636.2030ENMohammed K. RashedEnvironmental Virology Lab, Water Pollution Research Department, Environmental and Climate Change Research Institute and Food-borne Viruses Group, Center of Excellence for Advanced Sciences, National Research Centre (NRC), PO 12622, Giza, EgyptWaleed M. El-SenousyEnvironmental Virology Lab, Water Pollution Research Department, Environmental and Climate Change Research Institute and Food-borne Viruses Group, Center of Excellence for Advanced Sciences, National Research Centre (NRC), PO 12622, Giza, Egypt0000-0003-0649-0728ElSayed T.A. SayedBotany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, EgyptMaha AlkhazindarBotany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt0000-0002-3244-9377Journal Article20220702Chlorine is the most frequently used disinfectant in water and wastewater treatment plants all over the world wide. This study investigated the effect of chlorine on phiX174 bacteriophages in treated sewage and drinking water samples which were inoculated separately with phiX174 either with or without autoclaving process. Then the samples were treated with different doses of chlorine solution for 15 and 30 min. Our results showed that the phiX174 bacteriophage was more efficiently reduced in the autoclaved samples than in the non-autoclaved samples. In the non-autoclaved treated sewage samples, treatment with 7 mg/l a of chlorine for 30 min was sufficient to remove 0.3 ± 0.07 log<sub>10,</sub> while treatment with 12 mg/l of chlorine for 15 min efficiently remove 0.27 ± 0.05 log<sub>10</sub> of the initial phiX174 doses. Furthermore, we observed higher viral reduction in the autoclaved treated sewage samples after treatment with 11 mg/l of chlorine for 15 min which removed 1 ± 0.1 log<sub>10</sub> of the phiX174 initial dose. However, when non-autoclaved and autoclaved drinking water samples were treated with 3 mg/l chlorine for 15 min, it efficiently removed 1.2 ± 0.07 log<sub>10 </sub>and1.4 ± 0.17 log<sub>10</sub> of phiX174, respectively. This reduction increased to 1.4 ± 0.08 log<sub>10 </sub>and 2.3 ± 0.21 log<sub>10,</sub> respectively, from the initial phiX174 dose when the contact time was increased to 30 min. However, phiX174 bacteriophage virus showed high resistance to different doses of chlorine in drinking water and treated sewage water samples.https://ejbo.journals.ekb.eg/article_272697_82dc04694ed5411432727f55b4dfbba7.pdfNational Information and Documentation Center (NIDOC), Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT)Egyptian Journal of Botany0375-923763120230101Prevalence of Drug-Resistant Strains of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolated from Women with Urinary Tract Infections in Karbala City, Iraq29530327270110.21608/ejbo.2022.155164.2089ENZahraa A. Al-KhfajiDepartment of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Al-Zahraa University for Women, Karbala, Iraq0000-0002-0849-0345Sahbaa H. SagbanDepartment of Physiotherapy Techniques, College of Health & Medical Technical, Al-Zahraa University for Women, Karbala, Ira0000-0003-2629-5436Ali F. Al-MusawiDepartment of Clinical Pharmacy and Laboratory Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Al-Kafeel University, Najaf, Iraq0000-0001-7842-8742Journal Article20220810Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are becoming more common among women worldwide and it usually caused by bacteria that are highly resistant to antibiotics. This study identifies the prevalence of multi-drug resistant and extensively drug resistant of <em>Klebsiella pneumoniae</em> and <em>Escherichia coli</em> that have been isolated from women with UTIs. It also identifies an effective antibiotic to use in the treatment of UTI infections. Bacterial strains were identified and recognized by standard laboratory protocols and tested to antibiotic susceptibility test for 11 antibiotics using standard disk diffusion technique. 63(42%) <em>E. coli</em>, and 30(20%) <em>K. pneumoniae</em> clinical strains were isolated from 150 women with "UTIs" over a period of seven months. The antibiotic sensitivity assays showed that all strains exhibited high resistance rate against Beta-lactam (Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid), and cephalosporin's antibiotics in all strains which were 95.2% for Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid , and from 71.4 to 90.5% to cephalosporin's antibiotics for <em>E. coli</em>, but 100%, and 90 to 100% relatively for <em>K. pneumoniae</em>. However, the antimicrobial agent imipenem was found to retain their antimicrobial properties against both bacteria, which were 100 and 90% respectively. Also nitrofurantoin exhibited activity only against <em>E. coli</em> strains. Out of 93 uropathogens 45(71.42%), and 27(90%) of <em>E. coli</em> and <em>K. pneumoniae</em> strains were found to be MDR respectively. Our study demonstrates that a significant frequency of multidrug-resistant <em>K. pneumoniae</em> and, <em>E. coli</em> . In addition, Imipenem was appropriate drug to treat infections caused by these uropathogens. These findings may aid physicians in the management of UTI infections.https://ejbo.journals.ekb.eg/article_272701_421b2d20449ddeae46ef35f43536e1db.pdfNational Information and Documentation Center (NIDOC), Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT)Egyptian Journal of Botany0375-923763120230101Silver Nanoparticles Display Inhibitory Effect against Drug-Resistant Pathogenic Candida Isolates from Different Clinical Specimens30531427280510.21608/ejbo.2022.155982.2101ENRasha M. ElnagarDepartment of Medical Microbiology and
Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt0000-0002-5661-850XMohammed ElshaerDepartment of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, EgyptMona A. Abd El-RaoufDepartment of Medical Microbiology and
Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, EgyptJournal Article20220813The resistance of <em>Candida</em> to antifungal agents is an emerging global health problem, especially with the emergence of new species. Therefore, the focus has shifted to alternative agents like silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), received significant attention. The aim of this study was to evaluate the <em>in vitro</em> antifungal susceptibility of AgNPs against resistant<em> Candida</em> isolates from various clinical specimens. The antifungal effect of AgNPs was assessed by the broth microdilution method using different concentrations (0.062-1 µg/mL). The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC<sub>50</sub>) and Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) of AgNPs were determined. As a result, of 109 recovered <em>Candida</em> isolates, 65.1%, and 34.9% were<em> C. albicans</em> andnon<em>-albicans Candida</em> (NAC), respectively. Moreover, 35.8% of the<em> Candida</em> isolates were non-susceptible to conventional antifungal drugs. The MIC<sub>50</sub> of AgNPs against resistant isolates was lower (0.125-1 µg/mL) than that of fluconazole (1-64 µg/mL), itraconazole (0.016-4 µg/mL), voriconazole (0.016-4 µg/mL), and amphotericin B (0.016-1 µg/mL). The scanning electron micrograph revealed that AgNPs treatment alteredthe cell morphology of <em>Candida</em>. In conclusion, AgNPs exhibited a notable fungicidal effect against resistant <em>Candida</em> isolates and may be an adequate substitute for antifungal agents.https://ejbo.journals.ekb.eg/article_272805_0d6e019fbb92a09e8c80b3494047f469.pdfNational Information and Documentation Center (NIDOC), Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT)Egyptian Journal of Botany0375-923763120230101Taxonomic and Ecological Aspects of Thermophilic Cyanobacteria from Some Geothermal Springs of Jharkhand and Bihar, India31533127269410.21608/ejbo.2022.145568.2021ENPritha BasuCryptogamic Unit, Central National Herbarium, Botanical Survey of India, Howrah-711103, West Bengal, IndiaGour G. SatpatiDepartment of Botany, Bangabasi Evening College, 19, Rajkumar Chakraborty Sarani, Kolkata-700009, West Bengal, India0000-0001-6798-6300Sevilay OzturkDepartment of Biology, Faculty of Science and Letters, Manisa Celal Bayar University, Manisa, TurkeyRajendra K. GuptaCryptogamic Unit, Central National Herbarium, Botanical Survey of India, Howrah-711103, West Bengal, IndiaJournal Article20220618In the present research, we have highlighted the taxonomic and ecological aspects of cyanobacteria, identified from some less-explored geothermal springs of Jharkhand and Bihar in India, with respect to water temperature variations and other physicochemical parameters, which is still an understudied topic. In total, twenty six different cyanoprokaryotes were identified. Based on our observations, the Chatra hot spring of Jharkhand area was found to be rich in cyanobacterial diversity where eight different taxa were reported. Among the recorded taxa, <em>Geitlerinema amphibium</em>, <em>Komvophoron </em>cf. <em>schmidlei</em>, <em>K. jovis</em> and <em>Leptolyngbya granulifera</em> are rare cyanobacterial species with a limited geographical distribution inhabiting the Indian springs based on the previous studies and available literature on the hot springs of India. The correlation of the cyanobacterial species identified and water parameters was studied by redundancy analysis (RDA) under CANOCO 5.0. Moreover, sampling stations were added in the RDA analysis. As a result of the RDA, the total variation was 23,83333, and it is seen that the first two axes explain 47.39% of the total variance. RDA analysis results showed that values of pH, sulfate, and sodium ions were the most effective water factors affecting the distribution of the cyanobacterial taxa identified. Though the water temperature is an important factor controlling the distribution of cyanobacterial taxa inhabiting the thermal water habitats, it was not among the most important abiotic drivers according to the RDA analysis in this work.https://ejbo.journals.ekb.eg/article_272694_b78405d4c560f1255066ad1209e2d063.pdf